Live Blogging As The Cougars Invade Tempe: WSU @ ASU, 3:30 PM MST
by C.W.
on Nov 15, 2008 4:16 PM MST
in ASU Football
Washington St. Cougars @ Arizona St. Sun Devils
This afternoon on a warm, sunny day in Tempe, Washington State takes the field against the Sun Devils in a battle of conference bottom-feeders. At 1-9, Wazzu is awful. At 3-6, ASU is not much better. I expect ASU to take care of business, but still.
Keep your eyes peeled on this game thread, because I will be in the press box reporting live on the game, with insights and analysis you won't find anywhere else.
1:46 PM: I am in the press box, and just watched Jacquizz (edit: James) Rodgers explode for a touchdown against Cal to tie it at 7 in the first quarter. Down on Frank Kush Field, some kids are attempting field goals at the north end, and two undisclosed players are tossing a ball on the south end. No fans in the stadium yet, and most purple ProEm shirts are seated and waiting for the action to begin.
2:00 PM: Drinking a Coke Zero and getting a little antsy. I have to wait another hour and a half for this game?
2:16 PM: The press box is an interesting place, filled with media and scouts from the NFL. No specific teams will be divulged, but it is good to know that there are players on ASU (or, I suppose, WSU) that the professional teams think are worth looking at.
2:25 PM: The truly dedicated student fans are in the stands, with the front rows of sections 31, 32, and 33 covered in gold. Right now, I'd say there are 80-100 students in the section, sitting in the warm sun and getting more sober by the minute. Get back out into the tailgate! The field is being used by some WSU players to stretch.
2:40 PM: There is no TV broadcast of this game, and for good reason. Sun Devil Trivia: Frank Kush began his head coaching career at Arizona State in 1958.
2:48 PM: Thomas Weber is practicing his field goal attempts. He was true on all his tries from 47 yards, and now he is practicing 52 yard field goals. Weber is still in a cast from his broken arm. His first attempt was wide right. His second was a perfect kick that hit the "a" in Allstate.
2:57 PM: The wide receivers and running backs are running drills. They started with quick slant routes, trying to catch hard-thrown balls. Now they are working on over the shoulder catches. McGaha dropped a slant pass and looked furious with himself; Nance dropped one as well and didn't seem quite as upset. But that is just visual emotion, who knows how he truly feels.
3:00 PM: The stadium is still nearly empty, with only small pockets of fans currently seated. The student section is naturally the most full at this point, and I imagine that fans will filter in as the game nears closer. It is far too nice out in Lot 59 to come this WSU/ASU 35 minutes early.
3:07 PM: On my right is a TV broadcasting Minnesota @ Wisconsin, and my thoughts are with the hurt Badger on the field. Apparently, they are bringing out an ambulance and taking him to the nearest hospital. Hopefully he isn't permanently damaged. You can read the live blogging from Camp Randall at The Daily Gopher.
3:25 PM: 11 minutes to kickoff. Running with the Devils begins playing over the loudspeakers, and the tunnel is made for the team to run out of. Let the excitement build!.... The stadium is woefully underfilled, but there is a solid stream of maroon and gold coming through the turnstiles.
3:32 PM: The fireworks have fillled the air with smoke, but it is quickly dissipating. The weather conditions: clear, sunny skies, 81 degrees, humidity level 9%, Winds SE at 7 mph. In honor of homecoming, the Sun Devils are wearing old-school helmets! Recreation of the old design, worn from 1976-1979. A maroon sun with a gold ASU letting in the middle.
3:35 PM: The Sun Devils are going to receive the kickoff, driving towards the north endzone. Kyle Williams is back in the lineup for ASU today, ready to return the kick. Washington State tried some trickery immediately, trying an onside kick in a regular kickoff formation. #37 Mike Callaghan caught it and the Sun Devils start with a overthrown pass to an open Chris McGaha.
3:40 PM: The Sun Devils had an opportunity to inflict some early damage on the Cougars, and on 3rd and 8 Carpenter completed a pass to Kerry Taylor for the first down. Now at the Cougar 47, the Devils are well on their way to a score. DeWitty is currently the feature back.
3:41 PM: Rudy was sacked on consecutive plays by the Cougars. With their new 3-4 formation, I am surprised that they are able to get so much pressure on Carpenter up to this point. Weber's punt flies out the back of the end zone, and Lopina starts the drive for the Cougars at the 20. Their first play is a run by Tardy for 4 yards.
3:45 PM: The Devils blitzed 5, and Lopina was able to get it out just in time for a 30 yard passing gain. Now at the Sun Devil 44, their drive continues. Lopina just got tackled by Wooten. for a loss, and now it is 3rd and 15. They complete a 11 yard pass, but it is not enough to get a first down, or into field goal range. But with a 1-9 record, what can you do? The Cougs are going for it on 4th and 4. Lopina rolls out right and completes a pass to #85, Jeshua Anderson. First down at the 28 for the Cougs.
3:48 PM: The Cougars aren't doing anything fancy, but basic out routes are working against the Sun Devils. They are attempting to emulate USC's offensive plan against ASU, but without the team speed the Cougars are finding themselves tackled behind the line fairly frequently. On 4th down, the Cougars unsuccessfully attempt a 41-yard field goal, and the first bullet of the afternoon is avoided by ASU.
3:52 PM: Keegan Herring has checked into the game for the Sun Devils, and on his first attempt loses 3 yards. 2nd and 23, Rudy finds Pettes open and he gains a handful of yards. 3rd down and very long.
3:53 PM: More of the same mediocrity from ASU, unable to move the ball at all. Weber once again punts, but this time it is a beauty: rolls all the way to the Cougar 13.
3:57 PM: Lopina nearly throws a pick, but Nolan is unable to reel it in. That was a golden opportunity for a team with no momentum. 2nd down, RB Staden loses 3 yards, and now it is 3rd and 13. ASU shows blitz from its LOLB and MLB, but drops back into zone coverage. WSU is unable to gain any yardage on the inside slant pass, but ASU was offsides, and now it is 3rd and 8. WSU in shotgun with 2 RBs. ASU sends 5 and Lopina is sacked by Dexter Davis! Loss of 6. Punt!
4:02 PM: McGaha shakes a defender and gains a bunch of yards, down to the 32. On the next play, Herring gains 4 on the ground, and it is 2nd and 6. McGaha is the target once again, and he picks up a Sun Devil first down with a 14 yard gain. The offense looks like it is finally clicking. Here ends the first quarter. Boy, this game is moving quickly so far.
Start of 2nd Quarter
4:05 PM: The offensive cannot take advantage of field position inside the 5 yard line, and Weber is now attempting an extra-point distance field goal. It's good!
3-0 ASU
4:08 PM: There is a flag down on the return. Holding on WSU, and they now start their drive at the 14 yard line. As if they needed a longer road to the end zone. Lopina passes to Brandon Gibson for no gain. Another passing play, this time to Anderson, but they only pick up 3 yards, and it is 3rd and 7 from the 16.5 yard line. Out of the shotgun, Lopina finds Tardy, but he is one yard short of the first. WSU will punt again.
4:14 PM: Carpenter is "sacked" as he ran out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage. On 2nd and 13, he passes to Kimbrough for a 11 yard gain. 3rd and 2.
4:15 PM: Carpenter's pass incomplete to Jones. It looked like pass interference to me, as the Cougar was riding him all the way across the field. Punt time.
4:17 PM: At this point, I am going to move the commentary to the "comments" section; it will be easy for you to join the conversation with me there.
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WSU gains 18 , and now has a first down at their own 36. Lopina in the shotgun… audibles and throws an incomplete pass to #29, Norrell.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:18 PM MST 0 recs
A costly defensive mistake is forgiven after a wide-open receiver drops a pass. 2 Sun Devil linebackers got mixed up on a cross route, and they both covered the same man, leaving the other receiver open in the flat. Lopina’s 3rd down pass to Staden was thrown behind him, and the Cougs will punt.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:19 PM MST 0 recs
With 8:45 left in the 2nd quarter, a Cougar is down on the field. 2nd and 6 for the Devils after a 4 yard gain by Herring. Back to the action, DeWitty breaks it for a first down, up to the ASU 41.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:22 PM MST 0 recs
The Devils are moving the ball down the field with a first down by Michael Jones, and now it is 3rd and 4 on the Cougar 43.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:24 PM MST 0 recs
Carpenter in shotgun: 3 wideouts and a RB. He has all day, and McGaha is interfered with. First down Devils!
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:25 PM MST 0 recs
I’ve never seen less yardage awarded on a pass interference. Spot of the foul was the 39, and that is where the Devils get the ball. Pettes wide open on the sideline, and gains 8 yards on the play to the 31.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:26 PM MST 0 recs
The clock is running very quickly. Herring picks up the first down, and it is 1st and 10 from the Cougar 29. This is with 5:30 left in the 2nd.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:27 PM MST 0 recs
4:43 left in the quarter. WSU calls timeout. it is 2nd and 4 for the Devils at the 23 yard line. This drive has looked good for the Devils, but seriously, only 3 points so far? Kick it into gear.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:28 PM MST 0 recs
The student section is nearly empty in sections 34, 35, and 36. The upper deck? Nearly empty. What does anyone expect? We are 3-6. The game is back on, and Carpenter slings it to Jones, who drops the pass as he gets hit in the air.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:30 PM MST 0 recs
Carp has a lot more success from the shotgun than from under center. Taylor is open for the first down at the 14. 4:30 left. ASU has 9 first downs on the day.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:30 PM MST 0 recs
Holding on #74 Tom Njunge, and the Devils are back at the 23. 1st and 20. with 4:09 left in the half.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:31 PM MST 0 recs
Herring breaks a tackle and gets back to the 14. 2nd and around 10 to go.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:32 PM MST 0 recs
Taylor open in the corner of the end zone for a Sun Devil TOUCHDOWN! As the shade covers the student section, you can’t help but think that the sun is also setting on the Cougars’ chances.
10-0 ASU 3:12 left in the 2nd.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:33 PM MST 0 recs
Cougars get it out to the 27 yard line, and Lopina is back on the field. He doesn’t look particularly mobile today, probably due to his fractured spine! Cougs lose 2 on the first passing attempt. 2nd and 12. 2:44 left, running clock
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:35 PM MST 0 recs
Right as I say he doesn’t look mobile, Lopina breaks a run for 7 yards. It is negated by holding on #73, Andrew Roxas. 2nd and 22 from the 15 yard line, 2:10 left. Lopina in the shotgun, 5 wide. SACK! Lopina is down at the 3!
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:37 PM MST 0 recs
3rd and 32, ASU calls timeout. WSU is really in a tight spot here, with 1:52 left. The ball is actually at the WSU 5.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:37 PM MST 0 recs
Davis has 2 sacks on the afternoon, his 8th career multi-sack game.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:38 PM MST 0 recs
This is a long timeout. Loooong. WSU is still in the huddle.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:40 PM MST 0 recs
Levenseller in at QB. Running play gets out to the 12, and ASU calls timeout again. 3rd and 25, 1:48 to go.
WSU punts and it is NEARLY blocked. Kimbrough calls for fair catch at the Cougar 48.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:42 PM MST 0 recs
Jones makes a nice move after the catch to get out of bounds at the Cougar 43. It is 3rd and 5, 1:18 left in the half.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:45 PM MST 0 recs
Weber is going to punt now, with 1:14 left. Touch back is called, Bolden nearly saved it but his foot was on the line.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:46 PM MST 0 recs
Levenseller kneels, and we go into the half.
10-0 ASU, Halftime.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 4:48 PM MST 0 recs
I got sidetracked in the student section. With 10:27 left, it is now 17-0 Devils on a Kyle Williams TD reception.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:19 PM MST 0 recs
Levenseller is having difficulty finding his rhythm on offense. WSU just tried the option, which didn’t go for very much; there was a holding penalty called and now it is 2nd and 20 for the Cougs at their own 47.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:23 PM MST 0 recs
Levenseller flushed out the pocket, and he throws a pick! Mike Nixon! ASU ball at the Cougar 48!
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:24 PM MST 0 recs
ASU is really finding an offensive rhythm. Nance gets a carry, picks up 3 yards on a first down rush to the 32.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:26 PM MST 0 recs
why didnt Nance get any carries in the first half?
House of Sparky - www.houseofsparky.com - Go Sun Devils
by ASUBoyd on Nov 15, 2008 5:27 PM MST 0 recs
Probably because he is awful, and DeWitty and Herring looked good enough out there. DeWitty averaged 6 ypc in the 1st half.
by C.W. on
Nov 15, 2008 5:32 PM MST
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Cougars keep getting injured. Another stoppage in play at 8:26 in the 3rd quarter.
Right now, it is 17-0 ASU. ASU has earned 14 first downs on the day. Thomas Weber is averaging 49.5 yards on his 4 punts.
The injured Coug is off the field, and we are back to the action.
Weber misses the 48-yard field goal try, and it’s still 17-0 with 8:11 left in the 3rd.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:29 PM MST 0 recs
ASU keeps falling on its own sword, with the massive quantities of yards we are losing due to penalties. McGaha just dropped a pass on the sideline, and now it’s 2nd and 13 at the Sun Devil 24.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:34 PM MST 0 recs
3rd and 2, Carp hands it off to Nance, who picks up the first down and then 2 more yards on top of that. First down at the 37. 4:31 left in the 3rd.
This game is dragging along, rife with incompetency and mediocre talent on the field. Nance find a decent sized hole for a 4 yard gain.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:36 PM MST 0 recs
It is so quiet here in Tempe tonight. Little fan interaction now that we have a lead, and a lot of fans are leaving early tonight. Pass to McGaha complete for a first down, and it’s ASU 1st and 10 at the ASU 49.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:38 PM MST 0 recs
Kyle Williams WIDE OPEN for a huge 51 yard touchdown reception!
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:38 PM MST 0 recs
Weber makes the extra point, and now it’s time for a reset.
24-0 ASU, 2:23 left in the 3rd quarter.
Last drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:40.
Scoring play: Carpenter 51 yard TD pass to Kyle Williams.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:40 PM MST 0 recs
Levenseller completes a pass to his wideout, but the catch is under review in the booth. It looked like a catch to me.
“With his last touchdown pass, Rudy Carpenter now has 10,266 career passing yards. That moves him to 8th on the Pac-10 career list.” -Press Box PA Announcer
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:43 PM MST 0 recs
The catch was ruled complete, and on the next play Tardy gained 9 on the ground to pick up a Cougar first down at the WSU 39. Levenseller looks to be gaining some good experience by playing ASU. Tardy catches a pass from Levenseller and gains 4 yards.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:44 PM MST 0 recs
A running play handed off to Richmond results in a 5 yard gain, and now it is 3rd and 1 at the WSU 48.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:45 PM MST 0 recs
The attempt to gain the first by Tardy was rejected and resulted in no gain. It appears as though the Cougs will be going for the first, but for now, the quarter is over.
24-0 ASU, End of 3rd Quarter.
The student section is filing out at a quick rate, and is now more than half empty.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:46 PM MST 0 recs
WOW WHAT A CRAZY PLAY!
Levenseller sacked while rolling out to his right, and fumbles the ball back to the 15. Picked up by Lawrence Guy for the touchdown!
Right now it is under review, for Levenseller’s knee may have been down.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:49 PM MST 0 recs
The ruling on the field stands! Touchdown ASU!
30-0 ASU… Weber going for the extra point.
31-0 ASU! 14:47 left in the 4th.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:51 PM MST 0 recs
15 yard penalty on WSU on the extra point try. Enforcable on the kickoff, so now Weber will be teeing off from the 45.
Vazquez earned the sack that led to the Guy touchdown.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:52 PM MST 0 recs
WSU runs it out to the 25 on the kickoff. First play is a running play that gains 2.5 yards to the WSU 27.5.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:54 PM MST 0 recs
Okay, WSU now has the ball at the ASU 41. Levenseller is settling in. Handoff for a loss, but there is a flag down…
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:58 PM MST 0 recs
Holding penalty… replay second down: 2nd and 17. 11:22 left, running clock. WSU 49.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 5:59 PM MST 0 recs
Wow Levenseller got ROCKED out of bounds, and all kinds of penalty flags are down. Personal foul on #48, Brandon Magee. First down at ASU 35.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:00 PM MST 0 recs
3rd down and 19 from the ASU 44… WSU can’t seem to sustain any forward momentum. Shotgun, 3 wide, 1 RB.
Levenseller drops back and is rushed, throws to his left and they lose 2 yards on the completion to Anderson. The punt unit is on. 9:06 left.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:03 PM MST 0 recs
Carpenter’s line for the afternoon: 17/24 203 yards, 3 TDs. 80 career touchdown passes.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:05 PM MST 0 recs
Sullivan’s pass complete to #83, Malamala, and now it’s 1st and 10 from the 38.
Back to the action, Sully hands off to Ryan Bass, and gains a yard. 7:15 left, running clock.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:07 PM MST 0 recs
Sullivan’s pass to T.J. Simpson is dropped. This is a concern for me. I’ve seen a lot of Sullivan’s passes just go dropped on the hands of otherwise competent receivers. Does Rudy have some magic touch? Or what could the problem possibly be?
ASU timeout.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:08 PM MST 0 recs
Sullivan hits Kimbrough in the open field for a first down. There is a penalty marker down though…
After the play, #63 Paul Fanaika on ASU was flagged for a personal foul. Still a first down, but it’s at ASU’s 44 instead of in WSU territory.
Bass breaks for a huge carry to the WSU 35! First down!
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:11 PM MST 0 recs
On 3rd and 1, Bass was rejected on his rushing attempt. Ball is at the 25 and looks as though ASU is going to go for it. (!!!)
Handoff? Yes to Bass and he GETS THE FIRST!
3:45 left and running.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:14 PM MST 0 recs
Robinson flashing some moves on a reception, breaking two tackles and laying a spin move on WSU before being tackled. 7 yard gain, ball at the 22. 2:45 left
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:15 PM MST 0 recs
Jarrell Woods in the game now at RB. Gains a yard, now it’s 3rd and 2 at the 15.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:15 PM MST 0 recs
Sully’s pass attempt incomplete to Robinson.
4th and 2, we’re going for it AGAIN! Who needs to beat the spread so badly???
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:16 PM MST 0 recs
5 yard penalty false start.. 4th and 7. ASU is going for it still. This is crazy.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:17 PM MST 0 recs
Pass incomplete to Robinson, and ASU turns the ball over on downs.
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:17 PM MST 0 recs
Levenseller’s pass nearly intercepted by #23 Tony Simmons. :06 left, the game is over. One last play for WSU, to try to score…
3 wide.Levenseller flushed to his right, throws it short and the game is over.
FINAL SCORE: ASU 31, WSU 0
by C.W. on Nov 15, 2008 6:21 PM MST 0 recs
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