Sun Devil Spotlight: Breaking Down Jamal Miles' TD Pass Vs. Missouri

It has been seven weeks since the Sun Devils have taken a snap on the field and the football withdrawals are out in full force. Thankfully, spring practices start in a little less than a month. To ensure you keep your fix of Sun Devil football action, we at House of Sparky are going to breakdown some of the top moments from 2011.

After breaking down Cameron Marshall's powerful Christian Okoye-esque run, we take a look at the tricky Jamal Miles touchdown pass against Missouri.

The Situation: The Sun Devils were facing a major litmus test in Week 2. On a Friday night before a national television audience on ESPN while debuting in their all-black uniforms, ASU hosted No. 21 Missouri. The two teams were evenly matched and it showed on the scoreboard. Missouri had added two field goals earlier in the quarter, and as a result the game was tied 16-16 with 4:18 left in the third quarter.

The Playcall: ASU faced a first and 10 from the Missouri 35. With each defense thus far being up to the task of keeping these dangerous offenses in check, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone reached into his bag of tricks and called a wide receiver option pass. With Brock Osweiler in the shotgun and Marshall to his right, Miles was split out left, with Aaron Pflugrad split wide right and Gerell Robinson in the slot next to Pflugrad.

The Play: Miles came in motion down the line, but as the ball was snapped, he broke right and ran behind Osweiler. As Osweiler fielded the snap, he faked a handoff to Marshall as he ran left. That fake was key, as it froze Missouri defensive end Michael Sam just long enough for ASU's plans to unfold.

Osweiler then threw a lateral pass to the breaking Miles into the right flat. Ahead of Miles, Robinson did an excellent job in blocking linebacker Luke Lambert. Right guard Andrew Sampson and right tackle Dan Knapp released their blocks and ran out to the flat to help block but their services were not needed, as...

After hauling in the pass, Miles took a few quick steps, planted his feet and threw a beautiful ball deep to Pflugrad, who was streaking along the right sideline. Miles' pass lead Pflugrad a shade inside, which was perfect, as the slight cut allowed Pfulgrad a clean touchdown catch against cornerback E.J. Gaines, who had remained in good position with Pfulgrad until they got inside the five-yard line.