ASU Football vs. NAU: Sun Devils Dominating 42-0 at Half

The Sun Devils new era began in style, cruising to a nine-play 73-yard touchdown drive in a swift 3:43 seconds.

Taylor Kelly opened at quarterback and displayed why Coach Graham chose him to be ASU's starter. Despite Kelly's lack of experience, he looked cool, calm and collected. At the end of the first half Kelly was 9-12 for 186 yards.

Fellow ASU quarterback Michael Eubank did not appear on the first drive, but the still made his imprint on the game. Eubank's number was consistently called in the redzone, as he rushed four times for 25 yards and a one-yard score.

On the ground, ASU had tons of hype coming in and lived up to the expectations. D.J. Foster's first half was jaw-dropping, carrying the rock six times for 65 yards, a touchdown and added 30 receiving yards. Cameron Marshall only had six carries for nine yards but scored two rushing touchdowns, but lost a fumble (first turnover on season).

2012 ASU Season Preview 8/6: Quarterbacks 8/10: Running Backs 8/13: Wide Receivers/TEs 8/15: Offensive Line 8/17: Defensive Line 8/20: Linebackers 8/22: Defensive Backs 8/23: Special Teams 8/26: Schedule

Defensively, the scoreboard said it all, as NAU is currently being shut out. The Lumberjack's star running back Zach Bauman was held to just 12 total yards and left early with a head injury. As a team, the Devils defense was dominant, allowing less than 100 yards in the half.

ASU linebacker Brandon Magee had the highlight of the half with a 45-yard pick six. Magee read NAU quarterback Cary Grossart perfectly, nonchalantly dropping back in coverage making an acrobatic grab.

Sticking with the interception theme, ASU safety Alden Darby also had a pick that he returned for 50 yards. Safety Laiu Moeakiola joined the pick party late in the second, endings NAU's best drive of the half.

Meanwhile, Devil's defensive tackle Will Sutton plugged the gaps well, recording the team's first sack on the season. The ASU defense was overwhelming, causing Grossart to hit the showers early with a knee injury.

Another notable performance for ASU was true freshman Richard Smith. Despite Smith not being atop the depth chart, he got an opportunity to play with the starters due to the suspensions of Jamal Miles and James Morrison. Smith had 65 total yards, providing another explosive option out of the backfield.

To simply sum up the first half, ASU could not have done better, leading 42-0. Stay posted for more in-game updates as the Devils continue their pursuit of 70 points!

FIRST HALF SCORING PLAYS

Cameron Marshall 9-yard rushing TD...7-0

Cameron Marshall 1-yard rushing TD....14-0/End of 1st

D.J. Foster 1-yard rushing TD...21-0

Brandon Magee 45-yard INT TD...28-0

Marion Grice 1-yard TD...35-0

Michael Eubank 1-yard rushing TD...42-0