Instant Recap: Sun Devils dominate first half vs. Irish, lead 34-10

Thanks to suffocating defense and opportunistic offense, Arizona State jumped out to a commanding 34-3 lead at halftime.

The Sun Devils won the coin toss and opted to receive, starting their first drive of the game at the 9-yard line following a block in the back on Deantre Lewis' kickoff return. Taylor Kelly and the offense quickly made its presence felt, as true freshman Demario Richard rushed for an early 12-yard gain and Jaelen Strong hauled in a 12-yard reception. But the drive stalled at Arizona State's 41-yard line, and Matt Haack punted away to the Irish.

Notre Dame sustained a long drive on its first possession, but the Arizona State defense that has been playing lights out as of late made a couple of big plays to force a Fighting Irish field goal. Lloyd Carrington and Marcus Hardison recorded sacks of Irish quarterback Everett Golson to escape with just a field goal allowed.

The Sun Devils took over possession with just over six minutes left in the first quarter, and sustained their first scoring drive of the afternoon. A pair of Kelly home run throws fell incomplete, but D.J. Foster rushed for a couple of first downs to set up a Zane Gonzalez 47-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.

Arizona State's defense then took over, making two game-changing plays against the Irish offense. True freshman Tashon Smallwood sacked Golson deep in Irish territory, stripped the Notre Dame signal caller and picked up the ball, giving Arizona State possession at the Irish 13-yard line. The sack and fumble recovery were the first of Smallwood's career. Arizona State needed only one offensive play to capitalize on the turnover, as Kelly's 13-yard pass to the right pylon was pulled in with one hand by Strong for the first touchdown of the game. Gonzalez's extra point followed and the Sun Devils lead 10-3.

On Notre Dame's next offensive drive, the Sun Devil defense made another game-altering play. This time, defensive lineman Demetrious Cherry batted a Golson pass up and Marcus Hardison corralled it, setting up the offense with another great opportunity at the Irish 23-yard line. A 14-yard run by Richard set the Sun Devils up at the goal line, and the freshman punched it in with a 1-yard touchdown run as Arizona State held a 17-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The huge game from the Arizona State defense continued into the second quarter, as the Sun Devils came up with yet another turnover, their third in a row. Hardison tipped a Golson pass up in the air, and safety Damarious Randall jumped on it with an open field ahead, scampering 59 yards for a Sun Devil touchdown, padding the lead to a now-commanding 24-3 advantage.

After another strong defensive series by Arizona State forced a Notre Dame punt, the Sun Devil offense returned to the field, and subsequently put up another scoring drive. A Foster run for 11 yards set Arizona State up in Notre Dame territory, and Kelly made the best pass he's made since returning from injury, finding Cameron Smith in stride in the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown. With the touchdown catch, Arizona State took a 31-3 lead with more than ten minutes remaining in the half.

The Sun Devils and Irish traded punts, but Arizona State tacked on another Gonzalez field goal before the half, taking a eye-popping 34-3 advantage. The Fighting Irish managed a touchdown right before the second quarter ended, and Sun Devils went into the locker room up 34-10.