ASU vs. Washington: Game Balls—Longino, Ballage lead Sun Devils huge comeback

The Sun Devils began the game as slowly and ineffectively as ever. However, despite key injuries on the defensive side of the ball and an out-of-sync offense, ASU managed to not only overcome a 17-point deficit, but drop 27 unanswered on the second-best defense in the conference coming in.

Below, we highlight who was key in their comeback effort.

Antonio Longino, LB—No. 32 (Senior, RS)

After only taking four reps in practice all week, Longino suited up and made a big impact for the Sun Devils defense as they mounted the team's biggest comeback since 2010.

Sporting a brace on his elbow, Longino racked up seven tackles, including two sacks. His second quarterback takedown sparked a series of game-changing plays key in guiding ASU to victory.

Kalen Ballage, RB—No. 9 (Sophomore)

The big sophomore back put on quite the second-half display for the Sun Devils offense after being rendered ineffective early in the game. Ballage finished with 11 rushes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including a breakaway 48-yard score to extend the Sun Devils lead to 27-17.

Christian Sam, LB—No. 2 (Sophomore)

Sam was all over the field, totaling 12 tackles (10 solo, 2 assisted). In the absence of safety Jordan Simone, Sam stepped up in a big way as he played a key role in the defense's effort.

Sam also snagged the defense's second interception of the game, as the Sun Devils went on to eventually seal the win.

Devin Lucien, WR —No. 15 (Senior, RS)

It was Lucien's 32-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the third quarter which completed ASU's 17-point outburst in the second half. The graduate transfer hauled in four receptions for a team-high 63 yards.

James Johnson, S—No. 18 (Sophomore, RS)

Johnson finished with five tackles during the game, but his most important contribution was a critical pass breakup in the red zone that forced the Huskies to attempt a field goal, ending a chance for Washington to potentially push the lead to 14 points.

Washington missed the field goal attempt, and ASU went on to tie the game the following possession.