ASU vs. WSU: Sun Devils lead 14-10 at halftime

The Arizona State Sun Devils lead the Washington State Cougars 14-10 after 30 minutes.

For the first time since ASU played Colorado on October 10, the Sun Devils scored on its opening possession. ASU drove 70 yards in eight plays and took an early 7-0 lead on a six-yard touchdown run from Demario Richard. The sophomore running back had 53 yards on the opening drive.

Following another Washington State three-and-out, the Sun Devils marched 64 yards in 10 plays and found the end zone once again early in the first quarter. This time, it was Kalen Ballage with a nine-yard touchdown run, breaking tackles along the way to give ASU a 14-0 lead with 8:23 left to play in the first.

The Sun Devil onslaught continued on the ensuing Cougar drive when freshman defensive back Kareem Orr intercepted Cougar quarterback Luke Falk and returned it back to the WSU 20-yard line. However, ASU was stuffed on third-and-short at the three-yard line and on fourth down, Mike Bercovici was tackled shy of the yard to gain on a quarterback roll out.

Following the ASU turnover on downs, Washington State drove 92 yards and knocked in a 22-yard field goal to pull within 14-3 early in the second quarter.

There was some controversy on Washington State's only touchdown of the half. On fourth-and-five from inside the 10, ASU had seemingly stopped Gabe Marks at least a yard shy of the marker. However the officials ruled that an inadvertent whistle had gone off and they had to replay fourth down. Washington State scored on the next play to pull within four with 5:26 left in the first half.

The Sun Devils rushed for 137 yards in the first half and Mike Bercovici was 10-17 for 95 yards in the half. Washington State held the ball for over 17 minutes and put up 148 yards through the air.