First half recap: Texas A&M 14, No. 15 Arizona State 7

This is a half the No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils would probably like to do over.

The game started off slower than both teams are accustomed to, as the first six possessions ended in a punt.

Texas A&M scored first with Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen's 9-yard pass to Carson with 20 seconds left in the first quarter.

After another ASU three-and-out, Texas A&M took advantage when freshman wide receiver Christian Kirk took a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, extending the Aggies' lead to 14-0.

With nine minutes left in the second quarter, ASU got some hope when linebacker Christian Sam forced a fumble on Allen with Demetrius Cherry scooping up the return to ASU's 5-yard line. The Sun Devils capitalized with Mike Bercovici's touchdown pass to Kody Kohl, cutting the Sun Devils' lead to 14-7.

Allen's passing and accuracy was a major factor for the Aggies early, as he started 5-for-8 with 73 passing yards. However, Allen was pulled with under two minutes left in the game, with coach Kevin Sumlin sending in true freshman Kyler Murray.

Aggies defensive end Myles Garrett gave ASU's offensive line problems with five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Garrett dominated ASU so heavily, the Sun Devils began to double- and even triple-team him.

Notes:

- Sophomore running back Kaelen Ballage did not play. According to the team, he left Houston due to illness and is now back in Tempe.

- ASU wide receiver D.J. Foster moved fourth all-time on ASU's all-time receptions list with 167. He trails Chris McGaha, who has 168.

- ASU linebacker Laiu Moeakiola recorded 100 tackles after a sack on Allen.

- ASU was 4-0 in games last season where it didn't score first. The Sun Devils are 5-6 overall in this stat under Todd Graham in three years.