/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58097975/IMG_3781.0.jpg)
Arizona State’s second touchdown against UCLA was an unconventional play, but one that Sun Devil fans had seen frequently.
Quarterback Manny Wilkins broke away and hurdled over a diving UCLA’s Mossi Johnson on a 16-yard run to give the Sun Devils the 21-14 lead.
Simply looking at the play is exciting, but to understand how Wilkins leapt in for the score is to look at how the hurdle worked. Seeing no options, Wilkins found a hole right up the middle. He dashed forward for about 12 yards. Eyeing Johnson, Wilkins knew he was going to go for a low-leg tackle.
Wilkins then planted his right leg firmly on the Rose Bowl’s turf, swung the other across Johnson’s back, then took an in-air hit and fell into the end zone.
Sun Devil fans have seen hurdles from Wilkins before, but his leap against UCLA was the only time it counted for a touchdown.
There’s no question that it’s tough to do but Wilkins defied expectations — and gravity — as ASU’s quarterback in 2017.