3 ASU Football Things: Turnovers, Rudy Carpenter and Bowl Dreaming

Three straight wins and Arizona State is still alive for a bowl berth. Here are three things we think we think after the Sun Devils’ 34-9 victory over UCLA last night.

1. The Best Offense is a Good Defense
The Sun Devils became only the second team in NCAA Division I-A history to return four turnovers for touchdowns. Paul Unga and Troy Nolan had senior nights to remember with a 100-yard interception return and a play ‘til the whistle 17-yard fumble return, respectively. Linebackers Mike Nixon and Travis Goethel each chipped in a pick six. This for a Sun Devil team that forced just four turnovers in its first five games.

2. Ain’t No Cure for the Senior Night Boos
Rudy Carpenter was first out of the Tillman Tunnel on senior night and his reception was surprisingly warm considering fans’ mixed feelings to him. (Just vote in the survey on the right to see what we mean.) Carpenter responded to the reception by turning in perhaps his worst performance of the season. Carpenter completed 13-of-26 passes for a measly 101 yards and an interception, while the offense as a whole managed just 122 yards against an admittedly stout UCLA defense.

3. One More Win and We’re Going Bowling
Last night’s contest was a bowl elimination game and ASU survived. Only one thing now stands between ASU and a spot in the Las Vegas Bowl or Emerald Bowl. (2008-09 College Football Bowl Schedule) A win over Arizona would place the Sun Devils in the upper half of the Pac-10 standing and net ASU a fifth consecutive bowl berth for the first time in school history. Hey, that seems worth playing for to us.

What’s Your Take, Sun Devils?
What’d you take away from the game last night? Let us know in the comments below. And remember to vote for your favorite senior on the right side of the page!

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