Arizona State football: Sun Devils seal the deal late against West Virginia, keeping playoff hopes alive

TEMPE, Ariz. – With 2:49 left on the clock, down by one, the game for Arizona State (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) rested on the foot of senior kicker Jesus Gomez, who, up until that point, had his only other try blocked by West Virginia.

With a swift kick of the leg, Gomez delivered in the clutch, nailing a 49-yard field goal to give ASU a 25-23 lead with 2:44 remaining.

Now it was ASU’s defense’s turn to make a play and end the game. 

It was junior defensive back Keith Abney II who answered the call, picking off West Virginia’s freshman quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. to seal the win for the Sun Devils.

“It felt amazing being able to make that play for my team,” Abney said. “Me and the quarterback made eye contact before that, so I kind of knew it was coming.”

 For Gomez, it was his third game-winning field goal of the season, proving why he can continue to be counted on late in games to deliver for the maroon and gold.

ASU’s defense weathered the storm early

It was ASU’s defense that kept them in the game early, forcing a field goal and a turnover on downs on the Mountaineers’ first two drives of the game, which both got down inside the red zone.

West Virginia led 3-0 heading into the second quarter. 

The second quarter was the Jeff Sims show for Arizona State. The senior quarterback threw for three touchdowns to three different position groups, including sophomore receiver Derek Eusebio, junior running back Raleek Brown and senior tight end Chamon Metayer.

“It was a blessing, anytime you get to come home and don’t have to travel and play with your guys,” Sims said. “It was a blessing to be out there and I’m glad we got the dub.” 

West Virginia was able to grab a touchdown of their own thanks to a 75-yard completion from Fox to senior receiver Jeff Weimer before the half ended.

ASU went into the locker room at halftime up 22-10.

The Sun Devils were punched in the mouth in the second half

The Mountaineers came out of halftime with an impressive 13-play, 74-yard drive that ate up 5:49 of the clock, but it was ASU’s defense that stood tall once again. The Sun Devils provided a goal-line stand on 4th and two, shutting down West Virginia from any points. 

The Sun Devils’ only drive of the quarter was nine plays and managed 62 yards, but resulted in a fumble.

ASU remained in front, 22-10, heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Mountaineers were able to rally in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns. Their first was a 90-yard touchdown pass from Cox to sophomore running back Cyncir Bowers on third and 27 to give West Virginia a 23-22 lead.

ASU came through when it needed to most

However, it was not enough as the Sun Devils were able to make plays when they needed to down the stretch to hold on to a tight 25-23 contest. 

“Do you get it done or not, and our guys get it done,” ASU coach Kenny Dillingham said. “That’s what I told them, it’s a great life lesson that nobody cares about the pain; show me the baby. Nobody says, ‘How was it?’ They say, ‘show me the baby.’” 

With both offenses going 6 for 15 on third down on the afternoon, it was ASU’s defense that was the x-factor in the game by holding the Mountaineers to 1-of-4 on fourth down, including two turnovers on downs and the game-clinching interception by Abney. 

The maroon and gold will now head on their last road trip of the season, taking on Colorado (3-7, 1-6 Big 12) on Saturday, Nov. 16.

“It’s so cool to watch these guys through all the adversity this year, 7-3 and still in this thing,” Dillingham said.

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