TEMPE — What appeared to be a program-defining win in the first half had turned on Arizona State. The Sun Devils were on their heels, a 31-point lead down to three with a few minutes left, another spirit-crushing loss seemingly on the way.
But something changed in the Sun Devils. They didn’t back down from the challenge. They rose up, finding a way to pull out the kind of victory that had eluded them.
Regaining composure after Notre Dame’s furious second-half rally, No. 11 Arizona State scored three late touchdowns and bolstered its playoff hopes with a 55-31 victory over the eighth-ranked Irish on Saturday.
“You’re not going to be great without facing adversity,” Arizona State coach Todd Graham said. “But I sure with it was easier.”
Playing in one of the biggest home games in program history, Arizona State (8-1) appeared to be headed toward a dominating victory, harassing Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson into three turnovers in a 4-minute span in the first half.
Spurred by the momentum-swinging plays, including Damarious Randall’s 59-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Sun Devils raced to a 34-3 lead against one of the nation’s premier programs.
But before they could celebrate, Notre Dame charged back.
With Golson leading the way, the Irish (7-2, No. 10 CFB) picked apart Arizona State’s defense, scoring three straight second-half touchdowns, the last a 25-yard touchdown pass from Golson to Amir Carlisle that made it 34-31 with 6ƒ minutes left.
The Sun Devils fought back.
Taylor Kelly threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a 4-yarder to Demario Richard. Lloyd Carrington came up with Arizona State’s second interception for a touchdown, turning a bobbled pass into a 58-yard score.
Kelly capped it with a 2-yard scoring run around right end.
If it wasn’t the biggest win in Sun Devils’ history, it’s right up there.
It certainly boosts their playoff chances.
“Getting a win on a national stage like that is big for this program,” Kelly said, who threw for 224 yards.
With two losses, Notre Dame is all but out of the playoff conversation.
The Irish can point to turnovers for their demise.
Golson threw for 446 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but, as has been the case over the past six games, had a hard time holding onto the ball.
