The Duel in the Desert

The Duel in the Desert


Early in the third quarter the Arizona State Sun Devils were enjoying a 17-9 lead. To make matters worse, the Arizona Wildcats star running back Ka'Deem Carey, with 133 yards and a touchdown already in the books, was on the sideline nursing an injury. Also lost to the Wildcats were the services of receiver Dan Buckner. Things were not going Arizona's way. But along comes Austin Hill and Garic Wharton. With quarterback Matt Scott directing traffic, the Wildcats score 18 unanswered points in the third quarter to take a 27-17 lead to the delight of the hometown crowd at Arizona Stadium.

At the 9:22 mark of the third quarter, Scott teamed up with Hill for a 22-yard TD reception to pull the Wildcats within one point and three minutes later Scott finds Wharton down the sideline on a 40-yard scoring play. The Wildcats go for two and convert as kicker John Bonano practically walks into the end zone to up Arizona's lead to 24-17. Moments later, Arizona's Jake Fischer recovers a Sun Devil fumble to set up a 23-yard field goal by Bonano and presto the Wildcats lead 27-17.

But folks, at that point,  the "Duel in the Desert" was just beginning

ASU scores 10 points in the early moments of the fourth quarter to tie the game and the momentum swings back in the Sun Devils favor. And with 5:38 left, ASU blocks a punt and scores four seconds later to take a 34-27 lead. Scott and the Wildcats quickly drive down field only to have an interception spoil the drive and with 2:51 left the Sun Devils score and take a commanding 41-27 lead.

But folks, the "Duel in the Desert" was still not over.

Scott directs the ensuing drive and completes the drive by hitting David Richards for a 17-yard TD with  1:54 left in the game to close within seven points at 41-34.  The onside kick ends up in the Sun Devils' hands. The Arizona Stadium clock clicks to zero and the Sun Devils grab hold of the Territorial Cup and head back to Tempe.

Arizona and Arizona State finish the regular season at 7-5.

Ka'Deem Carey finishes with 172 yards on 25 carries and one score.  Matt Scott throws for 230 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Daniel Jenkins, filling in for Carey, finishes with 78 yards on  21 carries. Wharton, Hill and Richards combine for three scores and 180 receiving yards.

Good try, Wildcats. But not quite good enough. Coach Rod said, following the game, "We made too many mistakes."

Congrats, Wildcats on a winning season.