Arizona State beat Stanford 26-10 on Saturday night in a game that was never really close. Here's the rundown:
How the game was won: ASU had struggled defensively entering this game, but they preyed on another dismal Stanford offensive performance to register their best outing of the season. The Cardinal did not find the end zone until 50 minutes into the game and managed only 76 rushing yards against the Sun Devils' stifling run defense and a large chunk of their offensive production didn't come until desperation time. A year after being unable to stop Stanford's offense in two separate meetings, ASU did that and more Saturday.
Game ball goes to: ASU quarterback Mike Bercovici. Stanford entered this game sporting what was statistically the nation's best defense (8.8 points per game). The Sun Devils knew they would have to execute an intricate, precise game plan to scratch out yards and points. They'd also have to work the clock to exhaust Stanford's beaten up defensive line. Bercovici orchestrated all these necessary tasks. He finished 23-for-33 for 245 yards and also moved the chains with his legs in a couple critical situations. The Sun Devils took advantage of aptly named receiver Jaelen Strong (8 catches, 75 yards) and made sure to capitalize on Stanford's offensive ineptitude, as they ate up nearly 35 minutes of possession despite averaging only 4.5 yards per play. Credit Bercovici for managing a smart game and powering ASU to victory.
What it means: Stanford, the only team in the nation to play in BCS bowls in each of the previous four seasons, is out of College Football Playoff contention with three losses. Mathematically, they still control their own destiny in the Pac-12 (two conference losses and a matchup with one-loss Oregon), but today's anemic offensive performance does not inspire much confidence in that regard. The Cardinal will also drop out of the AP Top 25 for the first time in 72 weeks (2010 preseason) when Sunday's poll is released.
ASU, meanwhile, must be thrilled that its defense posted its best effort of the season by far. The Sun Devils have only one conference loss, and that means they're in solid position to win the Pac-12 South. It'll be interesting to see if Bercovici maintains a role in the offense once Taylor Kelly returns from injury.
Key play: Bercovici’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Strong in the second quarter put ASU up 14-0 and turned out to be the game-winning score.
What's next: The Sun Devils move on to Seattle, where they will face a wounded Washington team looking to recover from another deflating loss to Oregon. Stanford returns home to face Oregon State, which lost in overtime to Utah. It's probably fair to say the Cardinal's season will be on the line in that game against the Beavers.