Wake Forest's defeat at Arizona State highlighted the fragility of their game plan despite a strong individual performance from running back Demond Claiborne, who rushed for 200 yards. The Demon Deacons controlled time of possession for much of the game, leveraging Claiborne's efforts to keep the Sun Devils' offense off the field. However, quarterback Hank Bachmeier's struggles, marked by three critical interceptions, undermined their control. Each turnover gave Arizona State advantageous field positions, which they exploited effectively.
Defensively, Wake Forest couldn't contain the Sun Devils’ offense, failing to make crucial stops or force turnovers. This defensive lapse allowed Arizona State to capitalize on the opportunities created by Wake Forest's offensive errors. The game underscored the need for a more balanced approach, where both offense and defense operate in harmony, as the Demon Deacons will need to address these issues to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Cam Skattebo (4) rumbles for 207 rushing yards and 4 TDs.
Arizona State put on a commanding performance against Wake Forest, cruising to a 35-10 victory behind a dominant defensive display and efficient offensive execution. Despite being slightly outgained in total offense (342 to 319), the Sun Devils took full advantage of four turnovers committed by the Demon Deacons, turning them into crucial points that swung the game decisively in their favor.
Wake Forest managed to move the ball on the ground effectively, rushing for 206 yards and accumulating 22 first downs, but the Arizona State defense was relentless, forcing three interceptions and a fumble. The Sun Devils’ defense completely shut down Wake Forest’s passing game, allowing just 113 yards through the air.
On the other side of the ball, Arizona State’s balanced offense accumulated 342 total yards, including 151 yards passing and 191 rushing. Despite converting only 2 of 5 third-down attempts, they made their possessions count, scoring four touchdowns. They also dominated on special teams, with 60 yards on kick returns and 21 yards on punt returns.
Wake Forest managed one touchdown and a field goal but couldn’t overcome their mistakes. Despite controlling the clock with over 18 minutes of possession, they struggled to convert their drives into points.
Arizona State’s disciplined play, reflected in their single penalty for five yards, and their ability to capitalize on Wake Forest’s miscues, paved the way for this decisive win. By protecting the football and capitalizing on turnover opportunities, the Sun Devils secured a convincing victory, sending a strong message as they move forward in the season.
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