Arizona State Sun Devils Cruise Against Washington State Cougars, Win 55-21

The No. 25 Arizona State Sun Devils (6-2, 4-1) moved one step closer to the Pac-12 South title Thursday night after dominating the Washington State Cougars (4-5, 2-4), 55-21.

With the win, the Sun Devils are now eligible to play in a bowl game. It was their first win on the road this season.

The Sun Devils led from start to finish, scoring six touchdowns in the first half and leading 42-14 at halftime.

Starting quarterback Taylor Kelly threw for four touchdowns and rushed for two more before the intermission. 

Kelly would finish the game with 275 passing yards and five touchdowns, completing 22 of 31 passes. He also recorded 66 yards on 13 carries. He completed passes to eight different receivers, including D.J. Foster, who finished with 77 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions. 

Arizona State's defense continued its hot streak as well, holding Washington State to 302 total yards while forcing two turnovers. It has held its last three opponents to less than 100 rushing yards, something that hasn't been done by an ASU defense since 2009, according to Sun Devil Athletics.

Wazzou quarterback Connor Halliday was 29-of-54 for 300 yards and two touchdowns. The team finished with just two rushing yards on 11 carries. The Cougars have lost four of their last five games. 

The Sun Devils scored more than 50 points for the fifth time this season, including in the third straight game. They scored on nine of their 16 drives. 

Overall, ASU was intercepted once, lost one fumble and punted twice.  

ASU running back Marion Grice did not contribute points for the first time all season. He gained 94 yards on 18 carries and added two catches for 31 yards. 

The Sun Devils will have eight days off before playing at Utah on Saturday, Nov. 9, where the Utes upset No. 5 Stanford on Oct. 12. Arizona State has won the last two meetings by a combined score of 51 points.