The Rose Bowl witnessed an unexpected turn of events on Saturday as the struggling Arizona State football team, with a record of 2-7, managed to secure a 17-7 upset against UCLA. The Sun Devils, facing a multitude of injuries and a self-imposed postseason ban, entered the game with much less to lose than their 6-3 opponent. Headlines were buzzing with rumors that UCLA's head coach, Chip Kelly, was on the hot seat, making the stakes high for the Bruins.
Arizona State's first-year head coach, Kenny Dillingham, played with confidence, taking risks and making unconventional decisions. Starting junior tight end Jalin Conyers as the quarterback and deploying unique formations, Dillingham led his team to victory in what felt like a high school contest on the hallowed grounds of college football.
Dillingham's strategy involved putting his players in the best position to win, and it paid off. The Sun Devils orchestrated a 17-7 victory, totaling 250 yards of offense. Junior running back Cameron Skattebo even threw a passing touchdown, adding to the unconventional nature of their game plan.
The decisive moment came with a little over three minutes left in the game when Dillingham pulled out an unorthodox formation on a fourth-and-4 in field-goal range. The gamble paid off as ASU converted the play, securing the win and silencing potential critics.
The Sun Devils' defense played a crucial role in the upset, with coordinator Brian Ward orchestrating a dominant performance. Despite facing a strong rushing attack from UCLA, ASU's defense held strong, making critical stops on three fourth-and-short situations.
The game also saw on-field chaos, with a fan fight breaking out before UCLA's first touchdown. Despite being 14.5-point underdogs, Arizona State took control and led 10-7 at that point, eventually securing the upset.
Arizona State's win was a testament to their resilience and strategic decisions, contrasting sharply with UCLA's offensive struggles. The Sun Devils, now 3-7, showcased their determination and ability to adapt, leaving a lasting impression on the Rose Bowl in what may be their last trip to the iconic stadium for a while.
