Eliav GabayVideo by Jordan Spurgeon
In a game that was the last home contest for the Sun Devil Seniors, also might’ve been the last home game for Shaun Aguano as the leader of ASU’s Football program.
“The 16 of them that I shared a hug with when we ran out – that was special,” Aguano said. “They really want the best for this team and they’ve shown it.”
.@ASUFootball interim head coach @aguanos making his way to Sun Devil Stadium for the last home game of the season:@Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/6GG2IU25Cw
— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) November 19, 2022
Throughout the first half, the Sun Devils were able to hang with the Beavers thanks to solid third down defensive stances and ASU’s star back in X Valladay notching his 14th rushing touchdown of the season.
While the ground attack would continue for ASU through to the end of the game, the stops on third down started to fade
Valladay finished with 109 rushing yards on 13 carries, averaging over 8 yards per attempt.
“Valladay is special,” Aguano said. “He’s a work horse. He’s going to do whatever it takes and I’m proud of him. He is the heart and soul of our football team.”
Ultimately, No. 23 Oregon State’s dominance in the trenches is what made the difference in this one.
The Beavers made life difficult for ASU QB Trenton Bourguet, forcing him to get creative outside the pocket and make plays happen with his legs.
On the other end, Arizona State had no answers for OSU’s efficient run game, allowing 222 yards on the ground, including a trio of rushing scores.
“It’s emotional,” senior and captain, Kyle Soelle, said. “The way this season’s gone – never want your last season to go like that…You don’t get to pick the cards you’re dealt, you just get to pick your attitude towards it.”
One thing Soelle knows for sure: the Sun Devils can’t put their guards down as they head south for the Territorial Cup.
“It’s hate week,” Soelle said. “We don’t prepare right, we’ll get embarrassed.”
With UA falling out of bowl eligibility with their loss to Washington State, the 2022 Territorial Cup will once again be all about state bragging rights.
Aguano doesn’t take the opportunity to lead ASU to a potential sixth straight T-Cup win for granted, especially if he gets it done in Tucson.
“Now we have five days to get ready for this one game season,” Aguano said. “It means a whole lot to a lot of people and especially our team as well. We have to get back on the horse and get going…There is no time to think about it. Flush it down the toilet and let’s go.”
It’ll be a short week for both squads as that game will be played at Arizona Stadium on Friday at 1:00pm.
