The injury bug is hitting Arizona State hard only three games into the season, as the Sun Devils trail Fresno State 16-0 at halftime.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ASU entered tonight with a laundry list of injuries.
#ArizonaState players out tonight:
QB Jaden Rashada
RB DeCarlos Brooks
TE Jalin Conyers
WR Jordyn Tyson
RT Emmit Bohle
LT Isaia Glass
OL Cade Briggs
OL Ben Coleman
DL Anthoine Cooper— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
Then, even more occurred during the game.
Coming into tonight, QB Trenton Bourguet was set to take the first two drives of the game due to Jaden Rashada’s injury. However, Bourguet threw an interception three plays into ASU’s opening offensive possession. He then injured his left leg and exited the field on crutches during his second drive.
Drew Pyne will now come into the game
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
Then, Drew Pyne came in at QB and fumbled on his very first play.
Drew Pyne's first play of the game results in a fumble. Fresno State takes the ball over at their own 32 yard line up 10-0 with 2 minutes to go in the first quarter. #ForksUp #ActivateTheValley
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
The ensuing Bulldog drive, the Sun Devils lost starting defensive end Clayton Smith.
Another #ArizonaState player is down on the field and it's defensive end Clayton Smith. #ForksUp #ActivateTheValley
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
Pyne fumbled on his next drive as well.
Drew Pyne takes another sack and fumbles again. Fresno State takes over in the Redzone up 13-0. #ForksUp #ActivateTheValley
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
The Sun Devils defense did step up, only allowing field goals after the turnovers, not touchdowns. ASU turned it over four times, but the Bulldogs only had nine points off turnovers.
Fresno State scored on the opening drive of the game and was up 10-0 after the first quarter. Quarterback Mikey Keene was a perfect 14-of-14 after the quarter.
End of the first quarter with the score #ArizonaState 0 and #FresnoState 10. Quarterback Mikey Keene is perfect in the game as he's 14-14 on the game. Quarterback Trenton Bourguet got hurt and Drew Pyne is now in the game for the Sun Devils.#ForksUp #ActivateTheValley
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
Fresno State scores easily on their first drive of the game. An early 7-0 lead for the Bulldogs over the Sun Devils.#ForksUp#ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/VLjstlycK0
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
The Bulldogs then scored three field goals in the second quarter. ASU had a golden chance to score from the FSU 1-yard line, but instead turned it over on downs.
Drew Pyne and #ArizonaState come up short at the goal line on fourth down after this incomplete pass and two failed FB runs. Fresno State takes over on the ASU 1 up 16-0 and 5:28 to go in 2Q pic.twitter.com/arbop7pKgf
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
ASU appeared to get some momentum going into the half after they forced Fresno State out of field goal range on the Sun Devils’ second to last defensive possession of the half.
After a long talk between the referees, Fresno State gets hit with an intentional grounding to force a punt. Another bend but don't break effort by the ASU defense.#ForksUp #ActivateTheValley
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
However, Pyne threw an interception and the Bulldogs missed a 53-yard field goal to end the half, helping ASU dodge a bullet.
Below are the full stats for the half stats, highlighted by Keene going 24-of-32 for 211 yards and a touchdown. The Sun Devils’ quarterbacks combined to go 10-of-16 for 99 yards, two interceptions and two fumbles.
FIRST HALF stats: #FresnoState (16) at #ArizonaState (0) pic.twitter.com/DzR80Hiymy
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 17, 2023
The Sun Devils have a lot of work to do in the second half and not a lot of players to help them going forward. ASU will receive the second half kickoff.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Brendan Mau is a Phoenix Suns insider and college sports reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
