TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Jaden Rashada threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, and Arizona State withstood a more than two-hour weather delay to beat Southern Utah 24-21 early Friday in coach Kenny Dillingham's coaching debut.
The Sun Devils (1-0) were in control in the first half, taking a 21-7 lead on Rashada's 3-yard touchdown pass to Troy Omeire through a dust storm.
Thunderstorms followed the dust and the game was delayed, steady rain still falling when play resumed.
With a few hundred fans remaining in the stands, the Sun Devils got stuck in the mud against an FCS opponent.
Southern Utah had a 68-yard reception negated by a targeting penalty early in the third quarter, but Justin Miller later hit Isaiah Wooden on a 52-yard reception. Miller then found a wide-open Zach Mitchell for a 17-yard TD that pulled the Thunderbirds within 21-14.
Arizona State's offense stagnating Elijah Badger's 81-yard kickoff return gave the Sun Devils a first-and-goal from the 6 late in the third quarter. Three holding calls later — one that negated a touchdown — Dario Longhetto kicked a 38-yard field goal.
The Sun Devils stalled again and Southern Utah's George Ramirez returned Jordan Washington's blocked punt 47 yards for a touchdown that pulled the Thunderbirds within 24-21.
Arizona State then ground out the clock by getting the ball to Cam Skattebo. The Sacramento State transfer had 71 yards and a touchdown rushing, with four catches for 41 yards.
The Sun Devils have won 24 straight home openers, the third-longest active streak in the FBS, behind Florida (33) and Oklahoma State (27).
Rashada and the Sun Devils were solid in the first half.
After committing then de-committing to Miami and Florida, Rashada earned Arizona State's starting job from a three-way race with returner Trenton Bouguet and Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne. Rashada joined Jayden Daniels in 2019 as the only Arizona State freshman quarterback to start a season opener.
On Arizona State’s opening drive, Rashada had perfect touch on 33-yard pass to Melquan Stovall just before taking a late hit. Skattebo bounced off a tackle in the hole for a 6-yard touchdown on the next play.
Rashada misfired on a few throws the next two drives before hitting Xavier Gullory on a 47-yard touchdown on fourth-and-8. He closed the half with the dusty TD pass to Omeire with 2 seconds left.
Rashada repeatedly misfired in the second half before hitting a couple of passes later, finishing 18-for-31 passing.
THE TAKEAWAY
Southern Utah: The Thunderbirds can take a lot away from playing a Pac-12 opponent down to the wire.
Arizona State: The weather delay did the Sun Devils no favors. Sloppy in the second half, they have plenty of work to do.
UP NEXT
Southern Utah: Plays at BYU on Sept. 9.
Arizona State: Hosts Oklahoma State on Sept. 9.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
