When I left you last time, Sophomore QB Harri Sillings was about to lead the ASU Sun Devils into the gauntlet of their schedule. They were sitting at 0-4 with #9 Notre Dame coming to Tempe and #11 USC on deck. Not to mention #19 Utah in the hole. ASU gave Student Union Sports unlimited access to the team and the young quarterback for the remainder of the season and we were able to speak to Sillings before the Notre Dame game.
“We’ve had a great week of practice, and I feel really good. I think we’re finally leaning off of the jet sweep variations and are ready to air it out Saturday night”- Harri Sillings
Luck of the Irish?
From the jump, the Sun Devils were looking like a different team. The defense was making stops (for once) and the offense was running smoothly with 0 turnovers for the first time since Sillings took over at QB. After an incredible 4th quarter touchdown drive, ASU was able to stop the Irish one more time and lineup in the victory formation for the first team this season. Final score: ASU 19 ND 17
We were able to catch up with the young QB moments after the game,
“SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE THROW THE BALL!”
Unspeakable Things
Fans were hoping the team would keep the momentum going when Offensive Coordinator, Gus Duggerton, and his #11 USC Trojans came to town. Those hopes were crushed. The Trojans (rightfully named) took the Sun Devils and did unspeakable things to them. Coach Dugs offense took the will to live right out of the Sun Devil defense. Final score: USC 48 ASU 13. Neither Sillings nor Dugs were available for comment after the game.
The one that got away
Which leads us to the final game of the gauntlet. #19 Utah on the road. Sillings started off the game 10/11 passing with two touchdowns early on. He led the offense on a scoring drive early in the fourth quarter to take the lead 20-17 but the ASU defense wasn’t able to hold on, giving up a late touchdown to go down 20-24. With the game on the line, Sillings marched onto the field with a swagger rivaled only by the likes of Tom Brady. A few early completions had the two-minute drill in full effect. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Sillings was going to win this game. And then he threw an interception and that was the end. Final Score: Utah 24 ASU 20.
Sillings and the Sun Devils currently sit at 1-6, but bowl eligibility seems to be off the table. For some reason, they’re only slated to play 11 games this season making the best possible outcome 5-6. Maybe if they can run the table they’ll be able to sneak in but only time will tell.
Follow along with the season on Twitter at @twitch_35