Arizona State Defense Has No Trouble With Louisville

Arizona State offset the inexperience of quarterback Grady Benton with a ground attack worth 174 yards and a punishing defense Saturday night to defeat Louisville, 19-0, in the first football meeting of the schools.

The Sun Devils (1-1) sacked Jeff Brohm of the Cardinals 10 times, including 3 1/2 by freshman rover Harlen Rashada, who was to have been redshirted until injuries forced Coach Bruce Snyder to use him in the second half.

Arizona State also intercepted two passes and held the Cardinals to a net 18 yards. Louisville’s rushing total was minus 73.

Sophomore Mario Bates scored the first touchdown of the game on a 14-yard run and had 108 yards against the Cardinals (1-2).

Bates’ three consecutive carries moved the ball into position for George Montgomery’s nine-yard run 45 seconds before halftime that put Arizona State ahead, 16-0.

Mike Richey opened scoring with a 40-yard field goal and finished it with a 43-yarder in the fourth quarter.

The game was Arizona State’s second in a row behind a quarterback with no college experience. The first game, Troy Rauer played after Garrick McGee and Benton, two other redshirt freshmen, were suspended.