Redmond’s Effort Leads Arizona State

J.R. Redmond ran for three touchdowns and gained 102 of his 165 rushing yards in the second half as Arizona State rallied for a 33-21 victory over Washington State on Saturday.

Ryan Kealy threw a one-yard pass to Todd Heap for the other Sun Devil touchdown, and Stephen Baker kicked field goals of 37 and 48 yards for Arizona State (4-3 overall, 3-1 Pac-10). He had a 51-yarder wiped out by a penalty.

Deon Burnett scored on an 11-yard run for Washington State and Steve Birnbaum threw an 11-yard pass to Leaford Hackett. Birnbaum also scored on a one-yard keeper as the Cougars (2-5, 1-3) built a 21-10 lead in the second quarter.

Redmond brought the Sun Devils back with scoring runs of two, six and three yards and Arizona State toughened on defense in the second half, allowing Birnbaum just two completions in eight attempts.

Redmond, a breakaway back with power, had a career-high 35 carries, and his longest run was for 25 yards. Along with Redmond’s play, the key to Arizona State’s 23 unanswered points was a short passing game featuring tight end Todd Heap.

Heap finished with five receptions, four in the third quarter.