Sun Devils Hold Off Tough Aztecs

Mike Barth, who missed his first two field-goal attempts, kicked a 21-yarder with 14:53 left for the decisive points in Arizona State’s lackluster 10-7 victory over San Diego State on Thursday night.

San Diego State moved to the Arizona State 29 with eight seconds left, but Nate Tandberg shanked a 47-yard field-goal attempt into the line. The drive started on the Aztec 3 with 3:07 left.

The teams combined for 23 punts. Arizona State’s Nick Murphy set a school record with 11 punts.

Redshirt freshman Jeff Krohn, starting in place of suspended quarterback Ryan Kealy, threw a touchdown pass as the Sun Devils began to shake off preseason distractions and injuries.

Kealy was suspended for at least the first two games after being arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs on July 23. Starting tailback Delvon Flowers is out for the season because of a knee injury, and Coach Bruce Snyder is under pressure after 6-6 and 5-6 seasons.

The winning drive went 61 yards on 11 plays, the longest drive of the game.

Arizona State’s Shaun McDonald had 120 yards on punt and kickoff returns in the first half, which was just seven yards less than the Sun Devils had in total offense.

San Diego State played without its top rusher, Larry Ned, who had arthroscopic knee surgery Aug. 20. The Aztecs are coming off a 5-6 season.

The teams met for the first time since 1957, and the Sun Devils improved to 7-0-1 in the series.