Arizona State holds off Notre Dame rally in 55-31 victory

Regaining composure after Notre Dame’s furious second-half rally, No. 9 Arizona State scored three late touchdowns and bolstered its playoff hopes with a 55-31 victory over the No. 10-ranked Irish on Saturday.

The Sun Devils looked as if they were on their heels after their 31-point lead dwindled to three with a few minutes left before halftime. It seemed another spirit-crushing loss was on the way. But the Sun Devils didn’t back down and pulled out the kind of victory that had eluded them.

“You’re not going to be great without facing adversity,” Arizona State Coach Todd Graham said. “But I sure wish it was easier.”

Playing in one of the biggest home games in program history, Arizona State (8-1) harassed Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson into three turnovers in a four-minute span in the first half.

Spurred by the momentum-swinging plays, including Damarious Randall’s 59-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Sun Devils raced to a 34-3 lead.

But before they could celebrate, Notre Dame charged back.

With Golson leading the way, the Irish (7-2) picked apart Arizona State’s defense, scoring three straight second-half touchdowns, the last a 25-yard touchdown pass from Golson to Amir Carlisle that made it 34-31 with 6 1/2 minutes left.

The Sun Devils fought back.

Taylor Kelly threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a four-yarder to Demario Richard. Lloyd Carrington came up with Arizona State’s second interception for a touchdown, turning a bobbled pass into a 58-yard score.

Kelly capped it with a two-yard scoring run around the right end.

If it wasn’t the biggest win in Sun Devils’ history, it’s right up there, and it certainly boosts their playoff chances.

“Getting a win on a national stage like that is big for this program,” said Kelly, who threw for 224 yards.

With two losses, Notre Dame is all but out of the playoff conversation. The Irish can point to turnovers for their demise.

Golson threw for 446 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but, as has been the case over the past six games, had a hard time holding onto the ball.

He had three turnovers in a four-minute span of the first half, allowing Arizona State to race out to a 24-3 lead by the first minute of the second quarter.

Golson opened the third quarter by throwing his career-high third interception, this one in the end zone. The final interception, by Carrington, wasn’t his fault — Corey Robinson bobbled it right into the defensive back’s hands — but it surely ended Notre Dame’s hopes of a comeback.

Golson also lost a fumble, giving him 17 turnovers in six games. Holder Hunter Smith added to Notre Dame’s problems, dropping a fourth-quarter snap on a short field goal.

“It’s all on me, really,” said Golson, who was sacked seven times. “You play with fire as much as I did today you are going to get burned eventually.”