How Arizona State Outlasted Oregon State in 2014 Showdown

Game Overview

The Oregon State vs Arizona State 2014 matchup took place on a chilly November evening at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Both Pac‑12 sides entered the contest with postseason hopes still alive, and the atmosphere crackled with the kind of tension that only a rivalry‑flavored conference game can generate. In the end, Arizona State edged out the Beavers 38‑31, sealing a comeback that left fans on both sides buzzing for weeks.

First Half: A Tight Duel

From the opening kickoff, the Beavers tried to impose their ground game, leaning on senior running back Terrance “Terry” Pelley to chew up yardage between the tackles. Pelley managed a respectable 72 yards on 14 carries, but the real story belonged to Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion. Mannion, who had been praised for his poise under pressure all season, connected early with wide receiver Mike Thomas for a 28‑yard strike that set up a 7‑3 lead.

Arizona State, however, refused to be silent. Junior quarterback Taylor Kelly responded with a crisp 12‑yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Hill, tying the game at 7‑7. The two teams traded punts and field goals, each defense flexing its ability to force third‑down conversions. By halftime, the scoreboard read 14‑10 in favor of Oregon State, but the margin was thin enough to suggest anything could happen in the second half.

Second Half Shifts

The third quarter saw a noticeable shift in momentum. Arizona State’s defensive line, led by senior defensive end Will Sutton, began to pressure Mannion more aggressively. A crucial sack on a third‑and‑long forced a fumble that was scooped up by ASU safety Julius Thomas, who returned it 18 yards for a touchdown. That play vaulted the Sun Devils into a 21‑14 lead.

Oregon State answered back with a methodical drive, highlighted by a 45‑yard pass‑play to tight end Chris Ellis. Mannian’s precision culminated in a 5‑yard touchdown run, knotting the game again at 21‑21. Yet Arizona State’s offense, now riding a wave of confidence, struck quickly. A 31‑yard strike from Kelly to wide receiver Jared Cook set up a short‑range plunge by running back Jaelen Strong, extending the lead to 28‑21.

The final quarter was a frantic scramble. Oregon State, desperate to reclaim the lead, turned to its aerial attack. Mannion orchestrated a 70‑yard drive highlighted by a 32‑yard bomb to Thomas Byrd, but a missed extra point left the score at 28‑27. With minutes ticking down, Arizona State’s special teams delivered a decisive play: a 44‑yard field goal by kicker Mike Bercovici padded the margin to 31‑27.

In the closing minutes, the Beavers pushed deep into ASU territory, but an intercepted pass by safety Devin Anderson sealed the outcome. The final whistle blew with Arizona State ahead 38‑31, a result that felt earned after a back‑and‑forth battle.

Key Performances

• Taylor Kelly (ASU QB) – finished with 267 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, demonstrating why he’d been a Heisman talk‑of‑the‑town candidate that season.
• Sean Mannion (OSU QB) – threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns; his poise kept the Beavers competitive despite the loss.
• Terrance “Terry” Pelley (OSU RB) – 72 rushing yards and a critical 12‑yard first‑down conversion that sustained the early drive.
• Will Sutton (ASU DE) – recorded two sacks and a forced fumble, a catalyst for the Sun Devils’ defensive resurgence.
• Mike Bercovici (ASU K) – contributed 10 points on the night, including the game‑sealing field goal.

What the Result Meant for Both Teams

For Arizona State, the victory solidified a third‑place finish in the Pac‑12 South and earned them a spot in the Sun Bowl, where they would later defeat Duke. The win also kept their hopes of a Rose Bowl appearance alive a few weeks longer, reinforcing the narrative that the Sun Devils could compete with the conference’s elite.

Oregon State, on the other hand, saw its bowl aspirations slip to a lower‑tier invitation. The loss underscored the thin margin between a winning season and a middling one in a conference where every game feels like a playoff. Nonetheless, the performance of Mannion and the resilient offensive line earned praise, and the Beavers ultimately accepted a bid to the Las Vegas Bowl, where they faced Colorado State.

Legacy of the 2014 Clash

Looking back, the 2014 showdown remains a textbook example of how quickly a Pac‑12 contest can flip. Arizona State’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute in the red zone turned a closely contested first half into a decisive win. Oregon State’s willingness to stay aggressive, even after falling behind, kept the game interesting until the very end. Fans still recount the final minutes as one of the most thrilling finishes in the series’ recent history.

FAQ

What was the final score of the Oregon State vs Arizona State 2014 game?

The Sun Devils defeated the Beavers 38‑31.

Who was the leading passer for Arizona State?

Taylor Kelly led the team, throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

Did either team have a player named to the All‑Pac‑12 first team after the game?

Will Sutton earned first‑team All‑Pac‑12 honors for his defensive performance throughout the season, including this game.

What bowl game did Oregon State play in after the loss?

Oregon State accepted an invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl, where they faced Colorado State.