November 13, 1982 – Washington Huskies of coach Don James were ranked 7th nationally with an 8-1 record as they traveled to Tempe to meet the 3rd ranked, 9-0 Arizona State Sun Devils of coach Darryl Rogers. The Huskies had been ranked in the top 2 all season until an upset loss to Stanford & All-American QB John Elway. Washington converted two Arizona State fumbles into 14 points & that was enough to claim The Belt with 17-13 victory in the battle of these titans. The Huskies took the lead on the first play of the 2nd quarter when QB Tim Cowan connected with WR Aaron Williams who made a diving catch on the 20-yard touchdown pass. The Huskies had taken possession of the ball at the Arizona State 32-yard line after recovering a fumble by Sun Devils’ S Scott Kegans on a Washington punt. Huskies’ All-American PK Chuck Nelson gave Washington a 10-0 lead when he kicked a 24-yard field goal. Late in the 2nd quarter, Arizona State’s PK Luis Zendejas hit a 39-yard field goal but the Sun Devils still trailed 10-3 at the half. Arizona State’s RB Darryl Clack fumbled the 2nd half kick-off & the Huskies converted it into a 25-yard touchdown drive. Washington’s All-Pac 10 RB Jacque Robinson scored on a 4-yard touchdown run making the score Washington 17 Arizona State 3. The Sun Devils closed the gap when Clack broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run & Zendejas’ 47-yard field goal early in the 4thquarter got the Sun Devils within 4 points but they could get no closer. Arizona State out gained Washington 360 yards to 230 yards but 4 Sun Devils’ turnovers kept Arizona State from retaining The Belt. Cowan threw for just 74 yards with a touchdown while Robinson rushed for 124 yards with his touchdown. For the Sun Devils, QB Todd Hons threw for 206 yards with 2 interceptions & was sacked 3 times. Arizona State finished the season 10-2; ranked 6th nationally while the Huskies finished 10-2, ranked 7th nationally. Arizona State would play for The Belt again in 1990.
Pickin' Splinters
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