Demario Richard scores 4 TDs in ASU's Sun Bowl victory

For an offense that is primarily known for its players in their last season on campus, it was a true freshman who proved to be the difference for Arizona State Saturday in El Paso.

While redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly and NFL draft wide receiver prospect Jaelen Strong had solid games, rookie running back Demario Richard scored three touchdowns to lead Arizona State to a 36-31 triumph over Duke in the Sun Bowl.

Richard, a freshman from Palmdale, Calif., rushed for 41 yards and two TDs and caught 5 passes for 22 yards and two more scores against the Blue Devils. The video above shows two of his more impressive plays of the day – a truck-stick demolishing of Duke safety DeVon Edwards for the first score of the game and a receiving touchdown to give Arizona State a 27-17 lead in the third quarter. His 4-yard touchdown reception with 4:45 remaing in the fourth quarter gave the Forks the lead for good after Duke stormed back to take a momentary 31-30 lead.

Richard's four-touchdown performance ties a Sun Bowl record.

With the win over Duke, Arizona State secured its second consecutive 10-win season for the first time in more than 40 years. The Sun Devils won at least 10 games four years in a row from 1970-73 under the guidance of the legendary Frank Kush.