Pine Bluff's Tyler Cooper threw up horrendous numbers, but the Golden Lions created enough turnovers to come away with a home win.

Arizona State struck immediately on two long passes that bested the Bluff's new secondary (0-7). Pine Bluff inched back with two Tank Abrams field goals (6-7). But the Sun Devils sacked Cooper in the end zone for a safety, then scored on another long pass to seal the first half up 16-6.

First-year phenom Nexton Jones made his first mark of the season with a 98 yard kickoff return (13-16). That sparked a Pine Bluff turnaround. Interceptions by strong safeties Stuckey and Cox set up a 21 yard TD run by reserve halfback Jamaal Moses (19-16) and a 5 yard TD pass from Cooper to Aouiziz (26-16). A third Abrams field goal (29-16) kept the Sun Devils at arm's reach though ASU scored once more on a deep pass (29-23). Pine Bluff was able to generate enough offense and defense over the final minutes to preserve the win.

Arizona State dominated in first downs, total offense, and time of possession, but lost their consistency when their starting quarterback left the game in the second quarter with a pinched nerve.