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The play:
2nd and 10 at WVU 36 (10:02 - 3rd) Gary Jennings 64 Yd pass from Skyler Howard (Josh Lambert Kick)
The setup:
The final bowl game of the season turned in one of the most entertaining performances of the bowl season if you were willing to stay up to 3 A.M. to watch the entire game. Skyler Howard completed a touchdown pass to Daikel Shorts with only 28 seconds left in the half. Arizona State blocked the extra point and returned it for a two-point conversion, setting up a sequence where ASU scored 12 points in less than 5 minutes.
For the first time since the end of the first quarter, West Virginia trailed in the game. Arizona State opened up the second half with a two yard scramble pass to Tim White to take a 25-22 lead. West Virginia needed to respond. And respond they did.
Wendell Smallwood opened the series with a 7-yard run. He followed this up with a 3 yard loss on a swing pass. Rushel Shell came in and gained a first down with a 7-yard run. After an incomplete pass to Ka'Raun White, Howard unleashed a bomb to freshman receiver Gary Jennings. Jennings caught the ball at the Arizona State 20 and carried a defender on his back for the final 12 yards.
Why it's a top ten play:
Jennings was a bit of a surprise during the 2014 recruiting cycle. Gary had offers from North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame and a host of other Power 5 schools. Gary embodies a lot of the physical traits that former first round pick Kevin White had. He's taller than most of the other receivers and definitely has the frame to add weight.
When Durante was suspended for the Cactus Bowl, West Virginia needed other receivers to step up and make plays. Ka'raun White started the big plays and Jennings added this long touchdown. While there were plenty of big plays in the bowl game, this specific touchdown stands out most to me because of the physicality of Jennings carrying a player 10 yards on his back for a touchdown.
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