Conference Border Conference Head coach Clyde B. Smith | 1953 record 4–5–1 (2–3 Border) Home stadium Goodwin Stadium | |
The 1953 Arizona State Sun Devils football team represented Arizona State University in the sport of football during the 1953 college football season. The team was led by head coach Clyde B. Smith. His Assistant Coaches were Bob White & Tom Fletcher. Home games were played at Goodwin Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Arizona State finished the 1953 football campaign (4-5-1) overall, (2-3) in Border Conference play, (2-3-1) at home, and (2-2) on the road. The Sun Devils' team captains were Dick Curran & Tom Fallon.
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Season summary
In the regular season home opener on September 19, 1953, Arizona State lost to San Diego Navy 19-14. In the team's first ever meeting on September 26, 1953, Arizona State defeated North Texas State 14-0 on the road. In week 3 in El Paso, Texas, Texas-El Paso edged the Sun Devils 28-27 on October 3, 1953. Playing their 3rd straight road game during week 4, Arizona State College bounced back with a 35-20 victory over San Jose State on October 10, 1953. Returning home to Goodwin Stadium on October 17, 1953, ASC defeated West Texas State 39-20. Danny Seivert had an 85 yd punt return TD to push the Sun Devils to (3-2) overall. After back-to-back wins, the Devils lost at Houston 24-20 on October 24, 1953. With a Halloween home game on October 31, 1953, Arizona State lost to Hardin-Simmons 27-20. Following consecutive losses and a bye week, the Sun Devils beat BYU during Homecoming 26-18 on November 14, 1953 in Tempe. Arizona State extended their series winning streak to four straight games against BYU. Standing at (4-4) overall, Arizona State's November 21, 1953 home game against Midwestern State ended in a 12-12 tie. It marked the first ever meeting in school history between Arizona State & Midwestern State. In the season finale on November 28, 1953, Arizona State dropped their rivalry matchup against Arizona 35-0 in Tempe. The Sun Devils gave up a school record (491 Rushing Yds) to the Wildcats in the shutout loss, which ended Arizona State's 4-game winning streak against Arizona.
The usual Arizona State College offensive lineup included: (WR John Allen, LT Lou Iani, LG John Jankans, C Nick Maucieri, RG John Hickman, RT Robert Lutcke, TE Jack Stovall, QB Bob Hendricks, HB Dick Curran, FB Bob Sedlar, and WB Danny Seivert).
Postseason
Arizona State's leading rusher was Danny Seivert (86 Carries, 469 Gross Yards, 44 Lost Yards, 425 Net Yards, & 4.8 Yd Avg).
The Sun Devils' leading passer was Bob Hendricks (32-65, 461 Yds, 49.2% Completion Pct.,6 TD, & 4 INT). Hendricks also led Arizona State with 463 Yds of Total Offense ( 97 Total Plays, 461 Passing Yds & 2 Rushing Yds). The 1953 Arizona State team held the record for fewest passing yards in school history (765 Yds) and fewest passing yards per game in school history (76.5 Yds). The Devils also own the school record for fewest plays per game in school history (56.4).
Arizona State College's leader in scoring was John Allen (8 TD & 48 Total Pts). Allen also was the leading receiver for the Sun Devils (30 Receptions, 505 Yds, & 8 TD).
The Sun Devils' leader in interceptions was Dick Mackey (3 INT & 67 Yds).
The 1953 Arizona State defense held the school record for most rushing attempts allowed per game (52.9), most net rushing yards allowed (2,553 Yds), and most rushing yards allowed per game (253.3 Yds).
WR John Allen and LG John Jankans each received All-Border Conference honors for the 1953 football season. Jankans was also the recipient of Arizona State's Sun Angel Award. "Presented annually to the varsity Arizona State football player who, in the estimation of his teammates, has contributed the most in leadership, team spirit, and athletic ability during the season. The honor, an engraved wrist watch, is presented to both the 'most valuable' lineman and back."