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Scouting The Competition: Despite Early Struggles, Arizona State Presents Challenges

By Justin Phillips

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Todd Graham of the Arizona State Sun Devils walks on the field during the college football game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Sun Devil Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Aztecs defeated the Sun Devils 30-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Todd Graham of the Arizona State Sun Devils walks on the field during the college football game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Sun Devil Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Aztecs defeated the Sun Devils 30-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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After a close loss to Texas Tech and losing Star Linebacker Koron Crump, the Sundevils will look to pull it together against Oregon on Saturday.

Both teams played what I would consider lackluster Non-Conference schedules. Oregon sandwiched a solid Nebraska team between Southern Utah and Wyoming. Arizona State played New Mexico State, San Diego State and Texas Tech. They came out of the non-conference 1-2 beating New Mexico State 37-31.

The Oregon Defense will be busy on Saturday facing a mobile Quarterback in Manny Wilkins who had had a solid start despite the Sundevils record. Wilkins has thrown 7 touchdowns and passed for 924 yards this season. The ASU Offensive Line is young and has allowed Wilkins to be sacked 17 times in three games. Wilkins has yet to throw an interception this season.

Running Back Kalen Ballage is a physical runner who, at times, is hard to bring down. His season however has not gone to plan so far. He has just under 200 yards on the ground and 4 touchdowns. Wide Receiver N’Keal Harry has 266 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Kicker Brandon Ruiz has been effective kicking beyond 40 yards and has a 50+ yard field goal so far in 2017.

Dave Bartoo from CFBMatrix likes Oregon Football on Saturday. The Ducks have all the intangibles, including star players and better coaching. The one area that he did give the Sundevils an advantage is having Home Field, but that usually doesn’t mean much without solid statistics to back it up.

After three  games, Oregon seems like they are on a different level in a down season for the Pac-12 Conference. With Stanford losing two games already, and USC having a close call last week against Texas, the time is now for the Ducks to make their move.

Next: Arizona State Linebacker Koron Crump Out vs Oregon

Oregon visits Arizona State on Saturday for a 7pm Pacific TIme Kickoff on ESPN.

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