Game Preview
Sun Devil Football hits the road for a second straight week, kicking off its Big 12 Conference journey against Texas Tech on Saturday, September 21, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. The game is set for a 12:30 p.m. AZT (2:30 p.m. local) start and will be broadcast on FS1 with commentary from Eric Collins and Spencer Tillman. Fans in Arizona can tune in to ESPN 620 AM, featuring Tim Healey, Jeff Van Raaphorst, Kevin Turner, and Jeff Munn.
Series History and Conference Insights
The Sun Devils aim to break a 2-2 tie in their all-time series with Texas Tech, having split their previous matchups in 2016 and 2017. Those games produced a whopping 220 points combined, averaging 55 points per team and showcasing an explosive 2,363 yards of offense between both squads. Last week, Texas Tech achieved a milestone by having nine players score against North Texas, its highest since 1955. Quarterback Behren Morton leads the Big 12 and sits second in the FBS with 10 passing touchdowns so far, marking the most by a Red Raider in the first three games since Patrick Mahomes in 2016.
For ASU, this matchup offers a fresh start in a new conference, aiming to improve upon a 18-26-2 record in Pac-12 conference openers. The Sun Devils have traditionally started league play at home, with only four previous road openers since 2006.
Key Stats and Trends
- This game marks the first time since 2018 that ASU has opened the season with two consecutive road games within its first four contests.
- ASU, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama are among the few FBS schools that are undefeated at 2-0 against FBS opponents while scoring at least 30 points and allowing fewer than 25 points in each game.
- The Sun Devils have outscored opponents 28-0 during the critical “middle eight” minutes of games (final four minutes of the second quarter and first four minutes of the third quarter).
- Arizona State has held opponents to fewer than 30 points in 44 of their last 70 games, including all three games this season.
Quick Takeaways
- ASU has scored on 61% of its drives this season, ranking 18th in the FBS.
- Quarterback Sam Leavitt is one of only three QBs in the FBS without a turnover-worthy play this season.
- The Sun Devils have restricted opponents to just two plays of over 30 yards this year, placing them 19th nationally.
- ASU’s rushing attack has gained 70.2% of its yards after contact, ranking 32nd in the FBS for this season.
- The defense has not allowed an opponent to score on any drives starting within its own 20-yard line.
What a Win Would Mean for ASU
A victory would mark ASU’s first 4-0 start since 2016 and the first time since 2007 that all opponents were FBS teams. This would also signify the Sun Devils’ first win in the Big 12 era while potentially halting Texas Tech’s home winning streak and delaying their milestone of 600 total program victories.
Milestone Watch
Running back Cam Skattebo is just 146 receiving yards shy of 1,000 for his career, while several teammates have notable milestones within reach, including Xavier Guillory (2,000 receiving yards) and Jeff Clark (10 career sacks).
Hot Start
ASU is one of only five FBS teams to start the season 3-0 against all FBS competition while scoring at least 30 points in each game. The Sun Devils have also shown explosive first halves, scoring at least 21 points in each of their first three games, marking their best start since 2014.
The game against Texas Tech promises to be a thrilling kickoff to the Sun Devils’ new chapter in the Big 12!
Cam Skattebo Dominates
Running back Cam Skattebo (pronounced BOO) delivered a standout performance against Mississippi State in Week 2, amassing a career-high 262 rushing yards on 33 carries during ASU’s 30-23 victory. His remarkable effort earned him recognition as the AP National Offensive Player of the Week, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, and Doak Walker Running Back of the Week. Skattebo’s 262 yards led all FBS players that week, outpacing the next closest by 50 yards. He recorded an impressive 155 yards after contact, exceeding the total rushing yardage of all but seven players in the nation during that week.
This performance ranks as the second-highest single-game rushing total in Sun Devil history, trailing only Eno Benjamin’s record of 312 yards in 2018 against Oregon State. Skattebo also achieved 19 rushing first downs against Mississippi State, far surpassing any other FBS player that week. His first down/touchdown rate of 57.6% placed him eighth nationally among players with at least 10 carries, particularly notable given his high carry count of 33.
With a PFF rushing grade of 85.8, Skattebo ranks fourth among FBS running backs this season, and his 84.6 grade from Week 2 was third-best, behind two players with far fewer carries. He made a significant impact in the fourth quarter, gaining 93 yards, including a crucial 39-yard run that helped secure the win. This marked the first instance of a Sun Devil exceeding 30 carries since Rachaad White had 32 against Washington in November 2021. Skattebo’s 137 rushing yards at halftime were the highest for a Sun Devil since Eno Benjamin’s 185 against Oregon State in 2018. Additionally, he is the first player to rush for over 250 yards against Mississippi State since at least 2004.
Sam Leavitt’s Impressive Performance
Quarterback Sam Leavitt stands out as one of only three QBs in the FBS without a turnover-worthy play this season, with his only interception resulting from a tipped pass. He has managed to maintain composure under pressure, throwing for 175 yards while pressured—ranking him 15th nationally—and has thrown two touchdown passes under similar conditions, tying for third in the nation for under-pressure TDs. With a QBR of 113.5 when pressured, he ranks ninth. Leavitt has achieved first downs on 10 of 34 pressures, good for eighth among FBS quarterbacks.
He has rushed for 138 yards on 13 scrambles, making him one of the top rushing QBs in the FBS, and his overall rushing total of 177 yards (not counting sacks) ranks 18th nationally. Leavitt’s three rushing touchdowns place him sixth among FBS quarterbacks. His scrambling statistics show that he converts 37.5% of scrambles into first downs or touchdowns, 19th in the FBS, and he averages an impressive 10.6 yards per carry while scrambling, second nationally.
In his Sun Devil debut against Wyoming, Leavitt threw for 258 yards on 14-of-22 passing, tallying two touchdowns with no interceptions, and added 47 rushing yards. This performance ranks as the third-highest passing yardage for a Sun Devil debut since 1996.
Solid Defensive Play
Since the 2018 season, ASU has allowed only 19 plays of over 50 yards, ranking third-fewest in the FBS behind Washington and Kentucky. They have restricted opponents to just 12 receptions of 50 or more yards during this span, also placing them among the top in the nation. Last year, ASU allowed only 22 plays over 30 yards, and this season, they’ve kept that number to just two, currently ranking 19th in the FBS for such plays.
Over 70 games since 2018, the Sun Devils have allowed just 112 total plays over 30 yards, ranking fourth lowest in the nation. In contrast, during 2014-2017, ASU allowed significantly more plays over 30 yards each season.
Improvement on Third Downs
The Sun Devils struggled on third downs last season, but have shown significant improvement this year. They converted 43.48% of their attempts in the first three games, ranking 51st nationally, while limiting opponents to a mere 34.15% conversion rate. In particular, they excelled in short-yardage situations, converting 81.3% of 3rd or 4th-and-3 or less opportunities, which is 18th in the nation.
ASU’s offense averages 6.5 yards per third down play, ranking 28th nationally, a notable improvement from last year’s 4.4 yards. Defensively, they allowed a mere 2.5 yards per third down, placing 12th in the FBS.
Special Teams Improvement
After struggling in the field position battle last season, ASU has exhibited signs of improvement early in 2024. So far this season, only 0.71% of their drives have started inside their own 20-yard line, 13th best nationally. Their average starting field position sits at the 31.7-yard line, placing 29th in the nation, while limiting opponents to an average starting position of 28.3 yards. This translates to a net yardage difference of 3.4 yards, a significant improvement from last season’s -9.5 yard difference, which was last in the FBS.
Kickoff specialist Parker Lewis excels with 17 touchbacks, ranking eighth nationally, while kicker Ian Hershey has made six field goals, placing him eighth in the country this season. Under Special Teams Coordinator Charlie Ragle, the Sun Devils set a new record for the fewest kick return yards allowed.
Strong Pass Defense Metrics
ASU’s pass defense has continued to perform well, allowing only 40 yards after the catch in slot coverage, ranking among the best in the country. Cornerbacks like Xavion Alford and Javan Robinson have limited receptions and yards allowed in coverage. Overall, the secondary has allowed a low nfl QBR of 66.3 against third downs, a significant improvement over last year’s performance.
Since 2020, ASU has given up only 68 passing touchdowns, tied for the 30th fewest in the FBS, and they have allowed just 2.01 yards after the catch per reception, ranking 18th nationally. The Sun Devil secondary has permitted only 36 plays of over 40 yards since 2018, showcasing their capability to limit big plays effectively.
In the Trenches
Justin Wodtly ranks as the sixth-highest graded edge defender in the Big 12 with a score of 78.9, placing him 30th among all edge defenders in the FBS. ASU stands third in the Big 12 for sack conversion percentage (sacks per total pressures) at 26.5%, which is 40th in the FBS. This performance is notable considering they blitzed only 29.6% of the time, the 44th lowest rate in the country.
Clayton Smith is tied for 12th in the Big 12, recording 10 quarterback pressures this season, with teammate Elijah O’Neal close behind in 15th with 9. C.J. Fite’s average tackle depth on run plays is just 1.00 yards from the line of scrimmage, placing him second among interior linemen in the Big 12 and 19th nationally. Last season, Fite logged the fourth-most snaps among true freshmen defenders in the Pac-12 and the most among defensive linemen, totaling 350 snaps.
Fite’s 71.3 grade from PFF in run defense puts him fifth among all true and redshirt freshmen in the country, ranking 13th among all Pac-12 interior defenders. Collectively, ASU’s interior linemen registered 22 combined tackles for loss or no gain last season, placing 13th in the FBS, with an average tackle depth of just 1.49 yards—23rd best in the FBS.
The Sun Devil defense has been effective at pressuring quarterbacks, allowing an average time of just 2.37 seconds for opponents to throw, which ranks 20th nationally. They forced quick pressure (under 2.5 seconds) on 114 occasions, placing 26th in the FBS, and totaled 159 pressures, ranking 30th, all while blitzing just 29.6% of the time, the 32nd lowest in the FBS.
Where’s the Beef?
Entering the 2024 season, the Sun Devil offensive line boasted a combined 156 career starts, ranking fifth in the nation. This experienced group has performed well so far, protecting their quarterback and improving their rushing game. ASU’s offensive linemen have allowed just 18 pressures this season, placing them 55th nationally, improving from 80th last year.
Quarterbacks have averaged 2.81 seconds to throw, ranking 45th in the FBS, a significant improvement from last season’s 2.48 seconds, which was 128th. Sam Leavitt has faced less than 2.50 seconds to throw on just 48.4% of his dropbacks, which is the 54th lowest among 125 quarterbacks with at least 50 dropbacks. In contrast, Trenton Bourguet had 65.9% of his dropbacks at less than 2.50 seconds last season, ranking him second worst in the FBS.
Ben Coleman is tied for ninth among FBS guards, having allowed only one QB pressure this year (minimum 75 pass-block snaps), with an impressive pass-blocking grade of 82.2, ranking him 33rd nationally. Center Leif Fautanu has not allowed a QB pressure this season, joining only 10 other FBS centers with that distinction; he holds a pass-blocking grade of 82.0, ranking 19th among FBS centers. Fautanu has played 2,861 career snaps, the third most among FBS centers, and has started 45 consecutive games.
Max Iheanachor is the seventh highest graded tackle in the Big 12 for run blocking at 70.8, also ranking in the Top 50 nationally. Despite injury-related challenges leading to 11 different starting line combinations last season, ASU managed to allow only 13 total sacks in their last eight games, compared to 17 in the first four games.
Getting Defensive
ASU’s defense aims to build on a solid foundation in its second year under defensive coordinator Brian Ward, a candidate for the 2023 Broyles Award for outstanding assistant coaches. The Sun Devils have allowed an average of just 270.0 yards per game, making them 30th nationally, and 4.45 yards per play, placing them 36th.
Notably, 74 of Wyoming’s 118 total yards came during its final drive against ASU’s reserves, required the use of all three timeouts in a 48-0 game. In the match against Mississippi State, 80 yards came from a broken tackle on a wide receiver screen, marking the only 30+ yard play allowed by ASU so far this season. Collectively, these instances account for 154 of the 810 total yards allowed by the Sun Devils this year (19%).
Currently, ASU ranks 30th in overall defensive EPA at -0.079. The defense has limited opponents to just 31.4% of their available yards, ranking 26th nationally. Importantly, they have yet to permit a score on a drive starting within their own 20-yard line.
ASU’s defense has allowed opponents to cross the 50-yard line just 11 times on 36 drives this season (30.6%), excluding drives starting inside their own 50 due to turnovers/special teams. Only 27% of opponents’ drives have resulted in a scoring attempt, the 24th lowest in the FBS, and they have scored on only 72.7% of drives that reached ASU’s 40-yard line, ranking 23rd nationally.
The Sun Devils have recorded just 26 missed tackles this season, the 46th fewest in the FBS, demonstrating strong run defense by missing only eight tackles on run plays, tied for the 17th-lowest total. Since 2018, they have held opponents under 400 total yards in 39 of 70 games (55.7%).
In 8 of their last 11 games after last season’s opener, ASU held opponents to their season scoring average, with two successful games in this category so far this year against Mississippi State and Texas State. On drives starting within 60 yards of ASU’s end zone, opponents scored touchdowns just 32.3% of the time (10/31), ranking 40th in the FBS.
ASU’s defense allowed only 29 touchdowns on 54 opponent red zone drives last season, achieving a 53.7% touchdown conversion rate, the 30th-lowest in the FBS despite facing 146 red zone plays, the 17th-highest total in the FBS.
Gold Rush
The Sun Devils are currently averaging 229.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 21st nationally and fourth in the Big 12. They convert first downs or touchdowns 32.4% of the time, which is 28th in the nation. ASU’s rushing game has been particularly effective, with 70.2% of their total yards coming after contact, the 32nd best in the FBS, and an average of 3.6 yards after contact per rush, ranking 31st.
Much of the rushing success is attributed to the wide receivers’ strong blocking, with Jordyn Tyson (103) and Xavier Guillory (96) ranking third and fifth among FBS receivers in run block snaps. Tyson is rated as the 22nd best run blocker among wide receivers on zone plays with a score of 70.1.
This season, ASU has forced 34 missed tackles on running plays, ranking 13th in the FBS. Last year, they averaged 0.26 missed tackles forced per running play, placing 18th in the FBS. The team was stuffed at or behind the line of scrimmage only 17.2% of the time, ranking 28th nationally.
Despite playing fewer games than other teams, ASU’s 95 rushing touchdowns since 2020 rank 48th among all FBS teams. They achieved this in 44 games; other teams ranked ahead have played at least 49 games over the past four seasons. Their rushing touchdowns account for 20.5% of all touchdown drives, ranking 11th in the FBS.
The team has been graded at 95.6 by PFF for rushing since 2020, placing them 34th in the FBS. Additionally, ASU has been stifled at or behind the line on just 18.4% of their runs, making it the 35th-lowest in the FBS. They have averaged 3.2 yards after contact per rush during this time, ranking tied for 28th.
Overall, ASU has achieved first downs or touchdowns on 30.8% of their runs, placing them 13th in the FBS while averaging 5.4 yards per rush, tied for 29th. Since 2018, they have rushed for over 100 yards in 53 of 70 games (75.7%). The Sun Devils have produced a 1,000-yard rusher nine times in the last 13 seasons, a stark contrast to just eight occurrences from 1976 to 2010, excluding the shortened 2020 season.
But Also No Rush
The Sun Devils have been impressive in their defensive efforts, allowing only 65.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks 11th nationally. Last season, ASU allowed 133.5 rushing yards per game, placing them 36th in the FBS. Notably, ASU is one of only nine teams in the nation ranked in the Top 25 for both rushing offense and defense.
Under head coach Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward, ASU has restricted opponents to under 100 rushing yards in eight of their 15 games, including two out of three games this season.
Shamari Simmons boasts the seventh-best run defense score among FBS cornerbacks at 81.0, tying for 35th nationally with four tackles on run plays. All three of ASU’s corners are ranked in the Top 50 for run defense grades, with Javan Robinson at 24th (76.7) and Keith Abney at 38th (74.3), making ASU the only team with three corners in that category.
Keyshaun Elliott ranks 10th among Big 12 linebackers with an 11.3% stop percentage on run plays this year, tied for 40th nationally with only one missed tackle. Myles Rowswer has the 28th-highest run-blocking grade among all safeties in the FBS at 79.9.
Last season, ASU limited Washington State to just 88 rushing yards, marking their third consecutive game holding opponents under 100 rushing yards—the first time achieving this since the start of the 2016 season. In that stretch against Colorado, Washington, and Washington State, ASU allowed a mere 157 total rushing yards, the lowest for the program over three games since 2013.
Much of ASU’s defensive success can be attributed to the secondary, which has received a positive rush defense grade on 17.3% of run plays this season, ranking 32nd among safeties and corners nationally.
A Hand in the Cookie Jar
Last season, ASU recorded only eight takeaways, but they’ve already tallied seven (three interceptions and four fumble recoveries) through just three games this year. This marks the first time since 2020 that the Sun Devils have forced three or more turnovers in two games within a three-game span, having achieved this in contests against Wyoming and Texas State.
ASU is one of five teams in the nation with a fumble recovery in each of its first three games and has already matched last year’s total of four fumble recoveries. They are also among the five teams with five or more fumble recoveries without losing any fumbles of their own this year.
Additionally, ASU has recorded three defensive touchdowns this season, the most in the FBS, including two fumble returns and one interception return. Since 2012, ASU has recorded a total of 23 pick-sixes, ranking them in the Top 10 nationally after scoring one on the second play of the season against Wyoming. They are also one of 14 teams with two or more fumble recoveries without losing a fumble.
Remarkably, ASU is among only six teams to force four or more turnovers on defense without committing any offensive turnovers. Excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season, ASU had a remarkable streak of at least one pick-six in 23 consecutive seasons end last year, marking the longest active streak in the FBS. They quickly began a new streak this year with Zyrus Fiaseu’s 29-yard interception return in the season opener, and Justin Wodtly also contributed with a scoop-and-score during the same game, marking the first time since 2008 that ASU had both an interception and fumble return for a touchdown in a single contest.
Since 2012, ASU has outscored opponents 934-537 in points off turnovers and 27-0 this season. They have scored on 64% of the time following an opponent’s turnover (160 of 250) since 2012, finding the end zone on 46% of those occasions. In contrast, opponents have scored only 49.5% of the time following an ASU turnover (96 of 194), with a 35.1% touchdown rate.
Who’s the New Guy
For the second consecutive season, ASU features 60 new players, ranking as the ninth-highest total in the FBS. Only three players in their final year of eligibility started their careers at ASU, tying for the fourth-lowest total in the country.
With 46 scholarship newcomers, ASU ranks third in the FBS, while their 58 returning players tie for the fifth-lowest total, with only 38 being scholarship athletes—also among the lowest in the FBS. By 247Sports rankings, ASU welcomed the 48th best freshman class in the nation, placing them seventh in the Big 12. Their transfer portal class ranked 30th overall and fourth in the Big 12.
Combined, ASU ranks 43rd in the nation and seventh in the Big 12 for overall talent class based on both freshmen and transfers. It’s also worth noting that ASU’s talent rating from 247Sports, which factors in the ratings of transfers and recruits, is 30th nationally and second in the Big 12.
Despite being on the roster last season, both Jake Smith and Xavion Alford missed the entire year due to outdated NCAA rules. When they take the field, it will have been 1,342 days for Smith and 1,009 days for Alford since they last played a college football game. Another newcomer, Ben Coleman, will also be making his return after missing 646 days due to injury.
Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils
Arizona State University announced a multi-year naming rights partnership with Mountain America Credit Union, bringing one of the most impactful naming rights deals in college athletics this season. The 15-year agreement signifies a crucial development in ASU Athletics, officially renaming the football stadium to Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils.
This partnership aligns with the excitement surrounding Sun Devil Football under head coach and ASU graduate Kenny Dillingham, one of several alumni currently leading programs as head coaches. ASU fans have shown significant support, with over 90% of football season tickets renewed and 4,000 new season tickets sold as the 2023 college football season approaches.
The historic partnership with Mountain America aims to enhance community engagement and support for student-athletes through initiatives such as donations to the Sun Devil Club for successful field goals, a shoe donation program for those in need, scholarships totaling $ 20,000 for student-athletes, financial education programs, and internship opportunities.
Smart Devils
This season, ASU features 22 players who have already completed their undergraduate degrees:
- Xavion Alford – Graduated SP24 in Liberal Studies BA
- Emmit Bohle – Graduated SP23 in Liberal Studies BA
- Coben Bourguet – Graduated SP24 in Engineering Management BSE and currently pursuing a master’s in Industrial Engineering
- Trenton Bourguet – Graduated FA22 in Communication BS
- Cade Briggs – Graduated SP23 in University Studies BA and a graduate certificate in Homeland Security from Texas Tech (ASU)
- DeCarlos Brooks – Graduating SU24 with a Liberal Studies BA
- Jeff Clark – Graduated SP24 from Louisville
- Ben Coleman – Graduated FA22 in Media Studies from Cal and earned a Master’s at ASU in SP24 in Communications, also pursuing a master’s in Digital Audience Strategy
- Anthonie Cooper – Graduated FA22 in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Prince Dorbah – Graduating SU24 with a Communication BS
- Leif Fautanu – Graduated FA23 in Liberal Studies and currently working on a Communications MA
- Xavier Guillory – Graduating SU24 in Liberal Studies BA
- Caleb McCullough – Graduating SP24 in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Troy Omeire – Graduating SU24 in Liberal Studies BA
- Elijah O’Neal – Graduating SU24 in Liberal Studies BA
- Shamari Simmons – Graduated FA23 in Liberal Studies BA
- Jake Smith – Graduated FA23 in Liberal Studies BA and currently working on a Communications MA
- Melquan Stovall – Graduated FA22 in Business Administration/Organization and Innovation Management BS, earned a master’s at ASU in SP24 in Organizational Leadership, and is starting another Master in Global Security MA
- Parker Lewis – Graduated SP24 from Ohio State and is working on a W.P. Carey MBA
- Jeff Sims – Graduated SP24 from Nebraska.
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