This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
How much mischief could the Sun Devils throw at Utah on Thursday night?
Since starting the season 4-0, Arizona State has taken quite a tumble down to fourth place in the Pac-12 South. But after dealing with injury after injury,http://bit.ly/2fbo3eN";> the Sun Devils appear to be healing up, with their starting quarterback in line to, you know, actually start. Other areas may be gelling up as well as ASU looks to become bowl-eligible this week — on Senior Night, no less.
I asked Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic to fill us in on some of the big storylines facing Arizona State this Thursday, and what might challenge the Utes.http://www.azcentral.com/staff/2934/doug-haller/";> You can read Haller's stories by clicking here, and https://twitter.com/DougHaller";>you can follow him on Twitter by clicking here. Here we go:
1. You reported that quarterbackhttp://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/asu/2016/11/06/practice-report-sunday-wilkins-line-return/93397906/";> Manny Wilkins was leading the first-team offense over the weekend. What are the chances that he starts, what skillset does he bring to the table that ASU has missed, and are there any possible lingering effects from his injury?
Doug Haller: All signs point to him starting Thursday. Will he be 100 percent? That's the unknown. When healthy, ASU's offense has been at its best. He's a dual-threat quarterback. Strong arm. Very athletic. He's hurdled four players this season while running the ball. He's fearless that way. Problem is, he hasn't been 100 percent in more than a month. He first hurt his ankle, missed a game, then returned, but couldn't move like he did before the injury. Then he injured his shoulder Oct. 22, which caused him to miss another game. From what we've seen in practice — which hasn't been much — he's moving fine. Not sure how well he's throwing the ball, though.
2. The rushing attack has two big weapons in Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage: How have the Sun Devils used this duo in recent weeks with all the quarterback injuries, and does one match up better with Utah than the other?
DH: Well, with Wilkins out/limited, teams have loaded the box, forcing freshman quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole to beat them. Sound strategy. My guess is opponents will continue to do this even with Wilkins back. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey does a nice job of getting Ballage and Richard involved in ASU's Wildcat formation (called the "Sparky", but there's only so many tricks he can pull out of his bag.
3. ASU has always liked a blitz heavy defense, but it seems the boom-or-bust nature has been more pronounced: The Sun Devils are No. 13 nationally in sacks, but No. 128 in passing defense. Does this season stand out in that regard, or is it usually this much of a risk/reward split?
DH: Actually, ASU hasn't blitzed nearly as much as it has in recent years; the passing defense is just that bad. Last year, the Sun Devils also ranked last nationally in passing defense, but then,the Sun Devils got beat often over the top or with breakdowns in coverage. This year, it's tackling issues. It seems like every game we see a receiver catch a 5-yard pass, break two tackles and run 50 yards to the end zone. In nine games, ASU has given up 12(!) scoring plays of 50-plus yards. Twelve. Think about that.
4. Todd Graham has talked about how impressive Utah's special teams are, but arguably ASU has won that match-up in recent years. What has been special about kicker Zane Gonzalez in his career as he's become the leading kicker in NCAA history? Also: Will Tim White play on Thursday?
DH: Gonzalez is having an All-American season. In addition to breaking the career record for made field goals, he's 20 of 21, having made 14 in a row. Entering this season, Gonzalez was 0 of 4 in his career from 50-plus yards. This year he's 6-7 with a long of 59 yards. Don't put him in position to win the game because he will. I'm not sure if Tim White plays on offense, but I'm confident he'll play on special teams. That's what he did in ASU's last game at Oregon.
5. Are there other key injuries/returns besides the ones you've mentioned http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/asu/2016/11/09/asu-football-vs-utah-scouting-report-and-prediction/93546724/";>that you believe could have a profound impact on the upcoming game?
DH: I don't think senior linebacker Salamo Fiso plays. He injured his knee Oct. 22 against Washington State and has not played since. He's a four-year starter and their best run stopper, so yeah, that could cause some problems. Last week they moved rush linebacker Koron Crump to Fiso's strong-side position. Crump is their best pass rusher, tied for third nationally with nine quarterback sacks, so moving him back basically makes ASU weaker at two spots.
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Thanks for the updates, Doug.
See you all Thursday night.
Twitter: @kylegoon