Quarterbacks
Edge: ASU
Like ASU's last opponent, Cal Poly, New Mexico prides itself on a triple-option attack. However, the Lobos use more of a spread look and their quarterback, Lamar Jordan, has shown that he can be efficient when forced to throw the football (15-for-21 with 244 passing yards and a touchdown with an interception this season).
That said, the edge still goes to ASU redshirt senior Mike Bercovici, who threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns with an interception against Cal Poly. Expect him to exceed that yardage total on Friday night as he improves his timing with his receivers.
Running backs
Edge: ASU
The absence of sophomore Kalen Ballage and redshirt junior De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes will certainly put ASU's running game to the test, but sophomore Demario Richard thrived when taking the majority of the carries last game (25 carries for a career-high 121 yards and two touchdowns).
New Mexico has a variety of weapons in the running game with Jordan, Daryl Chestnut and Jhurell Pressley, but none compare favorably to Richard.
Wide receivers
Edge: ASU
ASU's passing game has been far from perfect, but it still showcased some of its weapons in last week's 35-21 win in redshirt senior Devin Lucien (seven catches for 79 yards against Cal Poly), senior D.J. Foster (18 touches for 134 yards and a touchdown), redshirt junior Kody Kohl (three catches, 40 yards and a touchdown) and redshirt junior Tim White (three touches for 82 yards and a touchdown).
Offensive line
Edge: New Mexico
ASU's offensive line has struggled this season and is still fluid at the right tackle position between redshirt senior Billy McGehee and redshirt freshman Sam Jones. On the other hand, New Mexico has allowed just eight sacks in two games, and have created a good push in the triple-option run game in averaging 281.5 yards per game.
Defensive line
Edge: ASU
This battle is much more closely contested than originally anticipated. The injury to junior defensive tackle Ami Latu means that a majority of interior defensive line snaps will be left to redshirt senior Demetrius Cherry and sophomore Tashon Smallwood. While certainly capable, both fell off down the second quarter stretch after Latu went out. Expect ASU to run a lot of set involving just two down linemen, with redshirt senior Mo Latu possibly getting some snaps to plug up the middle.
Linebackers
Edge: ASU
If the media were to vote on ASU's MVP through two games, it would not be a surprise to see sophomore linebacker Christian Sam selected. He leads the team with 23 total tackles (3.5 for a loss) and three sacks with a forced fumble. The rest of ASU's linebacker corps has largely lived up to expectations, particularly redshirt junior "Spur" linebacker Laiu Moeakiola (18 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and a sack).
Defensive backs
Edge: ASU
ASU's secondary is also struggling with injuries, as sophomore field safety Armand Perry spent the entire week of practice in a walking boot and crutches. In his place will likely be either sophomore Chad Adams or true freshman Kareem Orr, but the experience around them in seniors Jordan Simone, Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi Brown should allow the "next man up" to make a smooth transition.
Special teams
Edge: ASU
Junior kicker Zane Gonzalez missed a 28-yard field goal against Cal Poly, but remains one of the top kickers in the Pac-12 and is one of the strengths of this unit. Junior Matt Haack drew rave reviews from head coach Todd Graham for his punting this past week, and the return game appears to have a little bit of life in it yet. The next error to fix? Untimely penalties.
Overall
Edge: ASU
Related Links:
ASU football freshman Kareem Orr could be forced into first career start
ASU football's Mike Bercovici the latest Sun Devil quarterback to pooch punt
Reach the reporter at fardaya@asu.edu or follow @fardaya15 on Twitter.
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