To help preview ASU football's upcoming game against UCLA, The State Press reached out to Daily Bruin Sports editor Tuanh Dam to answer our burning questions in scouting the Bruins. Check out The Daily Bruin's Q & A with Stefan Modrich here.
The State Press: Where has Josh Rosen seen his most growth midway through his second season?
The Daily Bruin: Sophomore Rosen is definitely better in controlling the offense and reading what the defense gives him. With Kennedy Polamalu at the helm and Noel Mazzone at Texas A&M, Rosen has more freedom to make his own plays, but he definitely struggled with that against Texas A&M in September. He threw 3 interceptions against the Aggies, but has only had one since then.
In the second half against Arizona last week, we really saw what Rosen was capable of. He took the offense down the field five times and scored on all five of them. It boils down to his decision making. He's been getting better and better at knowing where to throw the ball, reading the defense, and – most importantly – knowing how to handle the defensive pressure.
He's limited his turnovers and, although he sometimes has the tendency to chuck the ball up as he's getting sacked, he's better at trying to get it to a receiver or way off to the sideline. He hasn't gotten in a rhythm yet this season, but when he does, he'll be able to consistently make the big plays.
SP: In what areas does he need to improve?
DB: Decision making. He can always grow in decision making. Like I said, sometimes he tries to bail himself out of a potential sack and make the big play. Sometimes he's successful, other times he throws a poorly-timed interception to the middle of the field.
Sometimes he's just gotta take the lost yardage instead of risking an interception.
.@randallgoforth and the Bruin D was flyin' around the Rose Bowl last weekend. #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/0px8grk8vP
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) October 6, 2016
SP: How has Ishmael Adams's transition to offense gone and who are some of UCLA's top receiving threats without mainstays like Thomas Duarte around?
DB: His transition hasn't been as explosive as coaches or fans probably hoped. He's been consistent though as a playmaking receiver and rusher. His biggest play was on kickoff return last week, taking it for over 50 yards into Arizona territory.
The go-to wide receiver was the big question coming into this season. Darren Andrews and Kenny Walker lead the team in receptions, but plenty of other people have caught the ball as well. The Bruins can utilize multiple receivers to try and throw off the ASU defense, especially with their run game struggling.
SP: Given the recent history of this matchup and how the winner typically ends up a strong contender to eventually clinch the Pac-12 South, how are the Bruins approaching this game?
DB: They've given the same spiel about how it's just another game, they're focused on the ASU team this year and not the one they lost to last year, etc.
But I definitely think last year's loss sticks with them. It was the first college game Rosen lost, it was pretty much the beginning of the end– they went on to finish 8-5, the worst record in the Jim Mora era, their weaknesses were really exposed that weekend, basically it was not a good loss. Some of the players, linebacker Kenny Young, said that they've thought about how they should've won that game and are extra determined to win this week.
SP: And finally, your prediction?
DB: 31-17 Bruins. UCLA seems to be turning a corner and should have some momentum from last week's game. And it doesn't hurt that ASU's quarterback Manny Wilkins could be injured and out this weekend. Redshirt freshman Brady White might not have the experience to hang with Josh Rosen if Rosen gets out to a quick start. But really this game depends on the UCLA receivers. If they can consistently make the catches against the worst pass defense in the Pac-12, the Bruins should easily come out 2-0 in the Pac-12 South.
You can follow Tuanh at @tueydam on Twitter and @DBSports for Daily Bruin's coverage Saturday.
Reach the reporter at smodrich@asu.edu or follow @StefanJModrich on Twitter.
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