Quarterbacks
Utah State junior Travis Cox had a mediocre opening two games in his first season as a starter. He has completed just 48.6 percent of his passes for 458 yards in an offense that heavily favors the pass. ASU junior Andrew Walter started his quest for the Heisman Trophy after completing 60 percent of his throws with four touchdowns and no picks last week against NAU. Look for the Sun Devils to open up their playbook more this week, meaning even bigger numbers for Walter. Edge: ASU
Running backs
Neither team's strength is running the football, but the Sun Devils will make more of an attempt than the Aggies will. Utah State senior tailback David Fiefia has gained 114 yards in two games. ASU will continue to test out all of its five tailbacks. Redshirt freshman Loren Wade will get the starting nod and could have a breakout game after rushing for 64 yards last week. Edge: ASU
Receivers
Aggie senior tight end Chris Cooley is a dangerous weapon on offense as he also plays fullback. Senior wide receiver Chris Stallworth has caught for 121 yards in two games. ASU will return starting junior wide-out Daryl Lightfoot, who could have a huge game. Look for senior Skyler Fulton and sophomores Moey Mutz and Derek Hagan to all pull down passes. Edge: ASU
Offensive line
Utah State has five senior starters on their offensive line, although none of the five has more than one year of experience. The Sun Devils return every starter from last season as well as a number of newcomers who regularly rotate in. The inside is particularly solid. Look for junior center Drew Hodgdon and senior right guard Regis Crawford to dominate in the trenches. Edge: ASU
Defensive line
The Aggies have not had a sack this season as they play just three down linemen. Sophomore tackle Michael Gates leads the group with 11 tackles. The Sun Devils put an extra emphasis on rushing the quarterback this week in practice, so look for Cox to be chased, especially by ends Jimmy Verdon and Nick Johnson. Edge: ASU
Linebackers
Utah State has much more of an emphasis at the position with four linebackers, while ASU only plays two. Aggie junior Robert Watts leads the team with 26 tackles. But ASU's two starters are better athletes and better players. Sophomore Jamar Williams was voted a team captain after making seven tackles last week. Edge: Even
Secondary
The Aggies have a solid secondary as they start three seniors and one junior. Senior cornerback Mark Estelle has 10 tackles and an interception this season. Redshirt freshman Terrance Washington is second on the team with 18 tackles, although he is not listed as a starter. The Sun Devils should be better defending the pass this week after being hit by cramps and injuries last week. Junior strong safety Riccardo Stewart continues his strong pace from last season as he registered 10 tackles against NAU. Edge: ASU
Overall
Despite a disappointing outing last week, the Sun Devils are still ranked No. 16 in the country. The Aggies are ranked dead last in some polls amongst Division I teams. They are 0-2 and will be 0-3 after Saturday. Edge: ASU
Compiled by Christopher Drexel
Reach the reporter at christopher.drexel@asu.edu.
