Quarterback
Until last week, WSU hadn’t started a true freshman quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1990. True freshman Jeff Tuel started in last week’s 52-6 loss to Oregon and didn’t last past the first quarter after getting injured on a sack. He should be ready to go on Saturday
It appears ASU quarterback Danny Sullivan survived the firestorm for his job for at least another week, though freshman Brock Osweiler will get action, according to coach Dennis Erickson.
EDGE: Draw
Running back
One of WSU’s top playmakers, junior James Montgomery, went down with an injury two weeks ago.
WSU has relied on senior Dwight Tardy and sophomore Logwone Mitz, and both have averaged 3.5 yards per carry.
ASU’s running game never got on track against OSU. After putting up good numbers in two straight games, senior Dimitri Nance averaged only 2.7 yards per carry in the loss and looked stuck in mud son on a reception in the third quarter —perhaps the reason sophomore Ryan Bass had the opportunity on the next possession.
Bass’ critical and questionable-upon-review fumble deep in OSU territory put him back on the bench.
EDGE: ASU
Receiver/ Tight end
WSU freshman receiver Gino Simone had eight receptions in the Cougars’ loss to USC two weeks ago. Opposite Simone is junior Daniel Blackledge who leads the team in receptions with 15.
Blackledge could be a scratch this Saturday, however, with a hip injury.
Sophomore slot receiver Jared Karstetter has 14 receptions and senior tight end Tony Thompson has been of little relevance in the passing game.
ASU got career highs in receptions from senior go-to wide receiver Chris McGaha (15) and sophomore Gerell Robinson (6) against OSU.
EDGE: ASU
Offensive line
The WSU offensive line was decimated by injury before the season started and five players high on the depth chart are down.
Senior center Kenny Alfred has been named WSU player of the week three consecutive times. The all-important left side is manned by two freshmen, and the WSU has yielded 18 sacks and produced only three yards a carry.
ASU’s offensive line rotation has been a game of musical chairs, and the unit did not have a great game against OSU, allowing consistent pressure on Sullivan and little running room. Sophomore Garth Gerhart should get his first action of the season on Saturday.
EDGE: ASU
Defensive line
WSU starts two freshman at defensive end and two juniors at tackle.
Freshman defensive end Travis Long leads the team with two sacks.
It’s hard to say much positive about a group that has played its part in allowing opponents more than 500 yards per game.
While ASU’s defense is third in the country in total yardage allowed, their lack of pressure on the quarterback created big-play opportunities for OSU’s offense last week.
With only one sack from the defensive line this year, sophomore James Brooks and Co. should break through this week. If not, this could be the last time we predict a “sackfest” from what may be an over-hyped unit.
EDGE: ASU
Linebackers
WSU sophomore linebacker Louis Bland led the team in tackles against Oregon last week without starting. Sophomore middle linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis has 32 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble, but it’s another unit for WSU stricken with injury and poor play.
Senior Mike Nixon continues his solid play, leading the team with 24 tackles. The unit, if unfurled, has a chance to take over the game against an inferior WSU offense this week.
EDGE: ASU
Secondary
Some of the hopes for WSU’s future defensive turnaround are pinned on redshirt freshman cornerback Terrance Hayward.
The 6-foot cornerback had nine tackles, two for loss, against Oregon last week.
Juniors Brandon Jones and Chima Nwachukwu both have interceptions on the year.
ASU senior safety Jarrell Holman made his third interception in two weeks, a great one-handed play.
The Sun Devil secondary yielded critical big plays against OSU last week, but it isn’t facing anyone that resembles James Rodgers this week.
EDGE: ASU
Special teams
WSU junior kicker Nico Graso has made five of eight attempts on the year.
Cougar junior punter Reid Forrest, arguably WSU’s best player, has seven punts of 50 yards or more and has pinned 11 inside the 20.
Freshman Bobby Wenzig has performed admirably in place of junior Thomas Weber, with three makes in four attempts since taking over against Louisiana-Monroe.
Wenzig hasn’t produced great numbers on kickoffs with a 55-yard average, but he seemed to improve his distance last week against OSU.
ASU has a big advantage in the return game, with Williams close to 100 percent.
EDGE: ASU
Overall EDGE: ASU
