Quarterback
EDGE: Missouri
ASU redshirt sophomore quarterback Taylor Kelly has opened some eyes with his performance against Illinois.
Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell has done a great job molding a scheme that fits Kelly’s strengths. Coach Todd Graham consistently reminds the press he thought Kelly would be a third string quarterback in spring. The turnaround has been remarkable.
But Missouri gets the edge here.
Junior quarterback James Franklin is the Sun Devils’ defense first true test. He completed 61 percent of his passes against Georgia last Saturday and, as ASU knows from first-hand experience, Franklin is always a threat with his legs.
Running back
EDGE: ASU
Even as redshirt sophomore Deantre Lewis moved to defensive back this week, ASU is still deep at this position.
The only issue at the position: turnovers. Senior Cameron Marshall never cleanly had the football during the Sun Devils’ first possession last Saturday, which led to a turnover at the 1-yard line.
Missouri has bigger problems at the position as it tries to replace junior running back Henry Josey. He’s out for the season with a left knee injury.
Senior tailback Kendial Lawrence is healthy after a cracked fibula injury early last season. So far, he leads the running backs in carries, yards and touchdowns, but Franklin will likely remain as the largest rushing threat.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
EDGE: PUSH
Both receiving cores need to step it up this week.
ASU’s best receiver, junior tight end Chris Coyle put on a show last Saturday. He could have a similar performance against Missouri, but he’ll need someone from that group to show up as well.
Junior wide receiver Marcus Lucas has been the best receiver for the Tigers. After him is redshirt junior wide receiver L’Damian Washington. He had 69 of his 114 yards this season on one play.
Freshman wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was touted as the best player in the class of 2012, yet the Tigers hardly use him. It’ll be interesting to see if he displays that five-start talent Saturday.
Offensive Line
EDGE: ASU
The offensive line has been solid through two games. ASU dominated its first test against Illinois up front. Graham singled out redshirt junior center Kody Koebensky and redshirt sophomore guard Jamil Douglas.
Missouri will be without a few blockers on the offensive line. Redshirt senior left tackle Elvis Fisher sprained his MCL last Saturday and will be out for this game. Fisher is the fifth injury on the offensive line since August along with redshirt freshman tackle Taylor Chappell, redshirt senior guard Travis Ruth and senior guard Jack Meiners.
Meiners could play Saturday, but Missouri is still thin at the position. With the aggressive play of ASU’s defense this season, that will be the biggest battle to watch.
Defensive Line
EDGE: Missouri
Slight edge to Missouri here because the Tigers were able to hold Georgia to 113 yards rushing. The Tigers have two huge, 300-pound tackles in redshirt junior linemen Sheldon Richardson and Matt Hoch.
That’s not a knock on ASU’s front line, which has been an underrated group so far. Redshirt junior defensive tackle Will Sutton is arguably the best player on defense. He’s not big, but he’s quick and can get in the backfield to disrupt quarterbacks either on the end or as a tackle.
Linebackers
EDGE: PUSH
ASU freshman linebacker Carlos Mendoza had an impressive half filling in for redshirt senior Brandon Magee before he went down with a shoulder injury. Graham announced he’ll be out for the season — which is a blow to the team — but ASU will have Magee back.
Missouri redshirt senior linebacker Zaviar Gooden will miss Saturday’s game with a hamstring injury. He had 80 tackles, six for loss, last season. Redshirt junior Donovan Bonner will start in his place.
Secondary
EDGE: PUSH
ASU is desperate for the depth in the secondary. Graham raised some eyebrows moving Lewis to defensive back, and he could appear in several plays on Saturday. The Sun Devils’ secondary hasn’t had a true test. Watch how safeties Alden Darby and Keelan Johnson play Saturday against a duel-threat quarterback like Franklin.
Missouri cornerback E.J. Gaines is a physical corner that could have his way with ASU’s receivers. He’s arguably one of the Tigers’ best defensive players along with Richardson.
The Tigers allowed 242 passing yards last Saturday, however. Kelly won’t stretch a defense like Georgia’s elite quarterback Aaron Murray, but Kelly has had wide-open targets through the first two games.
Special Teams
EDGE: ASU
Illinois pinned Miles toward the sidelines during punt returns. The Fighting Illini didn’t want to see his explosive speed as a returner first hand.
As long as he’s back returning kickoffs and punts, ASU will always have a chance to score on special teams and teams are starting to respect that.
Overall: Missouri
How will ASU respond on its first road game in the Graham era? That remains to be seen, but this isn’t just any environment. It will be loud, and Graham prepared his players by pumping in crowd noise during practice this week.
The Tigers are coming off a blowout to Georgia and they’ll likely need this non-conference win if they want to make a bowl. It will be a close game, and both teams have a good shot at winning this game.
Missouri gets the nod because of home-field advantage.
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
