Video by Ian Beck and Stefan Modrich | Sports Editors
After dismantling the Weber State Wildcats in its home opener, No. 17 ASU gets its first road test of the season, in a matchup with the New Mexico Lobos 37 years in the making. In 1977, back when these teams last met, ASU topped then WAC rival New Mexico 45-20 at University Stadium. How do the Sun Devils stack up with their neighbors to the east this time around?
Quarterback
Senior Taylor Kelly, while he had his struggles, played well in the first half against Weber State. Kelly completed 18 of 27 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown pass. Kelly led five scoring drives in the first half before Graham handed the reins to redshirt junior Mike Bercovici.
New Mexico’s regular starting quarterback, junior Cole Gautsche, will not play Saturday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Lobos’ game against UTEP last week. Senior Clayton Mitchem will get the call after finishing last week’s game. Mitchem gained 67 yards through the air and ran six times for -4 yards.
EDGE: ASU
Running back
Junior DJ Foster was arguably ASU’s best player against Weber State, carrying the ball 15 times for 147 yards and three touchdowns, his final one coming on a 57 yard run to start the second half. Freshman Kalen Ballage gained 36 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, mostly in the second half and freshman Demario Richard picked up 24 yards on six carries late.
Redshirt junior Jhurell Pressley will have to pick up the slack for the injured quarterback Gautsche running the ball. In a triple option attack, all players have to be ready to carry the ball consistently. Pressley and sophomore Teriyon Gipson combined for 155 yards on 22 carries and will need to carry a bigger load Saturday.
EDGE: ASU
Wide receiver/tight end
Junior Jaelen Strong was a man among boys Thursday against Weber State, coming away with 10 catches for 146 yards in the first half, cementing his role as the No. 1 receiver for the Sun Devils. Redshirt junior Gary Chambers and redshirt freshman Ellis Jefferson each caught a touchdown against the Wildcats and eight players caught at least one pass.
New Mexico does not usually utilize its receiving options, throwing just nine passes against UTEP. Redshirt senior Jeric Magnant caught two passes for 31 yards, pacing the Lobos in both categories. New Mexico almost exclusively runs the ball, so outside skill positions are mostly ignored.
EDGE: ASU
Offensive line
The Sun Devil offensive line was able to control the line of scrimmage for most of their opener against Weber State, averaging nearly six yards per carry against the Wildcats. ASU did allow one sack, but, overall, ASU dominated up front.
New Mexico ran for over 400 yards against UTEP, so obviously the offensive line played well for the Lobos. But, UTEP was able to record two sacks and nine tackles for a loss, which shows that the line is not as good as the 400 yards might indicate.
EDGE: ASU
Defensive Line
The ASU defensive line was able to keep Weber State stifled for most of the game, including a huge goal line stand to start the second quarter. Other than a 60-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, the Sun Devils held Weber State to under three yards per carry.
The Lobos could not generate a lot of pressure in their opener. Sophomore Cole Juarez was their best lineman, recording two tackles, one of which was for a loss. New Mexico’s front line needs to get more hits behind the line of scrimmage to stop the potent ASU attack.
EDGE: ASU
Freshman defensive back Armand Perry celebrates after stopping a run at a home game against Weber State on Aug. 28. ASU won against Weber State 45-14. (Photo by Alexis Macklin)Linebacker
Freshman sensation DJ Calhoun made an immediate impact for the Sun Devils, registering five total tackles, including one for a loss, and batting down a pass. Redshirt sophomore Salamo Fiso led the team in tackles against Weber State and contributed a sack. The linebackers will have to play their assignments well to stop the triple option attack of the Lobos.
Sophomore Dakota Cox made 17 total tackles last week against UTEP to pace the Lobos as well as assisting on a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Redshirt freshman Kimmie Carson made seven tackles as well to help out in the running game.
EDGE: ASU
Secondary
Other than a scoring drive in the third quarter, the young ASU secondary rendered Weber State helpless in the passing game, holding sophomore quarterback Billy Green to under 50 percent passing. Against a run heavy attack of New Mexico, the focus will turn to tackling over coverage.
Redshirt senior SaQwan Edwards made five total tackles with two and a half coming in the backfield in the loss to UTEP. The Lobos did hold the Miners to just over 100 yards passing, but the explosive Sun Devil passing attack will present a different set of problems.
EDGE: ASU
Special teams
Sophomore kicker Zane Gonzalez made all seven of his attempts against the Wildcats, but he was the lone bright spot on the special teams unit. Senior kicker Alex Garoutte struggled on kickoffs, kicking one out of bounds and allowing big returns on others, and sophomore punter Matt Haack was shaky on punts.
Redshirt junior kicker Zack Rogers excelled across the board for the Lobos in their opening game, nailing a 35-yard field goal in his lone attempt, making all three of his PAT attempts and averaging 58 yards on two punts.
EDGE: NEW MEXICO
Overall EDGE: ASU
The Sun Devils will head into New Mexico looking to tack on another win to head into conference play at 2-0 and should be able to do so relatively easily. New Mexico does not appear to be in the same class as ASU and that should be proven on Saturday.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Tonis_The_Tiger
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