Redshirt junior defensive back Lloyd Carrington carries an interception for a touchdown against Notre Dame on Nov. 8, 2014. ASU defeated Notre Dame 55-31 at Sun Devil Stadium. (Photo by Andrew Ybanez)1. ASU pass defense vs. Sean Mannion
The Beavers' senior quarterback is easily their biggest on-field weapon. However, his receiving corps has been decimated since last season, having lost more than 2,500 receiving yards. The Beavers have, understandably, been far less of a pass-first team than in previous seasons but it remains their focus. Last season, Oregon State passed on 63.8 percent of its plays. This season, it's still more than half but down significantly at 54.1 percent. It's not Mannion vs. ASU's secondary because linebackers are going to play a large part of the Sun Devils' coverage. The Beavers utilize their tight ends more and better than any Pac-12 team. Wide receiver Victor Bolden leads the team in receptions, but he is followed by a tight end, Conner Hamlett, and a running back, Terron Ward. Each has 27 receptions.
It's difficult to speculate on what coach Todd Graham's defensive plan is because ASU decreased the media's access at practice. But freshman DJ Calhoun could play a more prominent role Saturday. He starts, usually as an extra rusher or QB spy, in ASU's nickel package, which should be used heavily against the Beavers' pass-heavy offense.
2. Todd Graham vs. Mike Riley
While Mannion is the Beavers' best on-field weapon, Mike Riley presents possibly the biggest threat to the Sun Devils on Saturday. Todd Graham has to out-coach Riley. It's as simple as that.
There's a reason Riley has headed the Beavers for now 14 seasons, even getting an NFL look early on in his tenure. His teams consistently outperform their talent levels, compiling a 92-78 record under Riley. The best Pac-12 comparison to Oregon State facilities and budget wise is Washington State. In the same timespan (1997-present), the Cougars have gone 91-123 (they've played more games because Riley wasn't at OSU for two seasons). Riley has been able to achieve consistent success — reaching eight bowl games in 13 seasons — at a school with the facilities and recruiting selling points of a mid-major.
Graham is well aware of this. He doesn't typically talk at length about an opponent in the prior week's postgame press conference, but he gave high praise of Riley instantly after ASU's win over Notre Dame. He's expanded more as the week has progressed, describing the Beavers similarly to how his own program is regarded: disciplined and physical with complex schemes.
3. ASU d-line vs. OSU o-line
The Sun Devils' front-seven had its best game of the season against Notre Dame. Well, maybe. The last five-game stretch has been pretty impressive as a whole. No opponent has rushed for more than 4.0 yards per carry since USC. But the group still had struggles getting after the quarterback, at least for as much as it blitzes. That finally changed against Notre Dame, when the Sun Devils sacked Everett Golson seven times.
The Beavers offensive line is equally, if not more, depleted than its receiving corps. They lost three starters from last season, and it's taken a toll. Mannion has already been sacked 28 times this season (about 7 percent of his drop backs). Last season, he was sacked 25 times all season (about 4 percent of his drop backs).
Reach the reporter at ewebeck@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @EvanWebeck
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