Last season ASU finished 5-7 and pundits largely see the Sun Devils hovering around that mark in 2017, perhaps narrowly avoiding a third consecutive losing season.
What do you expect from the Arizona State offense this season?
On paper, this is a unit that should be scoring 35-40 points a game. Running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard are two of the most proven Pac-12 players in their position. If they can provide the quality of a ground attack that is expected, everything else should fall quite nicely into place for the Sun Devil offense. Their offensive line must step up to the plate though, not only run blocking but also in their pass protection abilities that were an issue in 2016.
No matter who?s the quarterback behind center, that individual should be able to take advantage of a talented and deep wide receiver group, led by last year?s freshman All-American N?Keal Harry and speedster John Humphrey. Versatile tight end Jay Jay Wilson will also be a weapon in ASU?s aerial attack. As always, the play of the offensive line will largely dictate how effective this ASU offense can be.
What concerns about New Mexico State does Arizona State coaches have this week?
Naturally, Larry Rose will be the focal point of any defense the Aggies will face. If he played in all 12 games last year, he more than likely would have a third consecutive year of a 1,000 rushing yards which is a rare feat in college football. As mentioned, potent rushing attacks did give this ASU defense fits last year and with the Sun Devils loading up the box, first-year corners could be heavily tested by New Mexico State?s passing game.
Another concern that may not be limited to New Mexico State but just to the timing of the game, is the fact that ASU has two new coordinators along with a handful of new assistants. It?s anybody?s guess how smooth the in-game communication flow will be for a group that for the most part has never worked with each other.
What do you expect from the Arizona State offense this season?
On paper, this is a unit that should be scoring 35-40 points a game. Running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard are two of the most proven Pac-12 players in their position. If they can provide the quality of a ground attack that is expected, everything else should fall quite nicely into place for the Sun Devil offense. Their offensive line must step up to the plate though, not only run blocking but also in their pass protection abilities that were an issue in 2016.
No matter who?s the quarterback behind center, that individual should be able to take advantage of a talented and deep wide receiver group, led by last year?s freshman All-American N?Keal Harry and speedster John Humphrey. Versatile tight end Jay Jay Wilson will also be a weapon in ASU?s aerial attack. As always, the play of the offensive line will largely dictate how effective this ASU offense can be.
What concerns about New Mexico State does Arizona State coaches have this week?
Naturally, Larry Rose will be the focal point of any defense the Aggies will face. If he played in all 12 games last year, he more than likely would have a third consecutive year of a 1,000 rushing yards which is a rare feat in college football. As mentioned, potent rushing attacks did give this ASU defense fits last year and with the Sun Devils loading up the box, first-year corners could be heavily tested by New Mexico State?s passing game.
Another concern that may not be limited to New Mexico State but just to the timing of the game, is the fact that ASU has two new coordinators along with a handful of new assistants. It?s anybody?s guess how smooth the in-game communication flow will be for a group that for the most part has never worked with each other.
