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ASU Football: Scouting Report, Washington State Cougars

By Hunter Robinson

Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a disappointing road loss, the Sun Devils return home looking to become bowl-eligible with a win over the red-hot Washington State Cougars.

The Sun Devils had trouble against the Cougars last season, losing that game 38-24 on the road. In order for ASU to avenge last season’s loss, there are some players that ASU needs to watch out for.

1. Quarterback Luke Falk

The Sun Devils should have no issue remembering him from last season, as he tore up the defense. He ended last season’s game with 497 passing yards and a touchdown. Falk benefits from being in an air-raid offense, but he has the arm to succeed in that sort of system. If ASU doesn’t make sure they put some pressure on Falk then they could be looking at a stat line similar to that of last year’s game.

Falk is the whole offense for Washington State. If you are able to shut him down, their offense is done. A big part in shutting Falk down is making it so he has no receivers to go to. Staying tight on assignments will be key for an ASU secondary that has had some up-and-down games the past few weeks. If they can recreate how they played against UCLA, then they will be in a good situation.

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2. Defensive Lineman Hercules Mata’afa

Mata’afa is a pro at getting in the backfield and getting to the quarterback. He leads the team with three sacks on the season, and he also leads the team with 9.5 tackles-for-loss. Mata’afa is the type of player that can change the whole outcome of the game with a single tackle, as chances are that tackle is going to be behind the line of scrimmage.

The best way to stop Mata’afa is to double team him by making sure their is a running back in the backfield on passing plays to act as an additional blocker. By adding that extra blocker, it will slow down Mata’afa so that Manny Wilkins can have a few more moments to find his receiver.

These two players for Washington State are the MVPs of their respective units. If ASU doesn’t take care of both of these players and it is going to be a very long night for the Sun Devils and their fans.

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