ASU Football: Keys to Victory over New Mexico
By Mike Slifer
For ASU’s game on Saturday in Albuquerque, here are some keys to victory for the Sun Devils:
1) Stick With Your Assignment
Defensively, this applies to every game against every opponent. But playing assignment football is absolutely critical when trying to stop a triple option football team. The option offers three different points of attack as well as a pass option. If the defense gets lazy, confused or greedy, they’ll give up some big chunks of yards.
2) Rattle the Quarterback
This needs to be taken literally. Right now it appears that New Mexico will be playing their second string quarterback. Regardless, whoever is taking the snaps for the Lobos needs to be punished. Nothing will discourage a quarterback in the triple option offense more than getting hit hard in the mustache on every play. The Sun Devil defense needs to get in the quarterback’s grill and rattle him both physically and mentally.
3) Tilt the Field
Special teams is critical in road games. Against New Mexico, who runs the option, it will be crucial to create a long field for their offense. The Lobos offense is a grind-it-out type of attack. They don’t really have a quick strike, big play type of offense. The farther they have to drive the ball, the greater chances ASU has to get stops. The punt and kickoff cover teams need to get after it and pin New Mexico deep in their own territory to make the Lobos drive the ball for 15 plays to get into the red zone.
4) Use the Tempo on Offense
Tempo on offense will be important in this game. New Mexico doesn’t have the depth and the talent to keep up with ASU’s offense. If the Sun Devil’s get into their hurry-up tempo, snapping the ball every 30 seconds, the New Mexico defense should get gassed quickly and be susceptible to being pushed around. Offensive tempo will be a big key to success.
This is the final tune-up for ASU. The rhythm and tempo of the offense needs to established. Starting roles, backup roles, special teams roles and third down roles need to be established. And this defense needs to earn their swagger this week. When they return from New Mexico Saturday night (presumably with a victory) it’s “go time” with PAC-12 play.