ASU Football: Keys to Victory at Colorado

Saturday, the ASU football team travels to Boulder, CO to play fellow PAC-12 South member, Colorado.  Kickoff is at 7 pm.

Some keys to victory in Colorado:

1) Get Jaelon Strong More Involved

Last week in New Mexico, Strong had a quiet game.  He only had a couple of receptions.  Granted one of them was for a touchdown in that torrid third quarter by the ASU offense.  But he needs to be targeted more.  Many observers on the outside looking in, (including Devils in Detail) are wondering why there is really any other option on third down other than to throw the back shoulder fade to Strong.  That may sound too simple, but the ASU offense should force teams to deal with Jaelon Strong, as opposed to viewing him as just another option.

2)  Straighten out Special Teams

This is beginning to be a recurring theme, unfortunately.  But the ASU kicking game absolutely must improve.  All phases are sub-standard right now.  The mentality on these special teams units has got to move from “let’s not screw it up” to “let’s dominate”.  Truthfully, special teams may not win or lose this game with Colorado.  But after that, special teams will be crucial.  Improvement– both technically and attitude-wise is paramount for this game.

3)  Hurry Liafau

Colorado QB Sefo Liafau is entering his first full season as Colorado’s starter.  He took over mid-season for the Buffaloes last year.  (Against ASU)  No doubt, he has more command of the offense this year, but he doesn’t appear to be extremely comfortable yet.  If ASU can rattle him in any way, they’ll win this game.  Coach Graham would prefer to get pressure on him with just his front four, but that’s probably not going to happen yet.  Liufau is a decent athlete, but he is not Brett Hundley.  Get him moving and it will be a long night for the Buffs.

4)  Identify Addison Gillam and Block Him

The only above average defender for Colorado is middle linebacker Addison Gillam.  He was a phenom last year as a freshman.  Guess what?  He’s still pretty darn good.  Gillam is a natural linebacker that reads, flows, pursues, fills and tackles extremely well.  ASU’s center (Nick Kelly) and two guards (Teofilo and Westerman) have got to be able to get a hat on #44 to neutralize him in the running game.

In the end, Colorado is not a very threatening football team right now.  They lost to Colorado State and eked out a road win against UMASS.  The Sun Devils should be more talented and solidified in their schemes than the Buffaloes.  But it’s a fresh season entering PAC-12 play.  Anything can happen.  ASU better not be looking past this game and eyeballing UCLA or they’ll get beat.