ASU Football: Slow Start Becomes a Fast Finish Against NAU

A summer full of questions finally came to end as the Arizona State Football team took the field against Northern Arizona and delivered several answers in a convincing 44-13 win.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Manny Wilkins was under center after a never-ending quarterback competition that was ultimately decided just days before the season kicked off.

Wilkins wasted no time igniting his team as its signal caller, leading a flawless seven play, 44-yard drive capped by the quarterback scampering for a 13-yard touchdown.

In his first career start, Wilkins had no problems elevating the ground game as he picked up 89 yards on 14 carries, including a 13-yard scamper to cap off the opening drive of the season.

As a passer, there were expected growing pains. He overcame an early interception to throw for 180 yards on 20 completions. Notably, there was clear chemistry between Wilkins and junior wide receiver Tim White.

Head Coach Todd Graham said, “He [Wilkins] made one bad decision throwing the interception but I like how he responded.

Sep 3, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) attempts to jump over Northern Arizona Lumberjacks safety Keith Graham (40) as linebacker Jake Thomas (44) tries to tackle during the second half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting in the slot after a strong 2015, White opened up the 2016 season with nine catches for 95 yards.

Wilkins’s lone touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver N’Keal Harry was eventually ruled a 34-yard rushing touchdown for Harry, the first score of his collegiate career.

As for the duo of junior running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard, both backs dominated as they combined for 29 carries, 134 yards and two touchdowns as NAU struggled to contain both ballcarriers.

Graham said, “ We want to be simple on offense. We feel that if we can run the ball, we can open up plays.

Despite the outcome, this contest was very tight throughout the first half. Leading NAU was redshirt sophomore quarterback Case Cookus. All game long, Cookus consistently picked apart the ASU secondary, finishing with 369 yards and a touchdown.

Aside from the numbers, Graham praised his defense and specifically stated sophomore defensive back Kareem Orr as a standout.

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Graham’s defense, despite not blitzing as frequently, only allowed 13 points while coming up with 10 tackles for loss and allowing 56 rushing yards.

Following a 31-point victory, the team now focuses its attention towards its Week 2 opponent, Texas Tech.

When asked about preparing for Texas Tech, redshirt sophomore defensive back Armand Perry said, “ We celebrate this win tonight and tomorrow we get back to work for Texas Tech.”

The non-conference victory begins the season on a positive note for the Sun Devils as they continue to progress into the remainder of their schedule.

With the 2016 football season official underway, Devils in Detail is the place to be. Stay with Devils in Detail for all the latest ASU football news, opinion, and more!

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