ASU Football: Texas Tech Roundtable

Ahead of the Texas Tech game, the Devils in Detail’s coverage team for the 2016 football season took it upon themselves to collectively give some thoughts on the game.

What is the X-factor for this game?

Zach: While he may not seem to be an obvious choice, I believe junior punter Matt Haack can truly dictate the special teams facet of the game. In just two attempts against Northern Arizona, Haack had punts of 36 and 33 yards, giving the Lumberjacks great field position on both occasions. Now, as the Sun Devils take on the high-octane offense of Texas Tech, it is crucial that the junior makes the most of his opportunities. This Red Raiders team is dangerous enough solely based off of their offensive weapons. Giving them a short field will only place more pressure on an inconsistent secondary.

Sam: Todd Graham’s decision of how often to blitz will decide the game. In the first half vs Northern Arizona, he blitzed frequently in the first half and led to multiple passes of big gains. At halftime, Graham made halftime adjustments and ASU were more disruptive in creating sacks, forcing incompletions and forcing short passes. Patrick Mahomes will throw the ball a ton tonight, and it will be interesting to see if he adapts to the game.

Hunter: The X-factor for this game will be the defensive line for ASU. Mahomes is a very good quarterback and he will take all the time you give him. The defensive line will need to get some pressure on Mahomes or else they will be leaving the secondary vulnerable to a quarterback with the ability to embarrass them. Even if the defensive line gets pressure on Mahomes, he has the ability to run. Making sure that the defense doesn’t over-commit to attacking the quarterback will be another huge factor in the game.

Who will have more offensive production, Manny Wilkins or Patrick Mahomes?

Zach: Given his experience, the pieces around him and by playing a team that gave up 88 plays of 20 or more yards in 2015, Mahomes is primed for a big night. Regarded as a dark horse for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Mahomes should feast on the ASU secondary. While it is likely sophomore quarterback Manny Wilkins will improve following his first career start, he should not match Mahomes.

Sam: Patrick Mahomes will have more offensive production because Texas Tech’s air raid offense is relied on his performance. Arizona State is a run first team as Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage’s success on the ground will open the passing game and other running lanes for Manny Wilkins.

Hunter: If we were talking just straight passing yards then I would go Mahomes all day long, but since we also have to take into account rushing yards, I’m going to go with Manny Wilkins. Wilkins is going to have a big night on the ground, but he will struggle through the air. I expect this to be a game where he relies mostly on his legs, and I think that will be a winning formula for him. Mahomes will have a lot through the air, but WIlkins will have a big night on the ground to go along with an okay night through the air.

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Who comes out on top, ASU or Texas Tech?

Zach: For the amount of offense we are going to see Saturday night, this game is going to come down to which team can get key stops on defense. The Sun Devils went for a more conservative approach last week, only blitzing four, but struggled to contain the deep ball nonetheless. I am still skeptical of the ASU secondary and I think Texas Tech will be able to out-throw the Sun Devils. My prediction is 45-42 TTU.

Sam: I predict a tight and high-scoring game, but I think Arizona State will squeak it out 42-38 over Texas Tech. The Sun Devils are more balanced offensively and having more options to generate offense will be critical. ASU’s defense have momentum from last week’s game and I think that will carry over into the game Saturday night. It will be important to be smart when deciding to blitz and not expose the secondary to gaping holes in the middle of the field.

Hunter: This game might be the best game of the season for the Sun Devils. They are facing a team that is right about at the same skill level as them, and that means this will be an exciting game for the fans. In the end, I think that ASU will grind out the victory, does anyone else think that 60 minutes may not be enough time? Final: ASU 38, Texas Tech 31.

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