ASU Football: Arizona State at Colorado Preview

After a strong defensive performance versus UCLA, Arizona State heads to Boulder for a pivotal Pac-12 South game at Colorado.

The Sun Devils head to Boulder for a chance to control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South. ASU is coming off a 23-20 win versus UCLA last Saturday. Quarterback Brady White performed admirably in his first career start before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a season-ending ankle injury. White finished with 179 passing yards and a touchdown with wide receiver Tim White having a career game with 11 receptions and 123 yards.

The running game got back on track after their poor performance versus USC, as the Sun Devils combined for 104 rushing yards with Demario Richard leading the way with 66 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was a sluggish first half for the Sun Devils, combining for only 68 yards on 34 plays. The score was tied at three at halftime, but the offense got going in second half with 20 points and gaining 207 yards.

With the offense lighting up the scoreboard this season, it was the Sun Devils defense and special teams that led them to victory. The defense was active all night putting pressure on UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who left the game twice due to injury. Backup quarterback Mike Fafaul came in and struggled, throwing for only 44 yards on three-of-11 passing and threw two crucial interceptions. The Sun Devils defense got five sacks and forced four turnovers. Linebacker Marcus Ball was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-high ten tackles.

The night was headlined by kicker Zane Gonzlaez’s record-setting performance, converting three field goals and setting the all-time FBS record for most career field goals (89). His field goals was the difference as UCLA kicker J.J. Molson missed a pair of field goals. ASU punter Matt Haack was busy and effective, punting nine times for an average of 44.1 yards a punt.

More from Devils in Detail

After a complete team win, the Sun Devils now face a surprising Colorado Buffaloes team. The Buffaloes are coming off their first conference loss last week at USC, falling 21-17. Colorado quaterback Steven Montez finished with 197 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Running back Phillip Lindsay had the greatest offensive output for Colorado finishing with 105 receiving yards. Wide receiver Bryce Bobo also had a good game with 83 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown and a 67-yard touchdown pass.

It’s taken time for Colorado to emerge as a player in the Pac-12. Head coach Mike MacIntyre has gone through a long rebuild, but the Buffaloes are a legit contender in the Pac-12 South. Colorado is ranked second in Pac-12 in total offense (3,027 total yards) and rank fifth in points per game (38.8). On the defensive side, they boast the third best scoring defense, allowing only 20.7 points a game, and the second best total defense, allowing 331.8 yards a game.

With quarterback Manny Wilkins expected to start after missing last week’s game with an injury, the Sun Devils will look to get back to themselves on offense. ASU has managed to only score 20 and 23 points the last two weeks after averaging 50.3 points in the first four weeks of the season. If Wilkins is back, the playbook should be back to normal and any play should be available. It’s important for the running game to be more effective this week. Ballage and Richard haven’t had breakout games the last two weeks, and if they can get going, it will take pressure off Wilkins. Colorado will be looking to get pressure Wilkins and test him moving around the pocket.

The decision-making of Wilkins will also be something to watch. Wilkins could be looking to stay in the pocket more and not run as often if he’s not at 100 percent. Last week, the wide receivers got more involved and expect the Sun Devils to continue to take shots down field and try to expose Colorado over the top.

The defense will hope to replicate the same recipe as last week. The front seven will look to put pressure on Montez and allow the ball-hawking secondary to make plays. The secondary will need to be on their game tonight when defending Lindsay and Bobo.

Next: ASU Football: Scouting Report, Colorado Buffaloes

Prediction:

Arizona State 34, Colorado 28. The Sun Devils will get pressure on Montez and stifle their offense. Ballage and Richard will get going, Tim White and N’Keal Harry will be active and Zane Gonzalez will net multiple field goals.

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