ASU Football: Offense Will Live or Die by Run Game

The ASU football quarterback competition is getting a lot of coverage, but it’s the running game that will dictate how successful the offense is next season.

The ASU football offseason has been an eventful one to say the least.

Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey left Arizona State after just one season to take the same position at Auburn. Coming in to replace Lindsey is Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier to take over as the new offensive coordinator. While working at Alabama, the Crimson Tide were carried by a strong running game and big-play wide receivers.

Historically, Alabama have had running backs like Derrick Henry, Bo Scarbrough, T.J. Yeldon, and Mark Ingram who led the Crimson Tide into an offensive juggernaut despite not having the greatest of quarterbacks.

Napier will look to replicate that offensive model with the Sun Devils.

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Arizona State’s offense in the beginning of the season was carried by the play of running backs Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage.

Ballage, of course, had a memorable 8-touchdown performance against Texas Tech.

From that point on, however, the running game really lagged in part due to the revolving door at quarterback.

The running game led by Ballage and Richard is the strongest part of Arizona State’s offense.

The Sun Devils have arguably the best running back tandem in the conference and one of the best in nation.

With an effective quarterback and stability at that position, it will allow Ballage and Richard to flourish in the offense.

Another positive is the inexperienced offensive line has a year under its belt and they will be better run blockers this season now having gone through a season.

In order for the Sun Devils to have success offensively, they need to have an effective running game and they have one in Ballage and Richard.

Arizona State has the potential to have an explosive offense, no matter who the quarterback is, next season with N’Keal Harry poised to build off a highly successful freshman season and continuity at running back.

Throw in top-recruit Eno Benjamin and the Sun Devils have a lot of depth in the backfield.

Next: ASU Football: Accountability is Key to 2017 Season

While the quarterback position is important, Arizona State’s offense should be centered the running game as that is an area where they will have the upper-hand all season.