ASU Football: Previewing 2018 non-conference opponents

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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Christian Chapman #10 of the San Diego State Aztecs drops back to pass during the second half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Aztecs defeated the Sun Devils 30-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Arizona State at San Diego State – Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network

In their final non-conference opponent of the regular season, ASU will head to the sunny beaches of San Diego to face off against the San Diego State Aztecs for the Sun Devils only out of conference road opponent of the season.

Last season, the Aztecs went into Tempe and defeated ASU 30-20 en route to an impressive 10-3 season that culminated in an appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl against a Navy side that defeated them 42-35.

This season, SDSU will see the return of third year starting quarterback Christian Chapman who last season posted 138.6 passer rating to go along with 1873 passing yards.

Despite Chapman’s experience under center, the Aztecs signal caller lost his top two weapons from a season ago in Rashaad Penny and Micah Holder.

Penny in particular out of the backfield had 23 rushing touchdowns a season ago en route to becoming a first round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Fred Trevillion, as well as a host of other talented young weapons, should keep the offense at a respectably high level in 2018 despite the loss of Penny and Holder.

Although SDSU was weakened by departures on the offensive end, defensively this team should improve from a season ago as the Aztecs see five of their top seven tacklers return for 2018.

Defensive tackle Noble Hall will be a name to watch as the big man led his team in tackles for loss last season.

In the secondary, the Aztecs lose a pair of starters, but see the return of junior cornerback Ron Smith who finished 10th in the FBS last season in passes defended with 18.

Safety Tariq Thompson, who got the starting safety spot as a freshman last season, looks to improve as well.

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Of the three non-conference opponents, San Diego State is easily the closest to the Sun Devils in terms of talent and skill, but even with former defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales now roaming the sidelines for ASU, the Aztecs should be the slight favorites in this game given the home field advantage.

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