ASU Football: First half analysis of Sun Devils leading UTSA 28-0

ASU football holds a 28-0 lead over UTSA at halftime, and certain Sun Devil players and units stood out in the first half.

The Herm Edwards era couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start, with the Sun Devils scoring two touchdowns within the first three minutes of the game.

After the first 30 minutes of the 2018 season, the Sun Devils hold a 28-0 lead, and there are many things to take away from the first half.

N’Keal Harry picked up right where he left off

Harry came into the season expected to be the star of the team, and he showed that on the first drive of the game. On the opening drive, he caught two passes for 79 yards, the latter being a 58-yard touchdown reception.

Harry finished the first half with four receptions for 93 receiveing yards and a touchdown.

More snaps under center

In the first 30 minutes of the Herm Edwards era, Sun Devils saw something that was lacking in Todd Graham’s tenure — Manny Wilkins lining up directly behind center.

Under Edwards, the Sun Devils were expected to run a more pro-style offense, and this was shown by some of the first half’s offensive schemes. If Wilkins continues to line up behind center, expect to see increased reliance on Eno Benjamin and the running game.

Return teams looked shaky

ASU’s punt return struggled last year, and the communication did not look any better on the team’s first punt return of the 2018 season. Brandon Aiyuk fumbled and eventually recovered the first punt he fielded in the first half.

Because the Roadrunners didn’t score in the half, they only kicked off to start the game. But on the first return, Isaiah Floyd returned the kick for just 12 yards to the 19-yard line.

Nothing tragic happened, but the first few returns of 2018 showed there is still work to be done.

Lots of penalties

While it didn’t cost ASU significantly in the first half, the Sun Devils were troubled by penalties.

The Sun Devils committed eight penalties for 85 yards, including a Jalen Harvey targeting call, which led to his ejection. If not for careless penalties, ASU would likely hold an even larger lead.

Defense took no prisoners

ASU’s defense made a statement in UTSA’s opening drive when Shannon Forman returned an interception for a touchdown on the second Roadrunner snap. The Sun Devils also forced a turnover in the second quarter when Darius Slade forced and recovered a fumble when UTSA was driving.

Besides penalties, the Sun Devil defense was stout, allowing just 77 yards. In particular, Chase Lucas, Kobe Williams and Forman stood out amongst a defense that allowed just zero points.