The Herm Edwards era begins in earnest Saturday asASU footballhosts UTSA in their first meeting since the Sun Devils defeated the Roadrunners in 2016.
Arizona State finally begins the 2018 season Saturday night against UTSA in a freshly-renovated Sun Devil Stadium.
The Sun Devils underwent a number of changes, specifically on the coaching staff with Herm Edwards taking over as head coach. ASU also has new coordinators with Rob Likens on the offensive side and Danny Gonzales on the defensive side.
One thing that is unchanged is Arizona State’s two best players are back in quarterbackManny Wilkinsand wide receiverN’Keal Harry.
Wilkins started every game last season after an injury-filled 2016 season throwing for 3,270 yards and 20 touchdowns earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors.
Harry, a projected first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was named a preseason AP second-team All-American after tallying 1,142 and eight touchdowns last season as a sophomore.
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The running back will have a new-look this season after the graduationsKalen BallageandDemario Richardand will lean onEno Benjaminand Isaiah Floyd, who has been a standout in fall camp, to carry the rock.
Defensively, the Sun Devils get arguably their best pass rusher back inKoron Crumpafter receiving a medical redshirt last season. Crump entered last season with a goal of earning a sack a game and he was achieving that pace until getting injured against Texas Tech in Week 3.
The secondary will have their top two corners back inChase Lucasand Kobe Williams with Lucas looking to have a breakout season after earning Second Team All-Pac-12.
ASU’s linebacker core will be down one asJay Jay Wilsonis out for Saturday’s game after being suspended for a violation of team rules.
Coming to Tempe is the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners who are coming off a 6-5 season missing out on a bowl game.
UTSA lost its best player in defensive endMarcus Davenport, who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Despite his deaprture, UTSA will still sport a stingy defense after finishing in the top-10 nationally in many defensive categories.
Offensively, UTSA has a new quarterback withDalton Sturmgraduated. The new signal-caller is Cordale Grundy, a JUCO transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.
The Roadrunners will rely on running backJalen Rhodes, who ranks third on the school’s all-time rushing list with 1,728 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Arizona State will hope to not overlook UTSA before their big home game next week against No. 11 Michigan State, who eked out a seven-point win over Utah State Friday night.
Broadcast Information:
Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: FS1
Stream:FoxSportsGo.comand the Fox Sports Go app
Broadcast Team: Chris Myers andJames Laurinaitis
Arizona State played only one game last season on FS1 which was a 30-10 road win over Utah.
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