ASU Football: Halftime analysis as Michigan State leads 3-0

ASU football trails No. 15 Michigan State 3-0 at halftime as the Sun Devils haven’t gotten further than Michigan State’s 35-yard line.

It’s a slugfest in Tempe as No. 15 Michigan State lead Arizona State 3-0 at halftime.

The Spartans have had two long drives with one ending in a 37-yard field goal and the other in an interception of Dasmond Tautalatasi.

Here are some takeaways from the first half:

1. Bent but not break defense

The Sun Devils have actually outgained Michigan State 178-174, but the Spartans have sported a more balanced attack.

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke hasn’t been pressured a lot and has had time in the pocket to find space in the ASU secondary.

The Sun Devils will have to find a better way to put pressure on Lewerke while also closing up the running gaps for LJ Scott.

2. Offense was ultra-conservative

Arizona State’s offense has been very conservative in the first half as Wilkins has 17 completions for 159 yards. Most of the passes have been swing passes to the sidelines.

Wilkins needs to try to take more shots downfield. If they can complete chunk passes, that will open up the running for Eno Benjamin and Isaiah Floyd.

The Sun Devils also need to run the ball more as they’ve ran the ball 16 times for just 19 yards.

They need to find more creative ways to fire up the offense. One way could also be to get Wilkins to use his legs more. He didn’t start running until the end of the first half.

This game will be decided on who can capitalize on explosive plays. Wilkins has overthrown many deep passes and for a team lack of explosive plays, they need to convert them.

3. Arizona State needs to do better on early in the set of downs

Michigan State has done a much better job staying out of third down situations gaining 5.5 yards per play. Arizona State is averaging 4.5 yards per play.

The Spartans have had better play calling on first and second downs and have faced three fewer third downs than Arizona State.

ASU is moving quickly on offense to try to tire out a Michigan State defense not used to these conditions, but the Spartans haven’t really been tested.

That’ll need to change in the second half.