ASU Football: Behind Enemy Lines with San Diego State

After defeating Michigan State, ASU football hits the road for a game against SDSU, so we interviewed an Aztec source to get an inside look.

For this week’s behind enemy lines, we interviewed Abraham Jewett, the sports editor of The Daily Aztec, San Diego State University’s student newspaper. Jewett gave his thoughts on everything from SDSU’s strengths and weaknesses to his prediction for the game.

Following up two great running backs, how does Juwan Washington compare to Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny?

Washington is an elusive back who has a body type and running style more similar to Pumphrey. He had success as Penny’s backup last season and has shown already that he is capable of being the focal point of the offense.

Without Christian Chapman, what can we expect from his replacement, Ryan Agnew?

The loss of Chapman hurts, but Agnew is a capable backup who is more agile and arguably has the stronger arm. What Agnew lacks is experience, as this will be his first collegiate start. If Agnew can shake off any nerves and play at a level he is capable of, he should set the Aztecs up in a good position to win.

While last week was the first SDSU home game, ASU is a much higher-caliber opponent than Sacramento State. What can we expect from the home crowd?

It should be a packed house at SDCCU Stadium.

Michigan State’s defense shut down Eno Benjamin and Isaiah Floyd in the ASU backfield last week. SDSU’s run defense is one of the best in the nation, so what should fans expect from the ASU running game?

SDSU has an aggressive defense which attacks the backfield and finishes tackles. The team limited to Bryce Love to under two yards per carry, and I expect them to have similar success against the Sun Devils tailbacks.

Other than the run defense and Washington, what is the biggest strength of this team?

A promising area for the Aztecs is their receiving core. Tim Wilson Jr. has shown he can make big plays, tight end Kahale Warring has pro-caliber size and Fred Trevillion has the speed to get behind any defense. It will be interesting to see how Agnew utilizes the weapons at his disposal.

What is SDSU’s biggest weakness?

The secondary.

What is your prediction for Saturday’s game?

SDSU comes out hungry for a second consecutive victory, while the Sun Devils suffer a Spartan-induced hangover. Aztecs win 28-24.