ASU Football: Best, average and worst case scenarios against No. 10 Washington

ASU football looks to rebound from last week’s loss when they take on the 10th-ranked Huskies. Here are three scenarios that could play out.

The best scenarios don’t last forever.

Such was the case in last week’s loss against San Diego State, a defeat that decimated the momentum the Sun Devils carried the first two weeks. The offense couldn’t stay on the field, Juwan Washington shattered their top-ranked rush defense and ASU’s top-25 ranking disappeared shortly after its arrival.

But that was last week. Now, the Sun Devils have a chance to rebound against No. 10 Washington, a team they upset last season in Tempe. ASU has also won 11 of the last 12 meetings against the Huskies.

The team knows the challenge won’t be easy. UW is widely recognized as the Pac-12’s greatest team with Jake Browning at the helm and Myles Gaskin in the backfield. This potent offense is matched by a defense that’s given up 10 points since losing to Auburn in Week One.

If ASU is to pull off the victory, they’ll have to pressure Browning and control time of possession. Games are usually over as soon as UW gets a chance to stop a drive and extend one of their own.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at three scenarios that could play out in tonight’s game.

Best Case Scenario: Back in the spotlight

The Sun Devils continue their dominant history against Washington with an upset on the road. Not only does ASU improve to 1-0 in Pac-12 play, they secure a second victory over a top-15 opponent in the span of two weeks.

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Eno Benjamin returns with a huge game on the ground, recording over 120 yards rushing to sustain long, but consistent, drives. This allows Wilkins to not be as pass-heavy, allowing him to ease in to deep throws he’s missed in the first few weeks.

Last week affirmed Danny Gonzales‘ defense isn’t great, but they replicate last year’s performance by sacking Browning more than four times and limiting Gaskin to under 80 yards rushing. This forces Browning to leave the pocket and make plays that had him uncomfortable against Auburn two weeks prior.

Like any road game, a key will be making the home crowd a non-factor. The Sun Devils do this by succeeding on more than half of their third down attempts and continuously finding ways to manage the clock.

Any type of win would be a favorable outcome. This is the most difficult game remaining on ASU’s schedule, and if they come out on top, they’ll be in position to compete for the Pac-12 South.

Average Case Scenario: Not enough

ASU trades score for score throughout the game, but a late run by the Huskies dooms the upset effort.

Why would a shootout occur? For one, the Sun Devil offense is bound to break out. They have playmakers who thrive in big game situations, and it’s only a matter of time Rob Likens gets them to look like the team that averaged 32 points per game a season ago.

ASU’s defense chases Browning at times, but a big showing from Gaskin keeps ASU from utilizing pressure schemes to slow the game down. The secondary is forced to come up and tackle, opening opportunities for Chris Petersen to take shots at the end zone with Browning in the pocket.

If this were in Tempe, it’d be a game ASU could win. But because of the crowd noise, one mistake can become amplified. We don’t know what that mistake would be, but it would take away a valiant effort from ASU to pull off their second top-15 victory in three weeks.

This is the most difficult game left on the schedule. Although a close loss stings, there are several opportunities to make it up in the coming weeks.

Worst Case Scenario: Yikes…

The meltdown from last week’s loss to San Diego State continues as the Sun Devils are drubbed by three scores or more to fall to 2-2.

For this to happen, similar issues reoccur. Benjamin finishes under 50 yards rushing for the third consecutive week, forcing Wilkins to become pass-reliant and commit turnovers from a lack of a ground attack.

Facing a potent running back for the third consecutive week, ASU coughs up a big game for Gaskin, who torches the Sun Devils with over 140 yards rushing and two or more scores. This gives Browning ample time in the pocket, opening up deep routes for Aaron Fuller and the rest of the UW receiving corps.

The Herm Edwards train transitions from a full head of steam to not much of it. Suddenly, the Sun Devils have dropped a consecutive games, a bad sign for the future of what was once a successful project.