ASU Football: Despite skid, no need for Sun Devils to panic

A 2-0 start for ASU football has been marred by back-to-back losses at San Diego State and Washington. But, the Sun Devils should not be concerned.

Less than two weeks ago, Arizona State was preparing for its first game as a ranked team since 2015. Now, the program is looking to avoid a third consecutive loss, one that would likely serve as an early derailing of coach Herm Edwards’ train.

While the early-season results may frustrate some, a 2-2 record appeared to be the consensus expectation through four games, aside from different outcomes against Michigan State and SDSU.

This is the third time in four years that the Sun Devils have split their first four games. However, the 2018 team is far more stable on the defensive side of the ball than those that have proceeded it in recent years.

ASU is ranked 30th, 51st and 68th in scoring, rushing and passing defense respectively. Among the nation’s bottom-tier units under Todd Graham, credit is due to defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales for his implementation of a 3-3-5 scheme that has paid dividends early.

Ahead of an impending matchup against Oregon State on Saturday, the Sun Devils’ position in a historically weak Pac-12 South division remains favorable.

The Beavers’ only win this season is against Southern Utah, a game that the Thunderbirds still managed to compile nearly 500 yards of offense. Facing a defense allowing averages of 280 rushing yards and 43.5 points per game bodes well for an ASU rushing attack that picked up 164 yards on the ground against Washington.

With a win, the Sun Devils would move above .500 before facing Colorado with potential late-season implications on the line. The lone unbeaten team in the division, the Buffaloes have yet to play a Pac-12 game but looked impressive in non-conference.

But to get there, the Sun Devils will have to take care of business against Oregon State.