Devils in Detail
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ASU Football: Moss headlines Utah’s players to watch

By Zach Pekale

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes scores a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes scores a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Before ASU football takes on Utah in a game that could ultimately decide the Pac-12 South, there are three Utes that ASU supporters need to know about.

For the second time this season, Arizona State will face the No. 15 team in the country. This time, however, just days after the first College Football Playoff poll was released.

Unlike then – No. 15 Michigan State, the Utah Utes earned their ranking on the merits of the current campaign. Considered by some to be favored to win the division, here are three players to watch ahead of Saturday.

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1.  Zack Moss  – Running back

The nation’s No. 6 leading rusher has been the X-factor for Utah over the past month. During the Utes four-game winning streak, Moss is averaging 143.8 rushing yards per game, accounting for six touchdowns in that span.

At 5-foot-10 weighing 215 pounds, Moss has a low center of gravity to complement his skillset.

The junior utilizes an aggressive style of downhill running in which he initiates contact rather than absorbing hits. Though he’s capable of breaking tackles, Moss possesses good vision and is equally skilled at finding lanes to get upfield.

ASU is 65th nationally against the run, allowing 156.3 yards per game. In addition to Moss, Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley is a viable dual-threat option. If the Utes establish the run early, they can dictate time of possession and force the Sun Devils to slow down to their tempo.

2. Britain Covey – Wide receiver

A high school quarterback turned wide receiver, Covey is one of the most versatile weapons on the Utes roster. Back in Salt Lake City after a two-year mission, the sophomore immediately returned to a starting spot and leads Utah with 531 receiving yards.

Working primarily out of the slot, Covey’s 5-foot-8, 170-pound frame allows him to showcase his speed and crisp route running. But his usage extends beyond that.

Coach Kyle Whittingham uses Covey on punt returns and has also dialed up trick plays for him to throw the ball. He’s 3-for-3 passing on the season with a pair of touchdowns.

3. Chase Hansen – Linebacker

Whittingham rolled the dice on converting his senior defensive back into a linebacker and the result has paid major dividends. Hansen has blossomed into one of the conference’s premier defenders.

Serving as the defensive anchor of the Utes, Hansen is consistently involved in plays and has a nose for the ball. He’s got 44 solo tackles including a Pac-12 leading 14 for loss in addition to four sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), a fumble recovery and three passes defended.

A jack-of all trades, he’ll be relied upon on Saturday. Utah has the third-best run defense in the country, conceding just 81.1 yards per game and Hansen’s impact has played a big role in being defensively stout.

Next. ASU Football: Sun Devils expecting physical game against No. 15 Utah. dark

ASU will look to contain Moss, Covey and Hansen when the Sun Devils face the Utes at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday.

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