ASU Football: Why the offense is clicking at the right time

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TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 03: Running back Eno Benjamin #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils watches from the bench during the first half of the college football game against the Utah Utes at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the 38-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The School’s Best Rusher in a Long Time

Back at Pac-12 Media Day, Herm Edwards told Pac-12 Networks his team had “unique running backs” yet to be seen.

Little did we know he previewed the program’s best rusher in nearly two decades.

Through nine games, Benjamin’s numbers have been staggering. His 1,113 rushing yards already equate the third-best season in ASU’s tenure in the Pac-10/12, trailing only J.R. Redmond‘s 1999 season (1,174) and Ryan Torain‘s 2006 campaign (1,229).

To frame how special this is – Redmond and Torain played 11 and 13 games, respectively. Benjamin’s numbers also come against teams ranked No. 1, 2 and 3 in rush defense.

On Saturday, the sophomore showcased the whole package. He darted for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries, tormenting another defensive front to help ASU secure its second win over a 15th-ranked opponent.

Eno Benjamin. With authority 💪.

Watch #UTAHvsASU on us: https://t.co/EBolfX80Zb pic.twitter.com/T5gODyPLSS
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 3, 2018

With an elite back, the Sun Devils execute a multidimensional offense. Benajmin’s game earns him similar respect to Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage, forcing teams to think twice when ASU enters play action.

The results are fruitful. The Sun Devils scored 38 points for the second straight game, and Wilkins, in spite of heavy criticism, threw perhaps his best performance of the season, completing 79 percent of his passes and hitting Harry for three touchdown throws.

At last, ASU’s offense appears to be in midseason form. It all starts with No. 3.

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