ASU Football: First-half takeaways from Autzen Stadium

In a must-win game for ASU football to keep tits Pac-12 South chances alive, the Sun Devils trail Oregon 28-13 after the first half in Eugene.

Oregon leads Arizona State by two scores in a game that could decide the outcome of the Pac-12 South. Here are two observations from the first half that have hindered the Sun Devils.

Spreading the field

For much of the first half, ASU appeared to revert back to a one-dimensional, run-heavy style that looked predictable in earlier losses to Colorado and Stanford.

Sophomore Eno Benjamin received 14 first-half carries, gaining just 48 yards with a game-high 25 yards amounting for more than half of his production.

Oregon has successfully controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, giving quarterback Manny Wilkins little time to go through progressions or scramble while stifling a potent rushing attack.

In the passing game, ASU relied primarily on screen passes and short plays other than a handful of attempts across the middle and downfield.

Wilkins connected with wide receiver Frank Darby on a post from 22 yards out in the final minute of the half. He’s got 103 yards on nine completions with a touchdown.

Robertson’s return

A targeting penalty called on linebacker Merlin Robertson early in the third quarter of last week’s win over UCLA kept him out of the first half against Oregon. Despite his age, the true freshman has demonstrated poise as a starter for Edwards.

The absence of Robertson was evident through the first 30 minutes Saturday night.

Aside from a mishandled carry by running back Tony Brooks-James and one sack allowed, the Ducks played a near-perfect half of football. That is, until an interception by quarterback Justin Herbert that safety Aashari Croswell returned 50 yards deep into UO territory. Wilkins connected with Darby on the next play.

Herbert has had ample time to throw against a defensive front that has generated little pressure. The junior is 16-of-23 passing for 249 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in what some assume is his final start at Autzen Stadium.

Adding Robertson into the mix for the second half should make an immediate impact in both facets of the Sun Devils’ 3-3-5 scheme. ASU begins the second half with the ball.