Devils in Detail
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ASU Football: Who has the edge at each position in Las Vegas Bowl?

By Sam Ficarro

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils throws a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils throws a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 09: Wide receiver KeeSean Johnson #3 of the Fresno State Bulldogs catches a pass during second half action against the Boise State Broncos on November 9, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 24-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 09: Wide receiver KeeSean Johnson #3 of the Fresno State Bulldogs catches a pass during second half action against the Boise State Broncos on November 9, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 24-17. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Pass Catchers

This evaluation has obviously been effected pretty dramatically after the news that N’Keal Harry won’t be playing in the Las Vegas Bowl after declaring for the NFL Draft.

It’s a big blow for Arizona State as Harry posted 73 receptions, 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns leading to him being named All-Pac-12 First Team.

Looking to fill Harry’s big void is Frank Darby, Kyle Williams and Brandon Aiyuk.

Darby and Aiyuk have been more specialized as downfield receivers with Darby totaling 421 yards this season averaging 20.0 yards per catch. Aiyuk is averaging 17.2 yards a catch (24 receptions for 413 yards).

Kyle Williams will be ASU’s leading receiver as the more short-yardage receiver posted 432 yards on 40 catches.

Head coach Herm Edwards says he’ll be relying on receivers Terrell Chatman and Curtis Hodges to step up.

For Fresno State, they will have their leading receiver in KeeSean Johnson. The senior wide out posted a team-high 93 catches, 1,307 yards and eight touchdowns this season earning him a spot on the All-Mountain West Second Team.

Joining Johnson on the All-MW Second Team was tight end Jared Rice. Rice caught 51 passes for 624 yards and three touchdowns.

Based off the absence of Harry in this game, the edge goes to Fresno State due to their deeper and more experienced group of pass catchers.

Advantage: Fresno State

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