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

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BOISE, ID – DECEMBER 1: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos throws a pass through the defensive end Mykal Walker #3 of the Fresno State Bulldogs during first half action in the Mountain West Championship on December 1, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Fresno State won the game 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

As you just read, the defensive linemen in this game will have a tall order in getting through these sturdy offensive lines

The player most likely to break through is Fresno State defensive lineman Mykal Walker. The junior was named to the All-MW First Team after recording 79 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

For Arizona State, senior Renell Wren was the only D-lineman who received All-Pac-12 recognition as he was named an honorable mention.

As one of the defensive leaders, Wren totaled 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack. While the stats aren’t eye-popping, his presence was certainly felt.

According to Arizona State, Wren was one of the best run stoppers in the conference finishing sixth in positive run impact score.

Wren also ranked the eighth-best interior defender on running plays in the conference.

Shannon Forman, George Lea and Jermayne Lole contributed down the stretch for Arizona State combining for 11.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.

Thanks to Walker, Fresno State ranks 27th nationally in rush defense compared to Arizona State’s ranking of 64th. Because of this, the edge goes towards the Bulldogs.

Advantage: Fresno State

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