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

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TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats scrambles away from linebacker Merlin Robertson #8 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

The best player on each defense is a linebacker in Fresno State’s Jeffrey Allison and Arizona State’s Merlin Robertson.

Allison was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year after leading the team with 121 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three quarterback hurries.

Robertson was named Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year after bursting onto the scene recording a team-high 77 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and one interception.

While those two players lead their respective position groups, they have help alongside them.

For Fresno State, senior George Helmuth was named All-MW honorable mention after recording 76 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks.

Senior James Bailey also posted over 70 tackles recording 74 to go with 9.5 tackles for loss.

For the Sun Devils, wide receiver-turned-linebacker Jalen Harvey finished second on the team with 70 tackles to go with 3.5 tackles for loss.

The play of each linebacker unit will be a big key for both teams. Due to Fresno State’s depth and arguably having the best player on the field in Allison, they get the check mark.

Advantage: Fresno State

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