The Sun Devils look to rebound after a tough loss to Oklahoma State against a formidable Fresno State(2-0) team, and that task is even bigger now that starting QB Jaden Rashada is out.
Arizona State, now not only down half their offensive line is now without their freshman star QB Jaden Rashada who is out 4-6 weeks with an undisclosed injury. Sun Devil senior, and fill in for Emory Jones last year, Trenton Bourguet will get the call to hopefully rejuvenate this offense for a full game and not just the first half. Another key recovery is that Notre Dame transfer, and thought to be starter before going down with a hamstring injury, Drew Pyne is available to play if need be.
Last week the Sun Devils offense took a lead into half then became stagnant after the second half kickoff. The shining part of this offense though continues to be the play of transfer RB Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 62 yards on 14 carries and hit the end zone. At this point he looks to be tied with junior wide receiver Elijah Badger as the most dynamic playmaker for this offense.
On the other hand this Sun Devil defense will need to limit the pass attack of the Bulldogs. Coming into this game Fresno State has averaged 243.5 yards through the air while only garnering 124.5 yards on the ground. Arizona State’s rush defense is already good, however defending the pass will determine the outcome of this game, the Sun Devils have given up an average of 165 yards through the air (139 to Southern Utah and 191 to Oklahoma State), and are going against a good passing offense which means they have to be on point and ready to play if they hope to get stops.
This will be a tightly contested game and with a new QB at the reigns the Sun Devils are going to have to rely heavily on their defense to keep the offense out of tight situations.
Kickoff is 10:30 ET on FS1 Saturday September 16th.