Arizona State sits at a healthy 3-1 as the Sun Devils have their Big 12 home opener against TCU. There are five key factors that Arizona State must excel in to achieve victory in what is a must win game.
1. Can the defense shut down TCU quarterback Josh Hoover?
Josh Hoover, like Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson was last week, is on pace to throw for 4,000 yards this season. The Sun Devil defense limited Robertson to 250 yards and three touchdowns last week, so they have the talent to do the same against Hoover.
2. Will the run game be explosive?
TCU has a run defense that ranks in the top third of FBS programs in terms of yards per game. The other two FBS teams Arizona State has played are in the bottom two-thirds in that statistic. The Sun Devils get junior running back Kyson Brown back fully healthy to help with downhill running.
3. Will quarterback Sam Leavitt continue to build on the second half he had at Baylor?
The redshirt sophomore looked great in the second half against Baylor, made balanced throws, and spread the ball around. Leavitt will have to continue to do that if the offense is effective.
4. Who will be Leavitt’s top target outside wide receiver Jordyn Tyson?
The redshirt junior is one of the top receivers in the country and will produce in nearly every game. The running backs have produced in the pass game in the past, along with redshirt senior tight end Chamon Metayer. Redshirt sophomore receiver Derek Eusebio had a breakout game and will likely be a factor again.
5. Who will be ready with the short week?
The teams both have a day less for preparation, as the game is on Friday instead of Saturday. The Sun Devils did walkthroughs to end practice on Wednesday instead of a full practice to help prepare. TCU moved its full practices up a day.