Arizona State sits at 2-1 entering conference play, as they head to Waco to face the Baylor Bears. If they want to excel, they will have to have clear answers to these five questions.
1. Can the defense stop Baylor’s air raid offense?
Baylor likes to pass the ball with their air raid offense, as senior quarterback Sawyer Robertson is on pace to throw for over 4,000 yards. That does not pair with the Sun Devils' pass defense being significantly worse than its run defense. The secondary will once again be tested.
2. Can the offense decipher Baylor’s complicated defensive looks?
Head coach Kenny Dillingham, offensive coordinator and redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt all mentioned that Baylor’s defense gives confusing looks with simulated pressures. I think the offense will overcome it by the second quarter.
“They bring all their simulated pressures where you have no clue where it's coming from,” Dillingham said.
3. Who will be the top running back?
Arizona State has three great running backs and a solid rushing quarterback in Leavitt. Redshirt junior Raleek Brown will likely be the top ball carrier this Saturday. After that, things become unclear, but that is not a bad thing.
“To have guys in the back field that can spread the wealth a little bit helps you a lot,” Arroyo said. “It helps us in what we're trying to do for our identity.”
4. Who will be the top receiving target not named Jordyn Tyson?
Redshirt junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson continues to make impressive plays on the field. Leavitt will have to spread the ball around to create a sustainable offense. Redshirt senior tight end Chamon Metayer caught his career high in receptions last week. Redshirt senior wide receiver Malik McClain is due for a breakout game as well.
“When you need two, three guys to take away one person, everybody's one-on-one now,” Metayer said. “Can you stop us one-on-one?"
5. How many key players will be injured?
On the Wednesday injury report, there were 28 players listed. 15 of those players are important players, so the Sun Devils' depth will be put to the test. Redshirt senior safety Xavion Alford and redshirt junior wide receiver Jalen Moss are out. I suspect most of the other players will be healthy enough to go on Saturday.