Ahead of Arizona State’s game against Northern Arizona, there are a handful of questions that will be answered in the game. It is an expected victory for the Sun Devils, but we can still find out a lot about this team.
1. Will Arizona State avoid losing the potential trap game?
No. The team is fully focused on the process and executing it. If the Sun Devils execute it correctly, they will win. Defensive coordinator Brian Ward mentioned several times during his scrum that the process was the focus, and this sentiment was echoed by everyone else.
2. What will be the split of the Sun Devils' top three running backs?
Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown are both listed as starters on the depth chart, followed by Kanye Udoh, Demarius “Man Man” Robinson and Jason Brown Jr.. Kyson and Raleek both had good fall camps. Dillingham did not explicitly say who was going to get the first snap, as it would be down to the game plan. Udoh did not have as good a camp, but he should play a significant role, as he had over 1,000 yards at Army last season.
3. How often will we see the “Sparky” and “Devil” positions?
Something that pops on the depth chart are “Sparky” and “Devil” positions. The “Sparky” position is a fifth lineman, and “Devil” is a sixth defensive back. I do not expect to have five defensive linemen often, with the only time they appear being in goal-line and short-yardage scenarios. Redshirt seniors Justin Wodtly and Elijah O’Neal are both listed as starters there, and I expect them both to rotate in for other linemen.
I expect to see the “Devil” formation more frequently with six defensive backs on the field often. What is interesting is that Adrian “Boogie” Wilson is listed as the starter. I think we will see both Kyndrich Breedlove and Montana Warren as the fifth and sixth defensive backs, which brings me to my next point.
4. Who starts at nickel?
The nickel position was one of the top position battles to watch in fall camp, and it still has not been decided yet. Montana Warren is listed as the first name, and then it is Kyndrich Breedlove, but there is an “OR” listed, so it could be either one on Saturday. I suspect that it will be Breedlove starting.
5. How will the pass offense be split?
Redshirt junior Jordan Tyson is going to command the majority of the passing targets. After him, it becomes unclear. Tight end Chamon Metayer will be frequently targeted, and the other tight ends, Khamari Anderson and Cameron Harpole, will get a few looks a game. The running backs will get a few catches as well, so that leaves around 10-12 targets per game for the other receivers. Malik McClain will be on the opposite side of Tyson. Jalen Moss will likely be in the slot. Jaren Hamilton will almost certainly get a few looks as well.
We will see how all of these questions are answered on Saturday in the season opener.