Arizona State football is in an interesting spot as it sits at 5-3, needing one more win to become bowl eligible. The Sun Devils have a fairly easy schedule to finish the year at Iowa State, vs West Virginia, at Colorado and vs Arizona. However, redshirt sophomore Sam Leavitt is now out for the season, making that easy schedule harder.
1. How will redshirt senior quarterback Jeff Sims fare?
Sims is 0-2 as a starter for the Sun Devils. He will have to execute at a high level with his decision-making to perform well. If he fails to do so, freshman Cameron Dyer has been named QB2, with Michael “Butter” Tollefson also available.
2. Will special teams improve under Jack Nudo?
With special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle away from the team due to medical reasons, his assistant, Jack Nudo, has stepped up in the interim. Nudo takes over a program that has had some issues across the board and has significant work to do to improve it.
3. Can the defense cover Iowa State’s tight ends?
Junior tight end Benjamin Brahmer has the second-most yards of Iowa State’s pass catchers. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound tight end has a chance to be the second consecutive tight end to chew up Arizona State’s defense after Houston’s Tanner Koziol had 100 yards last week against the Sun Devils.
4. What wide receiver will step up?
Redshirt junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is listed as doubtful for Saturday. In the previous two weeks, redshirt sophomore Jaren Hamilton and redshirt senior Malik McClain have had breakout games. Redshirt junior Jalen Moss could be a receiver to have a huge game, as he had the most yards he has had all season last week.
5. Will the Sun Devils respond well after getting upset by Houston?
The offense struggled to start off against Houston, with Leavitt playing most of last game. Now, without Leavitt, the Sun Devils will have to strike first early in what could be a defensive game. Ragle’s departure could also have an effect on how Arizona State plays as well as he was a huge piece of the program.
The Sun Devils have a tough test at Iowa State on Saturday in what will be a rematch of last year’s Big 12 championship. However, both teams have battled the injury bug and had underwhelming seasons.