Week after week of high powered offensive opposition, the Sun Devils will be in for a different look when the Houston Cougars come to town on Saturday.
In his first season as offensive coordinator, Slade Nagle has ushered in a transition from the pro-style spread offense seen in 2024 to a more run-focused offense in 2025.
Front and center in that transition is senior transfer from Rice, running back Dean Connors. While his 538 yards this season do rank in the top 50 of FBS running backs, the overall stats don't tell the whole story. Between Connors and secondary back Stacy Sneed, the Cougars will aim to run the ball around 50% of the time, looking to win on time of possession and impose their physical dominance.
Key to the Cougars play calling will be the inside zone runs, and the reigning Big 12 Offensive Line of the Week plays a major role in that. Alvin Ebosele, Jason Brooks Jr., Demetrius Hunter, Matthew Wykoff, and Dalton Merryman shut down the Arizona defensive front, allowing the Cougars to rush for 232 yards (most in a Big 12 game in program history) while not allowing a sack in the 31-28 win at home. Collectively, the offensive line has allowed 12 sacks in 7 games, tied for 60th in FBS and 9th in the Big 12.
With the added emphasis on stopping the run, the Sun Devils can't forget that there is still a quarterback behind the line, and a solid one at that. Not as flashy or eye-popping as other quarterbacks they've faced, Conner Weigman possesses a dual threat ability that the Devils have been able to contain in most games (Utah excluded). His 1,380 passing yards and 243 rushing yards aren't quite world beaters, but he is capable of beating defenses through the air and on the ground if given the chance.
Houston TE Tanner Koziol is a riser and contested catch in traffic beast. Cool catches and production all over the tape.
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) October 18, 2025
16 TEs get drafted per year. Koziol goes in the top half IMO.
Player Comp: Dennis Pitta
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Tanner Koziol has been his favorite target, hauling in a team leading 36 catches for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. Standing at 6'7" and 250 lbs, he has emerged as one of the premier tight ends in the nation after transferring from Ball State. Amare Thomas leads the team in yards and touchdowns, with 510 yards and 4 touchdowns on 27 catches, establishing a very reliable duo in the wide receiver room. Connors adds an extra dimension of pass catching from the backfield, and Stephon Johnson serves as a solid WR2, but there isn't quite the scary depth at receiver as with other teams. If the Sun Devils can contain Thomas and/or Koziol and focus on the run, this is a winnable matchup.
Arizona State and Houston will kick off from Mountain America Stadium at 5pm on ESPN2.