Arizona State’s upset victory over Texas Tech sent a clear message: this team is no longer the defensive pushover of last season. The Sun Devils were in control through power, violence, and performance. So here they have to undergo another big test. The next game against the Houston Cougars will test how the defensive intensity of the ASU will perform against one of the most balanced offenses in the Big 12.
Houston’s Balanced Offense: A Real Challenge
The Cougars come to this game hoping they are on a roll, and with their last 31- 28 walk-off victory over Arizona, the Cougars have earned their first bowl eligibility back in 2022.
The offense of Houston, led by quarterback Conner Weigman, has discovered a rhythm. Weigman has proved to be a genuine dual-threat as he threw 164 yards and 3 touchdowns, as well as contributed to the win over Arizona with 98 rushing yards. He can move freely out of the pocket and reach extensions, making it a big challenge to the pass rush of ASU.
In the meantime, there is the addition of another dimension in the form of a running back named Dean Connors. He is averaging a good yardage on the ground, making the defenses keep it straight. Together, they provide Houston with a certain degree of uncertainty that ASU has not experienced since its first game of the season.
The defense formula of ASU to date
Under their new defensive coordinator, ASU’s defense has transformed from reactive to aggressive and adaptive. The Sun Devils are blitzing more frequently; approximately 35 percent, as opposed to only 22 percent last year, and that change has delivered equally in pressure and turnovers.
This has given the secondary with Xavion Alford a better discipline, and the defensive front is encouraged to gamble more without being burnt deep. Prince Dorbah, edge rusher, and Keyshaun Elliott, a linebacker, have established their tone, scrambling pockets and shutting down running lanes all the time. The same formula, blitzing smart, tackling clean, and being disciplined, has to be transferred to Houston.
The Key Matchups
- Conner Weigman vs. the Front Seven of ASU.
Provided ASU can manage to contain the mobility of Weigman and make him throw when under pressure, their prospects of winning are bound to be very high. But an easy goal and a lost play could be experienced due to missed containment. - Dean Connor vs. the Run Defense of ASU.
The Cougars’ ground game can wear defenses out. Elliott and the front line need to stay disciplined in their gaps and prevent early down conversions. - In the case of Xavion Alford vs. the Receivers of Houston.
Alford and his physicality, combined with his ability to track the ball, will play a vital role in closing the deep threats of Houston. His quarterback reading capability might result in a turning point.
Is the pressure to remain the same?
The million-dollar question. The ASU's aggressive approach will work the first time, but a balanced attack by Houston will challenge their strength and depth. It is challenging to maintain high-intensity blitzing across four quarters. Especially against a quarterback who plays well when facing pressure.
Stopping early and managing rotation will determine the success of the Sun Devils. They can establish a first-half advantage, which will enable the defense to remain offensive without overworking. Otherwise, the crime committed by Houston would cause them fatigue at the end of the day, as it did to Arizona last week.