After opening up the mailbag earlier in the week, it's time to answer some of your questions as the Sun Devils head into their bye week.
Why isn’t Udoh getting any reps? He’s a beast who could help us in those short yardage situations and from 1st & goal. Is he injured? - Austin from Gilbert
That was one of the more surprising things from this past week. Kanye Udoh has been a reliable short-yardage back for the Sun Devils thus far, and he looked to be building some steam during Kyson Brown's absence for an injury. Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo insisted it was purely a game plan decision, rather than an injury or any sort of falling out with the staff.
Of course, Arizona State has played it coy with player injuries in the past under Kenny Dillingham, and with two weeks before they have to put out an injury report, they could just be buying time with Udoh. That said, I'd expect him to get more work in this offense so long as he's healthy, especially in the red zone.
What needs to happen to fix our red zone offense? - Alex from Scottsdale
The red zone offense has been pretty awful so far. How awful? They're scoring a touchdown on exactly half of their red zone trips so far, which is tied for 112th in the nation. The surprising thing? Last year wasn't great either, ranking just 59th with a 63.2% touchdown rate in the red zone. Something isn't clicking inside the 20.
Last year, problems were solved by Cam Skattebo, but the question is different this year. I think Arizona State needs to use Sam Leavitt's legs more in the red zone - I'm talking QB draws and read option plays - to force more defenders into the box. That could create some opportunities in the passing game on the perimeter. And, to hit on the previous question, more involvement for the physical Kanye Udoh wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Which Big 12 game should ASU fans watch most closely this weekend? - Holden from Ahwatukee
This is a great question, and there are several games I'll have my eye on. Cincinnati is favored (just barely) over undefeated No. 14 Iowa State, which seems interesting. Baylor and Kansas State sounds like a clash of titans. And I'm curious to see how BYU's stout defense holds up against Rich Rodriguez's Mountaineers.
That said, the biggest game of the week in my eyes is the showdown between No. 11 Texas Tech and Houston. Both teams are undefeated, making it a big one for the standings. The Red Raiders are the obvious favorite, but Houston has a sneaky good defense and a steady, ball-controlling offense. I wouldn't be shocked if the Cougars have them on the ropes to start the fourth quarter.