Injury riddled Sun Devils will be hoping to keep up with highly ranked Texas Tech

"We're on to Texas Tech."

That should be the message in practice this week after Saturday'sblowout loss at Utah.

Unfortunately, the road doesn't get any easier as the Red Raiders of Texas Tech come to Mountain America Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Entering ranked No. 7 inthis week's AP Top 25, and they have been a juggernaut on their way to a perfect 6-0 record to open the season.

Texas Tech boasts the No. 3 ranked passing offense in the nation at 325.8 yards per game, however that passing attack took a hit whenBehren Mortonsuffered a right leg injury in their42-17 win over Kansaslast weekend in Lubbock. His status is considered day-to-day as we get closer to kickoff, forcing the Sun Devils to prepare for the possibility ofWill Hammondstarting under center.

The secondary may get a slight reprieve with Hammond as the starter, but after seeing Devon Dampier have his way running the ball in Salt Lake, brace yourselves for more of the same with Hammond.

Speaking of the running game for the Red Raiders, good luck catchingCameron Dickey. His explosive speed in the open field resulted in 263 rushing yards against Kansas, giving him 591 yards on the season and a Big 12 leading 8 rushing touchdowns. He has shown to be adept at catching passes out of the backfield too, averaging 12.2 yards per reception (10 catches for 122 yards).

Wide receiversCaleb DouglasandCoy Eakinhave been the top targets in the passing game so far this season, both with over 300 receiving yards through 6 games. Tight endTerrance Carterand wide receiverReggie Virgilhave found the end zone a combined 9 times on the season, and running backJ'Koby Williamsgives Texas Tech a total of five players with at least 200 yards on the season. No matter who is under center, this offense is incredibly skilled at spreading the ball around and forcing opposing defenses to prepare for the ball to go anywhere.

The offensive line is anchored by CSheridan Wilsonand LTHoward Sampson. At an average size of 6' 5" and 309 lbs, to say this line is an absolute unit is an understatement. Giving up just over 4.5 TFL per game, this line creates space in opposing defenses and allows their running backs to gash through the line, while also providing ample time for their quarterback to make his throws.

Defensively, Texas Tech went to the transfer portal and struck gold.David Baileyis the centerpiece of this defense racking up 8.5 sacks in 6 games, including 3 sacks alone against Kansas.Romello HeightandA.J. Holmeshave also recorded multiple sacks on the season (4.5 and 3 respectively), generating consistent pressure for opposing offenses. LinebackersJacob Rodriguez,Ben Roberts, andJohn Curryhave been tackling machines, combining for 116 tackles on the season. In the secondary,Brice Pollockhas been the leader with 3 interceptions.

As a team, Texas Tech presents a heavy challenge to the Arizona State offense. If Sam Leavitt is sidelined for another week, the running game will be going up against the best rush defense in the nation, which has given up just 62.5 yards per game on the ground. The passing defense is no slouch either, ranked 41st nationally with 194.3 yards against per game.

With or without Sam Leavitt, this week presents a tall task for the Sun Devils. Stranger things have happened in Tempe in the month of October though, and we could find ourselves in for some improbable Mountain America Magic.

The Sun Devils and Red Raiders will kick off at1pm on FOXfrom Mountain America Stadium. Stay tuned for all of our coverage leading up to kickoff.

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