Jordyn Tyson has rapidly become the cornerstone of the Arizona State passing game, a receiver who has the ability to run a route on schedule and with a high level of separation. In the course of the first half of the season, Tyson’s combination of burst and body control has forced defenses to rethink how they approach ASU’s vertical game. Against Utah, however, he is challenged, rather than a physical challenge.
Utah’s secondary operates with disciplined, zone-heavy coverage schemes that disguise their intentions and force receivers to fight for every open window. Their rotation of cornerbacks consists of athletic, press-capable defenders who are good at limiting yards after catch. In the case of Tyson, it does not imply that speed will suffice, but he would have to use leverage, strike vulnerable areas, and time to win instead of simply being strategic than physical.
The offensive coordinator of ASU will probably focus on concepts of layers to open Tyson in space. There should be rapid movement, rubs, and slant-cross formations, which make the communication of Utah stressful. Utah play-action and pivot routes might give the isolation Tyson is fond of when Utah is in man coverage. He performs best when he can turn intermediate catches into chunk gains, and space will be the unlock to that.
The chemistry between Tyson and quarterback Sam Leavitt will also be tested. Leavitt has also developed better pre-snap reads and pocket patience, which enables him to know when Utah corners cheat up or rotate late. Should ASU be able to employ Tyson as a vertical threat, as well as a decoy to create spaces where the tight ends and backs can run? It will extend Utah horizontally and vertically, in terms of coverage, a feat that not many teams have been successful in doing so far this season.
This is not a contest of whether Tyson can beat one of the defenders; it’s about whether ASU can build a system that amplifies his strengths. With a disciplined defense of Utah, winning in space may be the rhythm and identity of the ASU offense as a whole. If he succeeds, the Sun Devils may find themselves turning potential into statement.