No. 11 Arizona State kicked off their season with a 38-19 win over FCS Northern Arizona. There were some good things - Sam Leavitt, Jordyn Tyson, and a record-setting attendance, to name a few - and some not-so-good things, namely the ESPN+ stream and a leaky defense.
The important part is the Sun Devils came out of it with a win, but how good were they? We take a dive into the advanced data, courtesy of Pro Football Focus (subscription required), to get a better sense of Arizona State's best (and worst) players from the game.
The offensive inconsistency is worrisome
RB Raleek Brown - 86.5
The first Sun Devil to score a touchdown this year, Raleek Brown was easily the highest graded player on offense. Part of that is the fact that he only played 20 snaps, with just five carries and four targets, but Brown showcased his electric playmaking ability whenever he had the ball in his hands.
LT Josh Atkins - 70.1
The second-highest graded player on offense was, encouragingly, left tackle Josh Atkins. Pass protection was, at times, a question mark for the Sun Devils last year and Atkins, in particular, led the team in pressures allowed. Against the Lumberjacks, though, Atkins gave up just one pressure and generally looked more confident than he ever did a year ago.
RT Max Iheanachor - 65.1
In a similar vein, Iheanachor was not too far behind Atkins in pressures given up last season. But against Northern Arizona, Iheanachor was one of just two starting offensive linemen to yield zero pressures. He led the team in pass blocking grade, though his run blocking grade dropped him just behind Atkins.
WR Jordyn Tyson - 60.9
This is a case where volume can often impact these types of advanced metrics. By all accounts, Jordyn Tyson had an impressive night, snaring 12 of his 16 targets for 141 yards and two touchdowns. But Tyson also drew a penalty and fumbled the ball, both of which are killers for these efficiency-driven metrics, and his lack of yards after the catch - Tyson averaged just 2.6 per reception - limited how high his grade could be.
QB Sam Leavitt - 58.0
It's a similar story for Sam Leavitt, whose stat line was also impressive, and not just because he was throwing to Tyson so much; Leavitt also led the team in rushing with 94 yards and two touchdowns. He was also inaccurate in the first half before settling into a groove later on, and a bad interception hurt his cause.
C Ben Coleman - 48.0
All eyes were on Ben Coleman in this one, as he made his first career start at center. It wasn't the best debut, as his 48.0 player grade was the worst of any starter, offense or defense. There were a couple of shaky snaps here and there, but more noticeable was Coleman's struggles in the run game. He did leave a bit early with an injury, though Kenny Dillingham said he expects Coleman to be able to play this next week.
Defensive front looks to be an early strength
Defensive coordinator Brian Ward isn't much of a blitzer, preferring to win with just four pass rushers. That plan worked well Saturday, as Arizona State generated 20 pressures and three sacks on the night, and many of their highest-graded players came upfront.
DE Albert Smith - 90.5
The coaching staff has been excited about this redshirt freshman, and after Saturday's game, it's easy to see why. Albert Smith played on just 15 snaps but finished with two pressures and two batted passes. His body is still growing, but Smith flashed elite potential as a situational edge rusher.
DE Clayton Smith - 76.5
Arguably the Sun Devils' best pass rusher, Clayton Smith led the team in pressures with five. He failed to record a sack, but Smith's penetration skills consistently opened things up for others on the defense.
DE Prince Dorbah - 75.3
Prince Dorbah looked to make a serious jump from last year in terms of sheer pass rush ability. He recorded just two pressures, but his 27.8% pass rush win rate led all Sun Devil defensive linemen and highlighted his top-notch first step.
DT Jacob Rich Kongaika - 76.1
CJ Fite is the big name in the middle, and rightfully so, but Jacob Rich Kongaika earned some praise Saturday night. He batted down one pass and his two run stuffs helped him lead the team with a 83.1 run defense grade.