Two years ago, a weathered Arizona State team went up to Utah. The Sun Devils were starting their third quarterback and got blown out 55-3. Fourth-string quarterback Jacob Conover wound up leading the offense with 41 passing yards, as the offense had 93 total yards.
This season, Arizona State is a much better team and not as weathered. However, Saturday night could weather the Sun Devils with a potential storm brewing, as redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt was downgraded to doubtful on Thursday’s injury report. The Sun Devils face many questions as they look to collect the win.
1. Who will be at quarterback?
The first question is obvious: who will start at quarterback for the Sun Devils? There are reports that Leavitt is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and it is not a surprise that he was on the injury report. What is surprising is that he was listed as doubtful, and that is concerning.
2. Can the Sun Devils weather the potential storm?
The Weather Channel and AccuWeather both have a 90%+ chance of storms during the game. The Sun Devils have been practicing with wet balls to help prepare. They will have to rely on the ground game more in the wet weather.
3. What will the level of quarterback play be?
There is not just a storm brewing in the air; there is a potential storm brewing with Leavitt’s injury. If he can play, will he play his best? He is coming off of what he feels is his best game this year in TCU.
If he can not go, redshirt senior quarterback Jeff Sims will likely be the next in line. Sims had an okay performance last year at Cincinnati. Redshirt freshman Christian Hunt and freshman Michael “Butter” Tollefson have split the scout team reps and are next on the list. Freshman Cameron Dyer is out with an injury as well, as expected.
4. Can the defensive line stop the Utah offensive line?
The Utah offensive line is one of the best in college football. The Utes have the No. 9-ranked rushing offense in the country. The Sun Devil defensive line, which had a monster game against TCU, has its work cut out for it.
5. Can the defense hold Devon Dampier and the Utah offense?
Arizona State tight ends coach Jason Mohns coached Utah junior quarterback Devon Dampier in high school at Saguaro. That could give the defense some more intel on Dampier, who is capable of rushing and throwing the ball.
The Sun Devils have a few storms brewing with their trip to Utah. They need to calm all three (quarterback situation, weather and Utah offense) if they get the win this Saturday night.