Another week, another strong vertical attack for the Sun Devils to face.
For the third straight week, Arizona State will be taking on a team from the state of Texas, and TCU's offense under quarterback Josh Hoover looks to be the most imposing offense they've faced yet.
Another proponent of the "veer and shoot" offensive style, TCU will once again force the Sun Devil defense to play up tempo and make smart substitutions. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has been known to call a more balanced game, however the recent injury to Kevorian Barnes kept the ball more in Hoover's hands last week.
Arizona State DC Brian Ward had a lot of respect for TCU QB Josh Hoover. pic.twitter.com/gIfxU5HN9M
— Nick Girimonte (@GirimonteNicky) September 23, 2025
Brian Ward hits it right on the head. The way Hoover plays, he knows exactly where he's going with the ball and can place it with near pinpoint accuracy to any of his receivers. He's only gotten more lethal with each passing week, carving up opposing secondaries to the tune of 284 yards (Week 1 at North Carolina), 337 yards (Week 3 vs. Abilene Christian), and 379 yards (Week 4 vs. SMU).
#TCU QB Josh Hoover starts his day with an absolute beauty of a TD pass on the roll.
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) September 20, 2025
Big test for him today regarding his NFL stock, impressing early. pic.twitter.com/7SQ9Mo4RYK
Hoover's top receiving target has been Eric McAlister, hauling in 13 catches for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, including this one above against SMU. With an average of nearly 107 yards per game, he is the top target for the secondary to aboid getting burned by.
Jordan Dwyer and Joseph Manjack IV round out a top-heavy wide receiver room, combining for 410 yards and 3 touchdown catches. In total, 7 players have caught at least one of Hoover's 11 touchdown passes this season, meaning the defense can't get caught focusing on just one receiver.
Zach Chapman is back and practiced today.
— S. Johnson (@StevenMJohnson_) September 23, 2025
Kevorian Barnes and Avery Helm did not, Sonny Dykes said TCU will release its injury report tonight and have more info on their injuries.
On the running side of the ball, Kevorian Barnes remains uncertain to play this week. A leg injury sustained against Abilene Christian kept him out of last week's game against SMU, elevating Jeremy Payne to lead back status. The Horned Frogs have been able to gain nearly 175 yards per game on the ground, but if Barnes' injury keeps him out again this week, don't expect to see the running game as a focal point.
The Sun Devil secondary showed a bend don't break quality to their game last weekend at Baylor, and will need all of that and then some to slow down TCU on Friday. Don't miss the rest of our coverage all week long leading up to kickoff from Mountain America Stadium at 6pm Arizona time on Fox.