Football Back on the Road to Take on Cincinnati

The Sun Devils will look for their sixth win of the season against the Bearcats.

K'vion Thunderbird leads the Sun Devils onto the field.

October 16, 2024

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THE GAME - Sun Devil Football is back on the road this week, headed to Ohio to take on Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Nippert Stadium. Scheduled for a 9 a.m. AZT kickoff (Noon locally), the contest will be broadcast on ESPN+ (Shawn Kenney, Max Starks, Shane Sparks) and available over the local airwaves in Arizona on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Tim Healey, Jeff Van Raaphorst, Kevin Turner, Jeff Munn).

ON THE BEARCATS - Cincinnati leads the all-time series, 2-0, though the two teams have not faced each other since 1976. This will mark the first time the Sun Devils have played the Bearcats in Cincinnati. The contest features a pair of early season overachievers with both programs finishing with just three wins a year ago under first year head coaches and picked to finish 14th (UC) and 16th (ASU) in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll. It will be Homecoming for the Bearcats, who are 19-5 this century in the contest. The two team's three combined losses have come by a combined total of 12 points and the team's have played a combined eight games decided by one score. UC has produced 13 plays of at least 40 yards and 19 plays of at least 30 yards, ranking fourth and 12th in the nation, respectively, whereas the ASU defense ranks ninth in allowing just two plays over 40 yards this year and 14th with just six plays over 30 yards.

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A LOOK BACK - UTAH
The ASU win improved ASU to 5-1 for the first time - officially - since 2019 (ASU's eight wins and 5-1 record in 2021 were vacated).
The victory also snapped Utah's four-game winning streak in the series dating back to 2019 and gave ASU just its third win in the series since the 2015 campaign and ended Utah's five-game winning streak when the Utes were coming off a bye week.
The win Gave ASU consecutive wins in conference games for the first time since 2020 (accounting for ASU's eight vacated wins in 2021) it was ASU's first win over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 6 Oregon on Nov. 23, 2019 (ASU's 2022 victory over Washington and 2021 victory over UCLA were vacated).
The Sun Devils struggled to stop Utah on third down all night as the Utes were 7-for-12 through three quarters. But ASU's defense dropped the hammer in the fourth quarter, holding the Utes to 0-for-3 on third down and 0-1 on fourth.
The Sun Devils picked off Utah's Cam Rising three times, matching the veteran's career high for a game. Rising now has 17 interceptions in his career (on over 750 career passes), of which the Sun Devils are responsible for six of them (35.3 percent).
ASU picked up a slew of conference and national awards as a result of the effort as Cam Skattebo was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week as well as the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week while Caleb McCullough was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week and the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week. Both were named to the PFF National Team of the Week and as well as the the outlet's Big 12 Teams of the Week, the latter also featuring corner Keith Abney and defensive lineman Prince Dorbah.
Skattebo was the highest-graded running back in the Big 12 for the Week (83.8) and the second-highest graded in the country (Louisiana Monroe's Ahmad Hardy, 85.3). He forced 12 total missed tackles on offense, third among all running backs in the country for the week. He had 11 on running plays alone, the second most in the FBS. His 158 rushing yards were ninth-most in the country.
Caleb McCullough was the second-highest graded defender in the Big 12 (89.2) and 11th-highest graded defender nationally (and the third-highest graded linebacker) for Week 7. His 90.2 grade on 24 coverage snaps was second among any FBS player in Week 7
He is one of just the FBS players this season to record two interceptions and double-digit tackles in a game (Oklahoma State's Trey Rucker vs. Utah in Week 4 and Miami (OH)'s Corban Hondru against Toledo in Week 6). He recorded 12 tackles on just 49 defensive snaps, one of just two FBS players nationally to record double digit tackles with less than 50 snaps (Bowling Green's Charles Rosser) this week.

#10THINGS (Twitter-Friendly Notes)
ASU has scored a touchdown/recorded a field goal attempt on 53.4% of its drives, 26th-most in the FBS. Only 39.3% of opponent drives have done the same - a net 14.1% difference that's 32nd-best in the FBS.
Sam Leavitt's 354 passing yards while under pressure this season are good for ninth in the country.
The Sun Devils have allowed just six plays over 30 yards this season, tied for the 14th-fewest in the country.
After ranking 120th in converting just 31.76 percent of their attempts last year, the team is currently sitting 47th in the country in converting 43.37 percent of its third down attempts
ASU is outscoring opponents 42-6 in the "middle eight" of games this year (last four minutes of first half and first four minutes of second half).
The Sun Devils have recorded nine scores this season in the final five minutes of the first and second halves, the 14th-best total nationally.
The Sun Devil defense has allowed just 4.5 yards per third down to opponent offenses - the 25th-lowest total in the country after allowing 5.3 per third down play a year ago (67th).
Ben Coleman has allowed just one QB pressure this season, tied for the third-fewest among all FBS players with at least 150 pass block snaps.
Shamari Simmons (1st), Keith Abney (9th) and Javan Robinson (25th) all rank in the Top-25 among FBS corners in run defense grades from PFF.
ASU has hit the opposing quarterback 21 times this season, good for 23rd among FBS programs.

BY THE NUMBERS

60 - Kenny Dillingham has put together a roster with 60 total newcomers this season - the ninth-most of any FBS school behind only Colorado after being second a year ago. The Sun Devils have just three players in their final year of eligibility that started their careers at Arizona State (Trenton Bourguet, Caleb McCullough and Anthonie Cooper) - tied for the fourth-lowest tally in the FBS. ASU's 46 scholarship newcomers are tied for third most in the FBS while the teams 58 returning players are tied for the fifth-lowest tally in the FBS. Only 38 of those players are scholarship student-athletes, tied for the third-lowest mark in the FBS.

53 - ASU has scored a touchdown or recorded a field goal attempt on 53.4 percent of its drives this season, 26th-most in the FBS. Only 39.3 percent of opponent drives have done the same. The net +14.1 percent difference in 32nd-best in the FBS. The offense is averaging 2.84 points per drive this season, a tally good for 28th in the country while the team's +.70 net points per drive total over opponents is 37th. The offense has picked up 55.3 percent of its available yards on the year, good for 33rd in the country while the team's +13.7 net available yards percentage over opponents is the 23rd-best in the FBS.

4 - Playing the fifth-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (210), Xavion Alford has allowed just four receptions in coverage, tied for the third-fewest among Big 12 secondary players (min. 150 coverage snaps) and seventh-fewest in the FBS. Opponents have chosen to throw his way on just 4.3 percent of coverage snaps, the 13th-lowest total among all FBS players. He has allowed just 36 yards in coverage this season -third-lowest among Big 12 players and 11th in the FBS..He has allowed just 0.17 yards per coverage snap this season, second-lowest in the Big 12 and seventh in the FBS.Alford has forced an incompletion 44.4 percent of the time when targeted, second in the FBS.

3 - Leif Fautanu has played 3,060 career snaps, the third-most snaps among active centers in the FBS behind only NMSU's Canaan Yarro (3,121) and Texas' Jake Majors (3,069). He started all 12 games for the Sun Devils a year ago, playing all but one snap of the season (helmet came off) for the team at center (850). He has started in 49 career games with 43 coming consecutively. Fautanu has just two pressures credited against him, tied for 9th-fewest among FBS centers (min. 150 pass block snaps). His 1.1 pressure allowed percentage is 13th among FBS centers. His 85.7 pass-blocking grade is fifth among FBS centers.

2 - ASU has the quickest average time to cause a QB pressure in the Big 12 at 2.36 seconds, a total good for 34th nationally. The team has done that with largely four-man rushes on the year, blitzing just 28.4 percent of the time - the 30th-lowest total nationally with the team bringing just four rushers 158 times this year - 20th among all FBS teams.On the flip side, ASU's quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.23 seconds this season, good for 35th-best in the FBS after being 128th last season at 2.48 seconds. .The group is 28th nationally with an average of 2.57 seconds before allowing a QB pressure. ASU was 117th a year ago with a 2.37 mark before giving up a QB pressure.

1 - Cam Skattebo has 15 rushes for a first down or touchdown in the fourth quarter of games - three more than any other player in the country. His eight runs of 10 yards or more in the final frame are also tops in the FBS.The senior running back has 262 rushing yards in the fourth quarter of games this season, good for second nationally. A total of 41.7 percent of his fourth quarter rushes this season have resulted in a first down or touchdown. Skattebo has posted 41 fourth quarter touches (rushing and receiving) - a total that is four more than any other player in the country.

AN ASU VICTORY WOULD...
Improve ASU to 6-1 to start the season for the first time since the Sun Devils were 8-1 to start the 2014 season.
Give ASU two road wins for the first time since the 2020 season (ASU's eight victories in 2021 were vacated).
Give Cincinnati just its sixth loss in its Homecoming game since the turn of the century (currently 19-5 and just its third in the last 14 Homecoming tilts.

MILESTONE WATCH
With his 199 all-purpose yards against Utah, Cam Skattebo is now 15 yards away from reaching 4,500 all-purpose yards in the career (currently at 4,485).
Wide receiver Xavier Guillory is 232 receiving yards away from reaching 2,000 receiving yards in his career (currently at 1,768).
Linebacker Caleb McCullough is 3 games played away from appearing in 40 games in his career, all in an ASU uniform (currently at 37).
Linebacker Keyshaun Elliott needs 23 tackles to reach 200 for his career (currently at 177).
Defensive lineman Jeff Clark added a 0.5 sack against Utah and is now only 0.5 sack away from 10 in his career (currently at 9.5).

MAKING THE GRADE (NOTABLE PFF GRADES)
Linebacker Caleb McCullough was the second-highest-graded defender in the Big 12 (89.2) and 11th-highest graded defender nationally (and the third-highest graded linebacker) for Week 7. His 90.2 grade on 24 coverage snaps was second among any FBS player in Week 7.
Cam Skattebo was the highest-graded running back in the Big 12 for Week 7 (83.8) and the second-highest graded in the country (Louisiana Monroe's Ahmad Hardy, 85.3)
In overall offense, Skattebo is the highest graded running back in the Big 12 (87.0) this season and fifth among all offensive players in the league. He ranks sixth in the nation among FBS quarterbacks in the category and 40th among all offensive players.
Ben Coleman is the third-highest graded player in pass protection this season (min. 150 pass protect snaps) with a grade of 90.2 - second among FBS guards.
Leif Fautanu is the nation's seventh-highest graded center in pass protect this season (85.7) and tops in the Big 12.
Sam Leavitt is the nation's fourth-highest graded freshman (true or redshirt) on overall offense this season (81.7) among players with at least 200 snaps played. He is the Big 12's fourth-highest graded quarterback and 40th among all FBS quarterbacks.
Jordan Crook was the third-highest graded linebacker in the FBS on run defense in Week 7 (90.0) and seventh among all FBS players
Shamari Simmons has the nation's highest graded on run defense among corners at 88.7 with teammates Keith Abney (77.9) and Javan Robinson (73.2) sitting ninth and 25th in the category, respectively.

SIX DEGREES OF SUN DEVIL-ATION
Cincinnati Kicker Carter Brown played his freshman year at ASU in 2022
Cincinnati Safety DJ Taylor played at ASU from 2020-2022
ASU Tight End Chamon Metayer played at Cincinnati from 2022-2023, including a redshirt season in 2021
ASU Defensive Lineman Justin Wodtly played for Cincinnati from 2020-2023
ASU Linebacker Jordan Crook and Cincinnati punter Max Fletcher played together at Arkansas in 2022. Crook and Cincinnati TE Francis Sherman played together at Arkansas in 2023
ASU DB Kamari Wilson and Cincinnati DB Jordan Young played together at Florida in 2022. Wilson and Cincinnati OL Xavier Lozowicki were teammates at IMG academy
ASU kicker Parker Lewis along with Cincinnati DB Kye Stokes, RB Evan Pryor and TE Joe Royer all played together at Ohio State in 2023
ASU DB Myles "Ghost" Rowser, LB Keyshaun Elliott and Cincinnati STAR Mekhi Miller all played together at New Mexico State in 2023
ASU defensive lineman Jeff Clark and Cincinnati DB Josh Minkins played together at Louisville in 2023

WILD SKATT
Cam Skattebo is 8th among all active FBS AND FCS running backs with 3,454 career rushing yards while his 6.3 yards per carry are 10th in that group. (min. 300 carries). He is 5th in the FBS this season with 773 yards rushing and third in the FBS in all-purpose yards per game at 170.50 - tops in the Big 12
He has forced 203 career missed tackles on rushing plays, 4th among active FBS/FCS halfbacks, as are his 0.37 missed tackles forced per rushing attempt (min. 300 attempts). He is 2nd among FBS running backs this season wtih 44 missed tackles forced on rushing plays.
Skattebo has rushed for a first down or touchdown on 37.0 percent of his career carries, tops among all active FBS/FCS backs (min. 300 attempts). He has rushed for a first down or touchdown on 36.6 percent of his rushes this year, good for seventh in the FBS.
He has been stuffed for no gain or a loss on just 10.3 percent of his career carries, good for the third-lowest tally among all active backs at both levels (min. 300 attempts). His 14.9 stuff rate this season is 32nd among running backs.
He is currently averaging 3.8 yards after contact per career rush - tied for 17th among all active FBS/FCS backs. His 3.8 yards after contact per rush this season are 22nd in the FBS and his 510 total yards after contact are sixth.
Skattebo has 262 rushing yards in the fourth quarter of games this season, good for second nationally.
He has 15 rushes for a first down or touchdown in the fourth quarter of games - three more than any other player in the country. His eight runs of 10 yards or more in the final frame are also tops in the FBS.
41.7 percent of his fourth quarter rushes this season have resulted in a first down or touchdown and his 41 fourth quarter touches (rushing and receiving) are four more than any other player in the country.
He has 16 total 100+ rushing yard performances in his career, with six coming at Arizona State.

BOO SHIESTY
With his 117-yard receiving yard effort against Texas Tech, Cam Skattebo (pronounced BOO) became the first ASU running back to have over 100 receiving yards in a game since Kalen Ballage on Nov. 10, 2016 at Utah (113).
His 250 total receiving yards this season are third among FBS running backs and his 19 receptions are 11th.
He lies fifth in the nation with 242 yards after the catch among the FBS running backs - a total good for 29th among all players, regardless of position.
His 105 receiving yards after contact are 34th among all FBS players and third among FBS running backs.
His 10 first downs receiving are fifth among FBS running backs and his 13.2 yards per catch are seventh.

SKAT BACK
Skattebo has thrice been named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and twice named the Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the Week (vs. MSU, Utah).
Skattebo's 158 rushing yards were the most allowed by Utah since UCLA's Zach Charbonnet had 198 on Oct. 8, 2022.
His 50-yard touchdown run against the Utes was the longest rushing TD by a Sun Devil since Rachaad White had a 50-yard touchdown on the ground against USC in 2021.
Coming into the Utah game, Skattebo's average touchdown run in games at ASU was 4.9 yards (15 touchdowns) with a long of 17. His 50- and 47- yard touchdowns both surpassed his previous career long touchdown run of 43 yards against Utah Tech in 2022 while he was at Sacramento State.
Skattebo had the game of his career against Mississippi State in Week 2, rushing for a career high 262 yards on 33 carries in the 30-23 victory. He was named the AP National Offensive Player of the Week, The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and the Doak Walker Running Back of the Week for the effort.
The 262 yards were 50 more than any other player in the FBS for the week. Skattebo rushed for 155 yards AFTER contact in the contest, which alone was more than all but seven players in the country had for TOTAL rushing yardage in their games in Week 2.
Skattebo's 262 yards were the second-most in a single game for a Sun Devil EVER, behind only Eno Benjamin's 2018 school record of 312 against Oregon State.
Skattebo had 19 first downs rushing against MSU, eight more than any other FBS player in Week 2. He had a first down/touchdown rate of 57.6, which was eighth in the country overall (min. 10 carries), but notable as no player ahead of him had more than 14 carries compared to his 33.
Skattebo's 85.8 grade as a rusher from PFF is fourth among all FBS running backs this season and his Week Two grade of 84.6 was third among FBS backs - though the two ahead of him had just 14 and 13 rushes in their efforts.
93 of Skattebo's yards came in the fourth quarter, including a game-best 39-yard run on the final drive to seal the victory.
He becomes the first Sun Devil to go over 30 carries since Rachaad White had 32 carries against Washington on Nov. 13, 2021. His 137 rushing yards at half was the most by a Sun Devil since Eno Benjamin had 185 against Oregon State on Sept. 29, 2018.
It was the most rushing yards by one individual against Mississippi State since at least 2004.

WHEN THE LEAVITT BREAKS
Amongst players with at least 200 snaps, redshirt freshman QB Sam Leavitt is currently the nation's second-highest graded freshman (true or redshirt) quarterback by PFF (81.7) behind only South Alabama's Gio Lopez (82.7). He is the fourth-highest graded freshman among all FBS offensive players, regardless of position.
Leavitt is tied for fifth in the FBS with just two turnover-worthy throws this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Only eight of his passes have been broken up this year, good for the 12th-lowest total in the FBS. He is one of just three quarterbacks in the country not to have a pass batted at the line of scrimmage.
Leavitt has shown his ability to keep his composure under pressure, with 389 passing yards while pressured - good for 13th nationally. He has three touchdown passes this season coming while being pressured, tied for 11th in the country.
His 53.8 completion percentage while being pressured is ninth among FBS quarterbacks.
His 82.1 NFL QBR while under pressure is 15th in the nation. He has picked up a first down with his arm 23 times on 64 pressures - 7th-most in the FBS.
Leavitt has set his receivers up for success, finding open players and hitting guys in stride to the tune of 55.9 percent of his total yardage coming after the catch - good for 14th nationally.
Leavitt has rushed for 230 yards this season on 26 QB scrambles, the yardage tied for the third-most among quarterbacks in the FBS.
His 279 rushing yards total are 27th among FBS quarterbacks. He is 12th among FBS quarterbacks with four touchdown rushes. His 21 first downs rushing are 16th.
He has picked up a first down or touchdown on 50.0 percent of those QB scrambles, good for seventh among FBS quarterbacks.
Leavitt has the nation's 3rd-best rushing grade when scrambling this season at 79.6. His 76.4 overall rushing grade is 18th among FBS quarterbacks.
Leavitt was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week following his four touchdown effort against Kansas, including the game-winner with less than a minute remaining. The four touchdowns were the most for any quarterback in the country in Week 6 as he was the highest-graded quarterback in the Big 12 for the week by PFF and ninth best in the FBS (89.4).
Sam Leavitt's Sun Devil debut against Wyoming was about as good as anyone could have asked for with the redshirt freshman throwing for 258 yards on 14-of-22 passing, recording two touchdowns and no interceptions while also adding 47 rushing yards.
The 258 passing yards with the third-most by a Sun Devil making his debut since 1996, behind only Joey Yellen (292, 2019) and Jayden Daniels (284, 2019).

KEEP THEM IN FRONT OF YOU
ASU has allowed just 19 plays over 50 yards to opponents since the 2018 season over 73 games - the third-fewest in the FBS in that time behind only Washington (17) and Kentucky (18). The FBS average in that span is 41.61 such plays. ASU ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in 50+ yards played allowed each year from 2014-17, giving up a nation leading 55 such plays in that span - 13 more than any other school in the FBS.
ASU has allowed just 12 catches for 50 or more yards in that span, tied for the fourth-lowest amount in the FBS in that time.
The Sun Devils have allowed just six plays overs 30 yards this season, tied for the 14th-lowest total in the country. ASU allowed just 22 total plays over 30 yards last season, which was 35th in the FBS.
Since 2018, ASU has allowed just 116 TOTAL 30-plus yard plays (1.6 per game/73 games)). That is the third-lowest tally in the FBS in that time behind Iowa (91) and Northwestern (105) (Sam Houston State and Kennesaw State excluded as they joined the FBS after 2018). For perspective, from 2014-17, ASU gave up 38, 44, 40, 40 such plays each SEASON, respectively ranked 116th, 124th, 117th and 119th.

RULE OF THIRDS
The Sun Devils were among the worst teams in the nation on converting third downs last season, ranking 120th in converting just 31.76 percent of their attempts.
The team has shown vast improvements in the area, currently sitting 47th in the country in converting 43.37 percent of its third down attempts - 36-of-83
ASU's 6.2 yards per third down play this season is good for 38th nationally after ranking 112th nationally at 4.4 yards per third down last season.
Conversely, the defense has allowed just 4.5 yards per third down to opponent offenses - the 25th-lowest total in the country after allowing 5.3 per third down play a year ago (67th).

PLAYING THE FIELD
The field position battle was one ASU frequently lost a season ago, but showed glimpses of improvement early in 2024.
ASU has had just 12.1 percent of its offensive drives this season start inside its own 20-yard line this year - the 16th-lowest tally nationally.
ASU's average starting field position has been its own 28.8 yard line while holding opponents to a starting average of their own 29.7 yard line. ASU's average starting field position a season ago was its own 25.3 yard line compared to opponents starting on their own 34.8. The -9.5 net field position yards ranked ASU dead last in the country (133 of 133), a tally that the Sun Devils have cut down to -0.9 yards.
The Sun Devils rank 33rd nationally in picking up 55.5 of the yards available on offense while limiting opponents to picking up just 41.8 percent of theirs. The net 13.7 percent difference is the 23rd-best total in the FBS.
The defense has been exceptional in keeping opposing offenses pinned in their own territory, allowing opponents to pick up just 53.1 percent of the total yards available from the starting field position to the opponent's own 40-yard line - the 9th-lowest percentage in the FBS.
53.4 percent of Sun Devil offensive drives have resulted in ASU scoring a touchdown or getting in range of a field goal attempt - good for 32nd nationally. Only 39.3 such opponent drives have done the same, a net 14.1 percent difference that is the 32nd-best in the nation. ASU ranked dead last (133rd) in the category a season ago with a net -29.0 percent tally as only 28 percent of its drives resulting in a touchdown or field goal attempt (124th) compared to a 57 percent success rate for opponents (132nd of 133).
The Sun Devils are averaging 2.84 points per drive this season, good for 28th nationally and have a net .70 points per drive over opponents that is 37th in the country. ASU was 130th nationally with a net -1.54 points per drive with the offense scoring just 1.40 points per drive (122nd) while allowing opponents to post 2.95 points per drive (123rd).

THE 100-YARD LANDLORD
Xavion Alford has dubbed himself the @100YardLandlord across his social media platforms and has made sure to become eponymous with the title this season as ASU's last line of defense in the secondary.
Playing the fifth-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (210), Alford has allowed just four receptions in coverage, tied for the third-fewest among Big 12 secondary players (min. 150 coverage snaps) and seventh-fewest in the FBS.
Opponents have chosen to throw his way on just 4.3 percent of coverage snaps, the 13th-lowest total among all FBS players.
He has allowed just 36 yards in coverage this season -third-lowest among Big 12 players and 11th in the FBS..
He has allowed just 0.17 yards per coverage snap this season, second-lowest in the Big 12 and seventh in the FBS.
Alford has forced an incompletion 44.4 percent of the time when targeted, the second-best tally among all FBS players.
He is the nation's 28th-highest graded safety in coverage this season (79.3).
ASU's last line of defense, Alford has been sure-handed as well with the nation's 11th-best tackling grade among safeties (84.9) and 38th among all defensive players as he has been credited with just one missed tackle this season - tied for fourth-fewest among FBS safeties

NO FLY ZONE
Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 27 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 100 snaps), despite playing the 7th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (173).
His 155 total yards allowed are 33rd-lowest in the country (min. 100 snaps in slot defense), though his 0.90 yards allowed per slot coverage snap are the 17th-lowest total in the FBS. He has accomplished this despite being the fourth-most targeted slot defender in the country (37 targets)
Simmons has allowed just one reception per 6.9 coverage snaps this season, the sixth-lowest ratio in the FBS.
Javan Robinson is fourth among Big 12 corners (min. 150 coverage snaps) in allowing just 11 receptions this season and his 0.70 yards allowed per coverage snap are seventh-lowest among the league's corners.
Opponents have just a 61.4 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 32nd in the country. The group ranked 113th nationally a season ago in allowing opponents a 96.1 NFL QBR on third down passing.
The ASU defense has allowed just 6.31 yards per passing attempt this season, the 31st-lowest total in the country. The group was 88th a year ago with 7.54 yards allowed per attempt.
Since 2018, the Sun Devil secondary has allowed just 37 total passing plays over 40 yards - the sixth-fewest in the FBS in that time. For perspective, it had 12 alone in 2017, 22 in 2016 and 24 in 2015 – the latter two ranking second to last and last, respectively, in the nation.

IN THE TRENCHES
ASU has the quickest average time to cause a QB pressure in the Big 12 at 2.36 seconds, a total good for 34th nationally. The team has done that with largely four-man rushes on the year, blitzing just 28.4 percent of the time - the 30th-lowest total nationally with the team bringing just four rushers 158 times this year - 20th among all FBS teams.
ASU has hit the quarterback 21 times this season, tied for the 23rd-highest total in the country.
Clayton Smith is 8th in the Big 12 with 17 quarterback pressures this season and third in the league with five QB hits.
ASU's average depth of tackle on run plays is within 4.01 yards, fourth-best in the Big 12 and 39th nationally. The big men up front on the defensive line, however, have a depth of tackle average of 1.84 yards, 29th nationally and second in the Big 12.
C.J. Fite's average depth of tackle on run plays is 1.18 yards from the line of scrimmage, good for 27th among interior lineman in the FBS. His 10 defensive "stops" on run defense are 19th in the FBS. His four tackles for loss or no gain are third in the league and 16th in the FBS.
A year ago, Fite played the fourth-most snaps of any true freshman defender in the Pac-12 and tops among all defensive linemen. He was Top-50 among all true freshmen defenders in the FBS in snaps played and his 350 snaps were third among all true freshmen interior defensive lineman in the FBS for the season.
Among FBS true AND redshirt freshmen, Fite's 71.3 grade from PFF on run defense was fifth in the country. That mark was good for 13th among all Pac-12 interior defenders, regardless of year.
ASU's interior linemen as a whole last season had 22 combined tackles for loss or no gain on rushes - good for 13th in the FBS. Those interior linemen had an average depth of tackle of just 1.49 yards, the 23rd-lowest tally in the FBS.
The Sun Devil defense was succesful in harrying opposing quarterbacks, giving team's just an average of 2.37 seconds to throw the ball - the 20th-fastest time in the FBS.
The team forced a quick pressure (less than 2.5 seconds to pressure) on 114 occasions - 26th-best in the FBS and the team's overall 159 total pressures were 30th. These numbers come despite blitzing only 29.6 percent of the time - the 32nd-lowest percentage in the FBS.

WHERE'S THE BEEF?
The Sun Devil offensive line entered the 2024 season with a combined 156 career starts spread amongst them entering the 2024 season, the fifth-highest tally in the country.
The experienced group has done its part this season in protecting its quarterback and also paving the way for its rushers as the squad looks to be one of the more improved lines in the country based.
ASU's offensive linemen have received a 82.5 pass blocking grade from PFF as a group this season, the 24th-best tally nationally. As a team, ASU is 40th in the country in only allowing 8.0 sacks this season with the offensive linemen being credited with just four of those.
ASU's quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.23 seconds this season, good for 35th-best in the FBS after ranking 128th in the country a season ago at 2.48 seconds.
The group is 28th nationally with an average of 2.57 seconds before allowing a QB pressure. ASU was 117th a year ago with a 2.37 mark before giving up a QB pressure.
Sam Leavitt has had less than 2.50 seconds to thow the ball on just 44.7 percent of his dropbacks this season, the 26th-lowest tally in the FBS (out of 10 QBs with 125+ dropbacks). For perspective, last season, Trenton Bourguet had less than 2.50 seconds to throw the ball 65.9 percent of the time - the second-MOST of any quarterback in the FBS.
Ben Coleman ranks tied for third among all FBS players and second among guards with just one QB pressure allowed this year (min. 150 pass block snaps). His 0.5 pressure allowed percentage on 190 pass block snaps is 10th nationally among all players. His 90.2 pass blocking grade is fourth among all FBS players and second among guards.
Leif Fautanu also has just two pressures credited against him, tied for ninth-fewest among FBS centers (min. 150 pass block snaps). His 1.1 pressure allowed percentage is 13th among FBS centers. His 85.7 pass-blocking grade is fifth among FBS centers.
Fautanu has played 3,060 snaps in his career, third-most among FBS centers behind only NMSU's Canaan Yarro (3,121) and Texas' Jake Majors (3,069) and has started 43 consecutive games in his career of his 49 total starts
Last season, despite being the only FBS team to see at least 11 different combinations of its starting five offensive linemen due to unprecedented bad luck on the injury front, ASU allowed just 13 total sacks in its final eight games (including four games with no sacks) compared to 17 in the first four games. The 13 sacks in the last 8 games were 42nd-lowest in that time while the 17 in the first four weeks were sixth-WORST in the country.
The team allowed a knockdown percentage of 11.1 percent in the final eight games and is right in the middle of the FBS. Through the first four weeks of the season, ASU's knockdown percentage was 21.9 - 7th worst in the FBS.

GETTING DEFENSIVE
ASU's defense will look to build upon a solid base in its second season under defensive coordinator Brian Ward, who was named a candidate for the 2023 Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.
ASU has allowed just 317.3 yards per game, good for that is 31st nationally. Opponents are averaging just 4.77 yards per play - 19th-lowest in the country.
ASU's defense currently ranks 30th in overall defensive EPA at -0.065 and 11th with a rushing defensive EPA of -0.108 that is 11th nationally.
The team has allowed offenses to pick up just 41.8 of their available yards, the 38th-lowest total nationally.
Only 59.0 percent of opponent drives have gained at least 10 yards - the 18th-lowest total in the country.
The defense has allowed just one drive this year longer than 80 yards to opponents.
ASU has been stalwart in keeping opponents from getting across the 50, allowing other teams to pick up just 53.1 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line - the ninth-lowest total in the FBS.
Only 39.3 percent of opponent drives have resulted in a touchdown or field goal attempt, the 54th-lowest total in the FBS after being 132nd (of 133) in the country last year with a 57.0 clip.
ASU has been credited with just 29 missed tackles against the run - tied for the 30th-lowest tally in the country. The Sun Devils were Top-40 in the country last season in only being credited with 129 missed tackles on defense.
Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 41 occasions over 73 games (56.2 percent of the time) - including five of six this year. For comparison, ASU accomplished the feat just 24 times in the 65 previous games (36.9 percent) from 2013-2017.
ASU have held opponents to 30 points or less in 48 of 73 games since 2018 (65.8 percent) - including five of six this year. This isnotable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) in a span from 2013- 17.
In eight of 11 games following the season opener last season, ASU held its opponent at or below its season scoring averaging entering the game (Oklahoma State 27/27.0, Fresno State 29/36.5, USC 42/59.3, Cal 24/32.8, Colorado 27/34.2, Washington 15/44.3, Washington State 27/32.9, UCLA 7/28.6). ASU is four for five in that category this year: Mississippi State (23/56.0), Texas State (28/41.5), Texas Tech (30/44.7), Utah (19/28.3).

GOLD RUSH
The Sun Devils rank 20th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 in averaging 211.2 rushing yards per game this year. It is worth noting that ASU has lost 9.7 yards per game (58 total yards) to taking a knee at the end of games/halves.
Twice this season, ASU has rushed for over 300 yards in a game - the first time it has accomplished that feat since 2012 (vs. NAU, vs. Navy).
The group is averaging a first down or touchdown 32.5 percent of the time, good for 18th nationally.
The rushing attack has been especially efficient in punishing opponents with ASU running backs earning 3.8 yards after contact per rush - 21st in the FBS.
A huge part of the rushing success has come by way of the team's wide receivers and their edge blocking. Jordyn Tyson (191) has the 6th-most run-blocking snaps of any wide receiver in the FBS while Xavier Guillory is 10th (176).
Tyson is the nation's 16th-highest graded run blocker as a wide receiver on gap blocking plays at 71.0.
ASU has forced 72 missed tackles on run plays this season, eighth-most in the FBS.
The Sun Devils ranked 16th in the FBS in averaging 0.29 missed tackles forced per running play last season.
Since 2020, ASU's 20.8 percentage of total drives ending with rushing touchdowns is 10th in the FBS.
ASU has received a team rushing grade of 96.7 from PFF since the 2020 season, the 22nd-highest tally in the FBS.
Since 2020, ASU has been stuffed at or behind the line of scrimmage on just 18.2 percent of its rushes - good for the 33rd-lowest tally in the FBS. The team has averaged 3.2 yards after contact per rush in that time - tied for 30th in the FBS.
Since 2020, ASU has picked up a first down or touchdown on 30.9 percent of its rushes - 13th-most in the FBS. The team is averaging 5.4 yards per rush in that time, tied for 36th in the FBS.
Since 2018, ASU has rushed for 100+ yards in 55 of 73 games (75.3 percent).
The Sun Devils have produced a 1,000-yard rusher nine times in the last 13 seasons - with one of the lone exceptions being the shortened 2020 season. For comparison, from 1976-2010, ASU had a 1000-yard rusher just eight times.

BUT ALSO NO RUSH
The Sun Devils have held opponents to just 103.3 rushing yards per game, the 21st-best total in the country. ASU was 36th in the FBS in allowing just 133.5 rush yards per game to opponents last season.
Eight times in 17 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward has ASU held an opponent under 100 rushing yards in a game, including two of six games this season.
Shamari Simmons has the highest run defense score among FBS corners at 88.7 (min. 150 run defense snaps). He is joined in the Top 25 by teammates Keith Abney (ninth, 77.9) and Javan Robinson (25th, 73.2).
Caleb McCullough is the fourth-highest graded Big 12 linebacker on run defense (82.4) and 31st among FBS linebackers.
Zyrus Fiaseu's 2.00 depth of tackle average on run plays is 28th among FBS linebackers.
A year ago, the Sun Devils allowed only 88 rushing yards to Washington State, which marked the third consecutive game that ASU had held an opponent to under 100 rushing yards. It was the first time since the first three games of the 2016 season that ASU had accomplished the feat (Northern Arizona - 56 yards, Texas Tech - 72 yards, UTSA - 93 yards).
It was the first time it had happened against three-straight Pac-12 Conference opponents since a four-game stretch in the 2015 season (USC - 76, UCLA - 62, Colorado - 49, Utah - 72).
In that three-game span against CU/UW/WSU, Arizona State allowed only 157 total rushing yards - the fewest over a three-game stretch since the Sun Devils allowed only 96 against Colorado (99), Washington (-5), and Washington State (2) during the 2013 season.
A lot of that success can be attibuted to the Sun Devil secondary as well, which received a positive rush defense grade on 17.3 percent of run plays this season from PFF, the 32nd-highest tally among safeties and corners in the FBS.

A HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR
Arizona State only had eight takeaways all of last year. It already has 10 (six interceptions and four fumble recoveries) through six games this year.
This season marked the first since 2020 (at USC 4 TOs; at Arizona 7 TOs) that the Sun Devils have forced three or more turnovers twice in a three-game span (3 vs. Wyoming, 3 at Texas State).
The Sun Devils picked off Utah's Cam Rising three times, matching the veteran's career high for a game. Rising now has 17 interceptions in his career (on over 750 career passes), of which the Sun Devils are responsible for six of them (35.3 percent). The three interceptions in the game were the most for an ASU team since having three against Stanford on Oct. 8, 2021.
ASU was one of just five teams in the country with a fumble recovery in each of its first three games. ASU has four fumble recoveries already this season after having just four total a season ago.
ASU is tied for fifth nationally with just one fumble lost this year.
ASU has recorded three defensive touchdowns this season, the fourth-most in the FBS
Taking out ASU's COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, the Sun Devils had a streak of at least one pick six in 23 consecutive seasons (2000-2022) come to a close last season - ending what was the longest streak in the FBS.
ASU immediately started a new streak with Zyrus Fiaseu's 29-yard return in the opener of 2024. ASU would also pick up a scoop-and-score from Justin Wodtly later in the contest on a 6-yard fumble return, giving ASU an interception AND fumble return for a touchdown in the same game for the first time since UCLA in 2008.
ASU has outscored opponents 934-547 in points off takeaways since 2012 and 27-7 this season.
Since 2012, ASU has scored 63.2 percent of the time following an opponent turnover (160 of 253) while finding the end zone 115 times in that span (45.5 percent).
Conversely, opponents have scored just 50.0 percent of the time following an ASU turnover since 2012 (98 of 196) with 69 touchdowns (35.2 percent).

WHO'S THE NEW GUY
For the second consecutive season, there will be a slew of newcomers taking the field for the Sun Devils in the form of 60 new players this season - the ninth-highest tally in thie FBS.
The Sun Devils have just three players in their final year of eligibility that started their careers at Arizona State (Trenton Bourguet, Caleb McCullough and Anthonie Cooper) - tied for the fourth-lowest tally in the FBS.
ASU's 46 scholarship newcomers are tied for third most in the FBS while the teams 58 returning players are tied for the fifth-lowest tally in the FBS. Only 38 of those players are scholarship student-athletes, tied for the third-lowest mark in the FBS.
The Sun Devils welcomed the 48th best freshman class in the country by 247Sports, good for the top half of the Big 12 at No. 7 in the league.
The team's transfer portal haul was tabbed at No. 30 overall and No. 4 in the Big 12.
Overall, with the two groups combined, ASU checks in with the No. 43 class in the country and No. 7 in the Big 12.
It should be noted, however, that ASU's talent rating from 247Sports (which takes into account transfer's high school ratings) is ranked 30th in the nation and second in the Big 12.
While both were on the Sun Devil roster last season, antiquated NCAA rules that were inevitably overturned kept Jake Smith and Xavion Alford out for the season. When the duo takes Frank Kush Field on Saturday night, it will have been 1,342 days for Smith (Dec 29, 2020 - Aug. 31, 2024) and 1,009 days for Alford (Nov. 27, 2021 - Aug. 31, 2024) since either player has appeared in a college football game.
Ben Coleman was another newcomer last season that was forced to miss the year with an injury and will be taking the field for the first time in 646 days (Nov. 25, 2022-Aug. 31, 2024) on Saturday.

MOUNTAIN AMERICA STADIUM, HOME OF THE ASU SUN DEVILS
Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics have announced a multi-year naming rights partnership last season with Mountain America Credit Union to form one of the most dynamic naming rights deals in college athletics.
The 15-year partnership with Sun Devil Athletics – the most important deal in athletics department history - includes ASU's football stadium, which will now be called Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils.
The partnership happens as a fever pitch surrounds Sun Devil Football and the hiring of Sun Devil graduate Kenny Dillingham, one of eight Arizona State alumni leading programs as head coaches at the University. ASU fans have been "Activating the Valley" leading up to the start of the 2023 college football season, as over 90 percent of football season tickets have been renewed so far, and 4,000 new season tickets have been sold. And now, with the record-breaking football naming partnership and comprehensive relationship with Mountain America, numerous Olympic sports teams will be showcased, and multiple areas of the Sun Devil fan experience, from in-stadium entertainment to digital marketing, will be impacted.
Both Mountain America and ASU are committed to giving back to the community, and this partnership will provide support to the community and student-athletes in a variety of ways: Football Field Goals: Mountain America will donate $250 to the Sun Devil Club for every field goal made to enhance ASU's student-athlete experience, Shoe Donation Program: ASU and Mountain America will develop a shoe donation program, providing brand-new shoes to community members in need, Scholarships: Each year, Mountain America will provide $20,000 to ASU student-athletes, with $10,000 going to women's sports and $10,000 to men's sports, Financial Education Programs: Mountain America will offer special student-athlete financial education programs, including personal coaching sessions, Internship Program: Mountain America will also provide an internship program for student-athletes to help students develop the skills and experience needed for future endeavors.

SMART DEVILS
ASU will compete with 22 young men this season that have already earned their undergraduate degrees:
Xavion Alford - Graduated SP24 Liberal Studies BA
Emmit Bohle - Graduated SP23 Liberal Studies BA
Coben Bourguet - Graduated SP24 Engineering Management BSE, working on Industrial Engineering MS)
Trenton Bourguet - Graduated FA22 Communication BS
Cade Briggs - Graduated SP23 University Studies BA (Texas Tech, Homeland Security Graduate Certificate (ASU)
DeCarlos Brooks - Graduated SU24 Liberal Studies BA
Jeff Clark - Graduated SP24 (Louisville)
Ben Coleman - Graduated FA22 Media Studies (Cal), Earned Master's at ASU in SP24 Communications, working on Digital Audience Strategy MS
Anthonie Cooper - Graduated FA22 Interdisciplinary Studies
Prince Dorbah - Graduated SU24 Communication BS
Leif Fautanu - Graduated FA23 Liberal Studies BA, working on Communications MA
Xavier Guillory - Graduated SU24 Liberal Studies BA
Caleb McCullough - Graduated SP24 Interdisciplinary Studies
Troy Omeire - Graduated SU24 Liberal Studies BA
Elijah O'Neal - Graduated SU24 Liberal Studies BA
Shamari Simmons - Graduated FA23 Liberal Studies BA
Jake Smith - Graduated FA23 Liberal Studies BA, working on Communications MA
Melquan Stovall - Graduated FA22 Business Administration/Organization and Innovation Management BS, Earned master's at ASU SP24 – Organizational Leadership MS, Starting another master's – Global Security MA
Parker Lewis – Graduated SP24 (Ohio State), working on W.P. Carey MBA
Jeff Sims – Graduated SP24 (Nebraska)

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