Football Returns Home for Salute to Service Game vs. UCF

ASU returns to Mountain America Stadium for the first time in nearly a month.

Leif Fautanu leads the Sun Devils onto the field.

November 5, 2024

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THE GAME - Sun Devil Football returns home for the first time in a month as it welcomes the Central Florida Knights on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Mountain America Stadium inTempe. Set for a 5 p.m. AZT kickoff, the contest is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN2 (Brian Custer, Rod Gilmore, Lauren Sisler). The game will also be available over the local airwaves in Arizona on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Tim Healey, Jeff Van Raaphorst, Kevin Turner, Jeff Munn).

ON THE KNIGHTS - The Sun Devils have faced UCF just once in program history, a 46-13 rout at Mountain America Stadium in 2002. ASU held the Knights to just 190 yards of offense in that game, recording five takeaways and scoring 28 points off of those. The contest will feature two of the most dynamic running backs in the nation with ASU’s Cam Skattebo coming in ranked second in the FBS in all-purpose yards per game and UCF’s RJ Harvey right behind him at 161.89. Something will have to break this weekend as the two squads enter as two of just five Power Four teams in the country to rank in the Top-20 in rushing offense (UCF 2nd, ASU 18th) and Top-35 in rushing defense (ASU 27th, UCF 34th).

SIX DEGREES OF SUN DEVIL-ATION

Kenny Dillingham was UCF Head Coach Gus Malzahn’s Offensive Coordinator in 2019. UCF Assistant to the Head Coach, Addison Williams, was also a part of that coaching staff.
UCF OL coach Herb Hand and ASU DB coach Bryan Carrington were both on the 2020 University of Texas coaching staff.
ASU Senior Offensive Assistant David Gibbs was a a Safeties Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator under Malzahn at UCF from 2021-23.
UCF QB KJ Jefferson and ASU LB Jordan Crook played together at Arkansas from 2022-2023.
UCF RB Myles Montgomery (22-23) and LB Deshawn Pace (20-23) played at Cincinnati with ASU DE Justin Wodtly (21-23) and TE Chamon Metayer (22-23)
ASU OL Cade Briggs and UCF LB Jesiah Pierre played together at Texas Tech in 2023.
UCF Long Snapper Gage King was a Sun Devil from 2019-2022.
UCF TE Evan Morris and ASU QB Sam Leavitt played together at Michigan State in 2023.
UCF WR Trent Whittemore and ASU CB Kamari Wilson played together at Florida in 2022.
UCF DB Tre’Quon Fegans played with ASU RB Raleek Brown and WR Jake Smith played at USC together in 2023.

#10THINGS (Twitter-Friendly Notes)
1. ASU ranks 23rd nationally in picking up 55.5 of the yards available on offense while limiting opponents to picking up just 42.7 percent of theirs. The net 12.8 percent difference is the 21st-best total in the FBS.

2. ASU has had someone rush for 1,000 yards ten times since 2011 with Cam Skattebo reaching the mark this year. It had just eight instances from 1976-2010.

3. Sam Leavitt (83.1) is the nation’s second-highest graded freshman offensive player (true or redshirt) behind only South Alabama’s Gio Lopez (83.5).

4. After ranking 120th in converting just 31.76 percent a year of their third downs a year ago, ASU currently sits 30th in the country in converting 45.05 percent of its third down attempts this year - 50-of-111.

5. ASU is outscoring opponents 49-13 in the “middle eight” of games this year (last four minutes of first half and first four minutes of second half).

6. The Sun Devils have recorded nine touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first and second halves this season, a total good for 14th in the FBS.

7. The Sun Devil defense has allowed just 4.1 yards per third down to opponent offenses - the 19th-lowest total in the country after allowing 5.3 per third down play a year ago (67th).

8. Cam Skattebo’s 404 total receiving yards this season are tops among FBS running backs and his 27 receptions are 9th.

9. Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 12 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 160 snaps), despite playing the 8th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (228).

10. Opponents have just a 51.5 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 12th in the country. ASU ranked 113th nationally a season ago (96.1).

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 - 53.8 percent of Sun Devil offensive drives have resulted in ASU scoring a touchdown or getting in range for a field goal attempt - good for 16th nationally. Only 38.8 percent of opponent drives have done the same, a net +15.1 percent difference that is 23rd in the nation. ASU ranked (133rd) a year ago with a net -29.0 percent tally as only 28 percent of its drives resulting in a TD/FGA (124th) compared to a 57 percent success rate for opponents (132nd of 133). ASU ranks 23rd nationally in picking up 55.5 percent of the yards available on offense while limiting opponents to picking up just 42.7 percent of theirs. The net 12.8 percent difference is the 21st-best total in the FBS.

6 - Playing the 6th-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (277), Alford has allowed just six receptions, tied for the third-fewest among Big 12 secondary players (min. 200 coverage snaps) and seventh-fewest in the FBS. Opponents have thrown his way on just 4.0 percent of coverage snaps, the 7th-lowest total among FBS players. He has allowed just 67 yards in coverage this season - 12th among all FBS players and second in the Big 12. He has allowed just 0.24 yards per coverage snap this season, second-lowest in the Big 12 and eighth in the FBS. Alford has forced an incompletion 36.4 percent of the time when targeted, the third-best tally among all FBS players.

3 - Leif Fautanu has played 3,201 career snaps, the third-most snaps among active centers in the FBS behind only NMSU’s Canaan Yarro (3,250) and Texas’ Jake Majors (3,215). 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 51 career games with 45 of those coming consecutively. Leif Fautanu has just four pressures credited against him, tied for 29th-fewest among FBS players and 12th among centers (min. 200 pass block snaps). His 1.4 pressure allowed percentage is 14th among FBS centers. His 86.8 pass-blocking grade is 24th in the FBS and fourth among FBS centers.

2 - ASU has the quickest average time to cause a QB pressure in the Big 12 at 2.37 seconds, a total good for 25th nationally. The team has done that with largely four-man rushes on the year, blitzing just 26.9 percent of the time - the 25th-lowest total nationally while the team has brought just four rushers 211 times - 28th among all FBS teams. ASU’s quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.25 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 23rd nationally with an average of 2.58 seconds before allowing a QB pressure. ASU was 117th a year ago with a 2.37 mark before giving up a QB pressure.

0 - Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 12 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 160 snaps), despite playing the 8th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (228). His 183 total yards allowed are 13th-lowest in the country (min. 160 snaps in slot defense), though his 0.80 yards allowed per slot coverage snap are the 7th-lowest total in the FBS. He has accomplished this despite being the 7th-most targeted slot defender in the country (43 targets). Shamari Simmons has the second-highest run defense of any player in the Big 12 and 11th-best in the FBS at 86.9 (min. 200 run defense snaps), a total good for second among the nation’s corners.

KICKING OFF
ASU running back Cam Skattebo has been named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week four times this season. Only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty (5) has earned more among FBS conferences.
Nine times in 20 games under Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward have the Sun Devils held an opponent under 100 rushing yards.
Amongst players with at least 300 snaps, redshirt freshman QB Sam Leavitt is currently the nation’s second-highest graded freshman offensive player (true or redshirt) by PFF (83.1) behind only South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez (83.5).
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. The team has shown vast improvements in the area, currently sitting 30th in the country in converting 45.05 percent of its third down attempts - 50-of-111.
Opponents have just a 51.5 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 12th in the country. ASU ranked 113th nationally a season ago in allowing opponents a 96.1 NFL QBR on third down passing.
Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 43 occasions over 75 games (57.3 percent of the time) - including seven of eight 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 50 of 75 games since 2018 (66.7 percent) - including seven of eight this year. This is notable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) in a span from 2013- 17.

AN ASU VICTORY WOULD...
Give ASU seven wins in its first nine games for the first time since starting the 2014 season with an 8-1 record.
Keep ASU undefeated at home this year, improving to 5-0. It would be the first time the Sun Devils started 5-0 at home siunce 2013 (7-0).
Keep the Sun Devils within a game of second in the Big 12 rankings
Move the Sun Devils to 4-2 in conference play for the first time since 2017.

MILESTONE WATCH
Cam Skattebo is only 18 all-purpose yards shy of 5,000 in his career (currently at 4,982).
Jordyn Tyson needs one receiving touchdown to reach 10 for this career (currently at 9).
Keyshaun Elliott needs 17 tackles to reach 200 for this career (currently at 183).
Jeff Clark needs half a sack to reach 10 for his career (currently at 9.5).
Myles Rowser needs just 8 tackles to pass his previous season high of 70 tackles a year ago (currently at 63).
Xavion Alford needs 14 tackles to reach 100 for his career (currently at 86).
Prince Dorbah needs 5 tackles to reach 50 for his career (currently at 45).

MAKING THE GRADE (NOTABLE PFF GRADES)
Cam Skattebo’s 88.8 overall offensive grade for the week was the best for any FBS halfback for Week 10.
Skattebo has the nation’s second-best overall offensive grade among running backs for the season (90.5) behind only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty (95.1) - min. 300 snaps played.
Laterrance Welch’s overall defensive grade of 90.2 was the highest grade for any Big 12 defender in Week 10 and the sixth-best grade of any defender in the FBS for the week. It was ASU’s highest grade for a corner in the PFF grading era (since 2008) and the fourth-best grade for any individual Sun Devil defender in that span.
Ben Coleman (17th, 87.8) and Leif Fautanu (28th, 86.3) rank in the Top-30 among all FBS players in pass blocking this season and 11th and 4th, respectively, among guards and centers.
Shamari Simmons has the top run defense grade in the Big 12 (88.2) and the the 16th-best grade in the country (fourth among FBS corners). Fellow CB Keith Abney ranks 17th among FBS corners in the category (80.8)
Xavion Alford has the second-best tackling grade in the Big 12 (86.9) and the 28th-best grade in the FBS - ninth among safeties.

LAST TIME OUT - OKLAHOMA STATE
The Sun Devils became bowl eligible for the first time, officially, since 2019 (ASU’s 2021 bowl appearance was vacated).
The 529 yards of offense were the most for the Sun Devils under Kenny Dillingham and the 42 points were the second-most. The 21-point margin of victory was the largest official victory over a Power-Four opponent since ASU’s 70-7 victory over Arizona in 2020 ( ASU’s two 22+ point wins in 2021 were vacated).
Cam Skattebo became the first Sun Devil running back with 100+ rushing AND receiving yards in a single game since Demario Richard put up 151 receiving and 104 rushing against New Mexico in 2015.
He became one of just 15 FBS running backs since 1996 to rush for over 150 yards and receive for 100 yards and one of just six Big 12 running backs since 1996 to rush and receive for over 100 yards in a conference game.
Skattebo’s 50-yard touchdown reception was his first touchdown reception since Sept. 23 against USC last season, which was also a 52-yard catch and run.
Skattebo’s 88.8 overall offensive grade for the week was the best for any FBS halfback for Week 10 and he was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the fourth time this year.
Laterrance Welch posted an overall defensive grade of 90.2. It was the highest grade for any Big 12 defender for the week and the sixth-best grade of any defender in the FBS for the week. It was ASU’s highest grade for a corner in the PFF grading era (since 2008) and the fourth-best grade for any individual Sun Devil defender in that span.
The Sun Devils have not punted on an opening drive this season and have scored in six of eight games. They have touchdowns in five of those (a field goal against Wyoming) and threw interceptions on the opening drives against Utah and Texas Tech.
ASU had given up opening drive scores (two touchdowns, one field goal) in three straight games before blanking Cincinnati and Oklahoma State on their opening drives the last two games).
It was the first time ASU had held an opponent scoreless in the first quarter since Week 2 against Mississippi State. The Sun Devils had entered the contest 86th in the country in allowing 6.3 points per first quarter this season.
The contest marked the second straight game ASU shut out a team in the third quarter after having given up 31 points in the five games prior in the frame.
With Skattebo’s touchdown with 16 seconds left in the first half, ASU is now outscoring opponents 49-13 in the “middle eight” of games - the last four minutes of the first half and first four minutes of the second half.
It was the ninth time this season that ASU has scored a touchdown in the final five minutes of the first or second half of a game - 13th in the nation in the category.
ASU’s 278 first half yards were the most it has had in a single half this season.
In three career games against Arizona State, 2023 Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon has rushed for just 87 total yards - notable as he has averaged over 90 yards PER GAME in his career.
Kyson Brown’s third quarter rushing touchdown was the first rushing score of his collegiate career.

WILD SKATT
Cam Skattebo is 8th among all active FBS AND FCS running backs with 3,682 career rushing yards while his 6.2 yards per carry are 15th in that group. (min. 300 carries). He is 7th in the FBS this season with 1,001 yards rushing, 7th at 125.1 rushing yards per game and second in the FBS in all-purpose yards per game at 175.63 - tops in the Big 12
He has forced 216 career missed tackles on rushing plays, 4th among active FBS/FCS halfbacks, and his 0.37 missed tackles forced per rushing attempt are fifth (min. 300 attempts). He is 3rd among FBS running backs this season wtih 57 missed tackles forced on rushing plays.
Skattebo has rushed for a first down or touchdown on 36.7 percent of his career carries, second among all active FBS/FCS backs (min. 300 attempts). He has rushed for a first down or touchdown on 35.6 percent of his rushes this year, good for 11th 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 sixth-lowest tally among all active backs at both levels (min. 300 attempts). His 13.8 stuff rate this season is 23rd among running backs.
He is currently averaging 3.9 yards after contact per career rush - tied for 13th among all active FBS/FCS backs. His 3.9 yards after contact per rush this season are 23rd in the FBS and his 676 total yards after contact are 7th.
Skattebo has 307 rushing yards in the fourth quarter of games this season, good for fourth nationally.
He has 17 rushes for a first down or touchdown in the fourth quarter of games - tied for tops in the nation. His 10 runs of 10 yards or more in the final frame are also tied for first in the FBS.
41.5 percent of his fourth quarter rushes this season have resulted in a first down or touchdown, good for fifth in the FBS, and his 49 fourth quarter touches (rushing and receiving) are fifth in the country
He has 17 total 100+ rushing yard performances in his career, with seven coming at Arizona State.

BOO SHIESTY
Cam Skattebo’s (pronounced BOO) 121 receiving yards against Oklahoma State and 117 against Texas Tech and the 4th and 6th most receiving yards by an FBS halfback this season.
Against Oklahoma State, Skattebo became the first Sun Devil running back with 100+ rushing AND receiving yards in a single game since Demario Richard put up 151 receiving and 104 rushing against New Mexico in 2015.
He became one of just 15 FBS running backs since 1996 to rush for over 150 yards and receive for 100 yards and one of just six Big 12 running backs since 1996 to rush and receive for over 100 yards in a conference game.
With his 117-yard receiving yard effort against Texas Tech, Skattebo 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).
Twice, Skattebo has recorded games with over 250 all-purpose yards, joining Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Utah State’s Jalen Royals as the only two FBS players to do so twice this year. Only Skattebo and Jeanty have done it without kick/punt returns included.
Since at least 1996, he is the only Sun Devil to record 250+ scrimmage yards twice, period, let alone in the same season.
His 404 total receiving yards this season are tops among FBS running backs and his 27 receptions are 9th.
He lies second in the nation with 384 yards after the catch among the FBS running backs - a total good for 15th among all players, regardless of position.
His 132 receiving yards after contact are fifth among FBS running backs.
His 15 first downs receiving are 4th among FBS running backs and his 15.0 yards per catch are first.

SKAT BACK
Skattebo has multiple touchdowns in five of ASU’s last six games and has rushed for a touchdown in seven of eight games this year and in six-straight games.
His 13 total touchdowns this season are 10th among FBS players and second in the Big 12. His 1,001 rushing yards are 7th in the FBS and his 1,405 all-purpose yards are fourth. He is the only player in the country with 1,000+ rushing yards and 300+ rushing yards.
Four times, he has 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). The four Big 12 OPOW honors are behind only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty’s five Mountain West weekly accolades this year.
Among halfbacks that have played at least 35 snaps in the game, he has posted three of the Top-20 best overall offensive grades for a running back this season (No. 5 in Week 10 (88.8), No. 13 in Week 2 (85.4) and No. 17 in Week 7 (84.1)) - the most of any back in the nation. His overall 90.5 grade this season is second in the FBS behind only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
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.
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 300 snaps, redshirt freshman QB Sam Leavitt is currently the nation’s second-highest graded freshman offensive player (true or redshirt) by PFF (83.1) behind only South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez (83.5).
The grade is good for 27th among all FBS quarterbacks this season.
After having just three touchdown passes in his first four games, he now has eight in his last three.
Among players with at least 150 dropbacks, Leavitt is tied for fifth in the FBS with just three turnover-worthy throws this season, according to Pro Football Focus.His four interceptions are tied for 23rd-fewest in the FBS.
Only 10 of his passes have been broken up this year, good for the 19th-lowest total in the FBS. He is one of just four 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 451 passing yards while pressured - good for 24th nationally despite having two bye weeks and missing a game. His 9.8 yards per attempt while under pressure are sixth-best in the country.
He has three touchdown passes this season coming while being pressured, tied for 32nd in the country.
His 56.5 completion percentage while being pressured is 6th among FBS quarterbacks.
His 84.6 NFL QBR while under pressure is 19th in the nation. He has picked up a first down with his arm 25 times on 74 pressures - 20th-most in the FBS.
Leavitt has set his receivers up for success, finding open players and hitting guys in stride to the tune of 57.7 percent of his total yardage coming after the catch - good for 12th nationally.
Leavitt has rushed for 244 yards this season on 29 QB scrambles, the yardage good for the seventh-most among quarterbacks in the FBS.
He has picked up a first down or touchdown on 48.3 percent of those QB scrambles, good for 10th among FBS quarterbacks. His 21 total rushing first downs on the year rushing are 31st.
Leavitt has the nation’s 4th-best rushing grade when scrambling this season at 77.4. His 74.9 overall rushing grade is 24th among FBS quarterbacks.
He had his first career 300+ yard game against Oklahoma State, finishing 20-of-29 for 304 yards and three touchdowns with no picks.
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).
Leavitt’s 258 passing yards in his starting debut against Wyoming were 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 20 plays over 50 yards to opponents since the 2018 season over 75 games - tied for the second-fewest in the FBS in that time behind only Washington (17). The FBS average in that span is 42.30 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, good for the fourth-lowest amount in the FBS in that time.
The Sun Devils have allowed just eight plays over 30 yards this season, tied for the 6th-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 110 TOTAL 30-plus yard plays (1.5 per game/75 games)). That is the third-lowest tally in the FBS in that time behind Iowa (90) and Northwestern (109) (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.
The team has shown vast improvements in the area, currently sitting 30th in the country in converting 45.05 percent of its third down attempts - 50-of-111.
The Sun Devils struggled defending third downs in a four-game stretch prior to the last two games where opponents converted 30-of-64 opportunities (46.9 percent). However, against Cincinnati and Oklahoma State, ASU has limited the opponent to 6-of-23 on third down conversions (26.1 percent). ASU has four games this season where opponents have only converted three third down opportunites (12-of-47 in those games, 25.5 percent).
ASU’s 6.0 yards per third down play this season is good for 46th nationally after ranking 112th nationally at 4.4 yards per third down last season.
Conversely, the defense has allowed just 4.1 yards per third down to opponent offenses - the 19th-lowest total in the country after allowing 5.3 per third down play a year ago (67th).
Opponents have just a 51.5 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 12th in the country. ASU ranked 113th nationally a season ago in allowing opponents a 96.1 NFL QBR on third down passing.

PLAYING THE FIELD
The field position battle was one ASU frequently lost a season ago, but have shown improvement in 2024.
ASU has had just 15.4 percent of its offensive drives start inside its own 20-yard line this year - the 30th-lowest tally nationally.
ASU’s average starting field position has been its own 28.3 yard line while holding opponents to a starting average of their own 29.9 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 by 8 yards this year (-1.6).
The Sun Devils rank 23rd nationally in picking up 55.5 percent of the yards available on offense while limiting opponents to picking up just 42.7 percent of theirs. The net 12.8 percent difference is the 21st-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 60.3 percent of the total yards available from the starting field position to the opponent’s own 40-yard line - the 26th-lowest percentage in the FBS - while only 53.3 percent of drives have made it to ASU’s 40 yard line, good for 32nd in the country.
53.8 percent of Sun Devil offensive drives have resulted in ASU scoring a touchdown or getting in range for a field goal attempt - good for 16th nationally. Only 38.8 percent such opponent drives have done the same, a net +15.1 percent difference that is the 23rd-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 2.83 points per drive this season, good for 24th nationally and have a net .72 points per drive over opponents that is 29th in the country. Last season, 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 6th-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (277), Alford has allowed just sixreceptions, tied for the third-fewest among Big 12 secondary players (min. 200 coverage snaps) and seventh-fewest in the FBS.
Opponents have chosen to throw his way on just 4.0 percent of coverage snaps, the 7th-lowest total among all FBS players. His 11 targets on the year are eighth-lowest in the FBS.
He has allowed just 67 yards in coverage this season - 12th-lowest among all FBS players and second in the Big 12.
He has allowed just 0.24 yards per coverage snap this season, second-lowest in the Big 12 and eighth in the FBS.
Alford has forced an incompletion 36.4 percent of the time when targeted, the third-best tally among all FBS players.
ASU’s last line of defense, Alford has been sure-handed as well with the nation’s 28th-best tackling grade among all players (86.9), second in the Big 12 and eighth among FBS safeties. He has been credited with just two missed tackles this year, tied for fifth-fewest among FBS safeties with a 4.8 missed tackle percentage that is sixth among FBS safeties.

NO FLY ZONE
Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 12 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 160 snaps), despite playing the 8th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (228).
His 183 total yards allowed are 13th-lowest in the country (min. 160 snaps in slot defense), though his 0.80 yards allowed per slot coverage snap are the 7th-lowest total in the FBS. He has accomplished this despite being the 7th-most targeted slot defender in the country (43 targets)
Opponents have just a 76.0 NFL QBR when targeting Simmons, 10th-lowest among FBS slot defenders.
Javan Robinson is fifth among Big 12 corners (min. 200 coverage snaps) in allowing just 16 receptions this season - a total that ranks in the Top-40 among all FBS corners.
Opponents have just a 51.6 completion percentage when targeting Robinson, sixth-lowest among Big 12 corners.
Keith Abney’s six forced incompletions are fourth among Big 12 corners.
Opponents have just a 51.5 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 12th 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 6.29 yards per passing attempt this season, the 29th-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 36 total passing plays over 40 yards - the fourth-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 2.37 seconds, a total good for 25th nationally. The team has done that with largely four-man rushes on the year, blitzing just 26.9 percent of the time - the 25th-lowest total nationally while the team has brought just four rushers 211 times - 28th among all FBS teams.
ASU’s average depth of tackle on run plays is within 4.10 yards, fifth-best in the Big 12 and 38th nationally. The big men up front on the defensive line, however, have a depth of tackle average of 1.86 yards, 25th nationally and tops in the Big 12.
C.J. Fite’s 11 defensive “stops” on run defense are 9th in the Big 12 among interior linemen. His five tackles for loss or no gain are third among the league interior linemen.
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.

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 81.2 pass blocking grade from PFF as a group this season, the 27th-best tally nationally. The offensive line itself has been credited with just five of ASU’s sacks this year, the 27th-lowest total in the country.The group has allowed just 47 total pressures, the 36th-lowest total in the FBS.
As a team, ASU is 41st in the country in only allowing 12 sacks this season after ranking 87th a season ago with 30 allowed.
ASU’s quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.25 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 23rd nationally with an average of 2.58 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 44.6 percent of his dropbacks this season, the 32nd-lowest tally in the FBS (out of 88 QBs that have at least 50 percent of their teams 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 is 13th in the FBS overall and 6th among FBS guards with just a three QB pressures allowed this year (min. 200 pass block snaps). His 1.2 pressure allowed percentage on 255 pass block snaps is 22nd in the FBS and 11th among FBS guards.
Coleman has not been credited with allowing a sack this season.
His 87.8 pass blocking grade is 14th among all FBS players and 10th among guards.
Leif Fautanu has just four pressures credited against him, tied for 29th-fewest among FBS players and 12th among centers (min. 200 pass block snaps). His 1.4 pressure allowed percentage is 14th among FBS centers. His 86.8 pass-blocking grade is 24th in the FBS and fourth among FBS centers.
He has not been credited with a sack allowed this season.
Fautanu has played 3,201 snaps in his career, third-most among FBS centers behind only NMSU’s Canaan Yarro (3,250) and Texas’ Jake Majors (3,215) and has started 45 consecutive games in his career out of his 51 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 continues 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 321.4 yards per game, good for that is 26th nationally. and fourth in the Big 12. Opponents are averaging just 4.91 yards per play - 25th-lowest in the country.
ASU’s defense currently ranks 30th in overall defensive EPA at -0.061.
The team has allowed offenses to pick up just 42.7 of their available yards, the 39th-lowest total nationally. ASU was 124th in the country a year ago in allowing 56.3 percent of available yards.
The defense has allowed just two drives 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 60.3 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line - the 26th-lowest total in the FBS while also allowing only 53.3 percent of opponent yards up to the ASU 40 - 33rd nationally.
Only 38.8 percent of opponent drives have resulted in a touchdown or field goal attempt, the 52nd-lowest total in the FBS after being 132nd (of 133) in the country last year with a 57.0 clip.
Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 43 occasions over 75 games (57.3 percent of the time) - including seven of eight 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 50 of 75 games since 2018 (66.7 percent) - including seven of eight this year. This is notable 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 six for seven in that category this year: Mississippi State (23/56.0), Texas State (28/41.5), Texas Tech (30/44.7), Utah (19/28.3), Cincinnati (24/31.0), Oklahoma State (21/30.5.

GOLD RUSH
The Sun Devils rank 18th nationally and third in the Big 12 in averaging 210.4 rushing yards per game this year.
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 rushing first down or touchdown 32.0 percent of the time, good for 20th nationally.
The rushing attack has been especially efficient in punishing opponents with ASU running backs earning 3.8 yards after contact per rush - 22nd in the FBS.
A huge part of the rushing success has come by way of the team’s wide receivers and their perimeter blocking. Jordyn Tyson (251) has the 8th-most run-blocking snaps of any wide receiver in the FBS.
ASU has forced 95 missed tackles on run plays this season, 8th-most in the FBS.
The Sun Devils ranked 17th in the FBS in averaging 0.28 missed tackles forced per running play last season.
Since 2020, ASU’s 20.9 percentage of total drives have ended with a rushing touchdowns is 10th in the FBS.
ASU has received a team rushing grade of 96.8 from PFF since the 2020 season, the 21st-highest tally in the FBS.
Since 2020, ASU has been stuffed at or behind the line of scrimmage on just 17.9 percent of its rushes - good for the 28th-lowest tally in the FBS. The team has averaged 3.2 yards after contact per rush in that time - tied for 27th in the FBS.
Since 2020, ASU has picked up a first down or touchdown on 30.9 percent of its rushes - 12th-most in the FBS. The team is averaging 5.3 yards per rush in that time, tied for 33rd in the FBS.
Since 2018, ASU has rushed for 100+ yards in 57 of 75 games (76.0 percent).
The Sun Devils have produced a 1,000-yard rusher 10 times in the last 14 seasons - with one of the lone exceptions being the shortened 2020 season. For comparison, from 1976-2010, ASU had just eight 1000-yard rushers over 34 years.

BUT ALSO NO RUSH
The Sun Devils have held opponents to just 111.9 rushing yards per game, the 27th-best total in the country. ASU was 36th in the FBS in allowing just 133.5 rush yards per game to opponents last season.
Nine times under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward has ASU held an opponent under 100 rushing yards in a game.
Shamari Simmons has the second-highest run defense of any player in the Big 12 and 11th-best in the FBS at 86.9 (min. 200 run defense snaps), a total good for second among the nation’s corners. He is joined in the Top 25 of corners by teammate Keith Abney (32nd, 80.2)
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 12 (eight interceptions and four fumble recoveries) through eight 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 18th nationally with just two fumbles lost this year.
ASU has recorded three defensive touchdowns this season, the sixth-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 934-554 in points off takeaways since 2012 and 27-14 this season.

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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