Pivotal Big 12 Tilt Awaits Football at #16 K-State

The Sun Devils will look to stay in the Big 12 title race in Manhattan.

Martell Hughes blocks a punt against UCF.

November 13, 2024

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THE GAME - Sun Devil Football hits the home stretch of the season and is playing meaningful football in November in its final three games, starting on the road against #16 (CFP)/#20 (AP) Kansas State on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Manhattan, Kan. Scheduled for a 5 p.m. AZT (6 p.m. local) kickoff, the contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN (Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler, Stormy Buonantony). 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 WILDCATS - The Sun Devils own a 5-1 lead in the all-time series against Kansas State, with the lone loss coming the last time the teams faced at the 2002 Holiday Bowl. Prior to that ASU played the Wildcats five times between 1964 and 1989 - all home games - and won each contest. This will be the first time Arizona State has played a game in Manhattan, Kan. K-State is 4-0 at home this season and its 15 home wins since the start of the 2022 season are the most among Big 12 programs and 16th-best in the FBS.

#10THINGS (Twitter-Friendly Notes)

1. Four of Jordyn Tyson's touchdown receptions this season have come in the final five minutes of a half (two in the first half and two in the second half).

2. The Sun Devils are 4-0 in games decided by a touchdown or less and 5-1 in one-score games overall - both win totals leading the nation in the category.

3. Sam Leavitt (85.3) is the nation's second-highest graded freshman offensive player (true or redshirt) behind only Jacksonville State wide receiver Cam Vaughn (86.1)

4. After ranking 120th in converting just 31.76 percent a year of their third downs a year ago, ASU currently sits 26th in the country in converting 45.53 percent of its third down attemp

5. ASU is outscoring opponents 63-13 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 12 touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first and second halves this season, a total good for third in the FBS.

7. The Sun Devil defense has allowed just 4.2 yards per third down to opponent offenses - the 17th-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 despite missing a game.

9. Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 12 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 200 snaps), despite playing the 6th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (256).

10. Opponents have just a 56.8 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 21st 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.

51 - 51.7 percent of Sun Devil offensive drives have resulted in ASU scoring a touchdown or getting in range for a field goal attempt - good for 20th nationally. Only 41.3 percent such opponent drives have done the same, a net +10.4 percent difference that is the 30th-best in the nation. ASU ranked dead last (133rd) in the category a season ago with a net -29.0 percent tally. The Sun Devils are averaging 2.78 points per drive this season, good for 24th nationally and have a net .61 points per drive over opponents advatage that is 33rd in the country. Last season, ASU was 130th nationally with a net -1.54 points per drive.

7 - Playing the 5th-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (313), Xavion Alford has allowed just seven receptions, tied for the 2nd-fewest among Big 12 players (min. 250 coverage snaps) and 5th-fewest in the FBS.Opponents have chosen to throw his way on just 4.2 percent of coverage snaps, the 6th-lowest total among all FBS players. His 13 targets on the year are 6th-lowest in the FBS.He has allowed just 76 yards in coverage this season - 7th-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 4th in the FBS.

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 (3,327) and Texas' Jake Majors (3,260). 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 52 career games with 46 of those coming consecutively. Fautanu has just four pressures credited against him, tied for 18th-fewest among FBS players and 9th among centers (min. 250 pass block snaps). His 1.4 pressure allowed percentage is 11th among FBS centers. His 88.0 pass-blocking grade is 2nd 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 2.38 seconds, a total good for 28th nationally. The team has done that with largely four-man rushes on the year, blitzing just 27.2 percent of the time - the 27th-lowest total nationally while the team has brought just four pass rushers 236 times - 25th-most among all FBS teams. ASU's quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.39 seconds this season, good for 17th-best in the FBS after ranking 128th in the country a season ago at 2.48 seconds. The group is 24th nationally with an average of 2.60 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 8 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 200 snaps), despite playing the 6th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (256). His 227 total yards allowed are 13th-lowest in the country (min. 200 snaps in slot defense), though his 0.89 yards allowed per slot coverage snap are the 7th-lowest total in the FBS. He has accomplished this despite being the 5th-most targeted slot defender in the country (48 targets)Opponents have just a 80.8 NFL QBR when targeting Simmons, 15th-lowest among FBS slot defenders.

SIX DEGREES OF SUN DEVILATION

ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward, Kansas State linebackers coach Steve Stanard and defensive analyst David Orloff were all part of the Syracuse coaching staff from 2017 - 2019.
ASU assistant special teams coordinator Matt Butterfield and KSU DT coach Mike Tuiasosopo coached at UCLA together in 2014.
ASU linebackers coach AJ Cooper and KSU Linebackers coach Steve Stanard both coached defensive position groups together at both North Dakota State from 2012-2013 and Wyoming from 2014 -2016. Cooper and KSU head coach Chris Klieman coached at North Dakota State from 2011-2013. Cooper and KSU offensive line coach Conor Riley coached at North Dakota State in 2013
ASU LB Krew Jackson played at Kansas State in 2021 and 2022.
ASU RB Alton McCaskill and KSU RB Dylan Edwards were teammates at Colorado in 2023.
ASU OL Cade Briggs (2021-2022), ASU DL Ian Shewell (2022) and KSU LB Alec Marenco (2021-2022) played together at the University of New Mexico.
ASU LB Tate Romney and KSU WR Quenton Rice played together at BYU in 2022 (Romney was on LDS mission and was away from the team).

KICKING OFF
The Sun Devils are one of just 12 teams in the country to record an interceptions return for a touchdown, a fumble return for a touchdown and a special teams touchdown this year.
ASU is a perfect 4-0 in games decided by seven points or less this season, tied for the best record in the FBS this season. ASU is 5-1 in all one-score games (up to eight points), with the five wins being tied for the most in the country as well.
Sun Devil true corners (excluded the nickelback) have recorded interceptions in four straight games (Keith Abney vs. Utah and at Cincinnati/Javan Robinson at Oklahoma State/Laterrance Welch vs. UCF). It is the first time ASU has had corners accomplish that feat in four straight games since 2013 (Robert Nelson at Stanford/Osahon Irabor vs. USC and Notre Dame/Nelson and Lloyd Carrington vs. Colorado).
Opponents have converted just 9-of-30 third down opportunities in the fourth quarter of games this year, a 30.0 rate that has ASU ranked 30th in the country. The team was 71st a year ago in allowing 37.2 percent of fourth-quarter third down conversions.
Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 8 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 200 snaps), despite playing the 6th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (256).
As a team, ASU is 44th in the country in only allowing 14 sacks this season after ranking 87th a season ago with 30 allowed. ASU's quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.39 seconds this season, good for 17th-best in the FBS after ranking 128th in the country a season ago at 2.48 seconds.

AN ASU VICTORY WOULD...
Give ASU eight wins in its first 10 games since the team finished the 2013 season with a 10-2 regular season record
Guarantee the Sun Devils will finish at least .500 in road games (excluding the shortened 2020 season) for the first time since 2014 (4-2).
Keep the Sun Devils within a game of second in the Big 12 standings at minimum and move ASU into a tie for second with a Colorado loss.
Move the Sun Devils to 5-2 through seven games in conference play for the first time since 2014 (also 5-2).
Hand K-State its first loss at home this season (currently 4-0) and just its fourth in the last three seasons (currently 15-3).
Give ASU its first official road win against an AP Top-25 team since beating No. 15 Cal and No. 18 Michigan State in 2019 (ASU's 2021 road win at No. 20 UCLA was later vacated) and move ASU to 2-0 in ranked games this year.

MILESTONE WATCH
Cam Skattebo is only 18 all-purpose yards shy of 5,000 in his career (currently at 4,982).
Sam Leavitt needs 230 passing yards to reach 2,000 for the season (currently at 1770).
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).
Xavion Alford needs five tackles to reach 100 for his career (currently at 95).
Prince Dorbah needs one tackles to reach 50 for his career (currently at 49).
Myles Rowser needs 22 taclkles to reach 200 for his career (currently at 178).
Shamari Simmons needs 18 tackles to reach 250 for his career (currently at 232).

MAKING THE GRADE (NOTABLE PFF GRADES)
The Sun Devils and Texas are the only two programs in the country with two offensive linemen ranked in the Top-15 among pass blocking grades in the nation. Ben Coleman (90.8) ranks fifth among all FBS players as a pass blocker and third among guards while Leif Fautanu (88.0) ranks 12th among all FBS pass blockers but is the second-highest graded center in the nation in the category.
Emmit Bohle recorded the 18th-best pass blocking grade in the nation in Week 11 (87.7) and third-best in the Big 12.
Sam Leavitt has the 19th-best overall offense grade for a quarterback in the FBS (85.3) and second-best in the Big 12. That is the highest grade among all freshmen quarterbacks (true or redshirt) in the FBS and the second-highest grade for any offensive freshmen in the country behind only Jacksonville State wide receiver Cam Vaughn (86.1).
Xavion Alford has the top tackling grade in the Big 12 (86.6), good for 30th among all FBS players and seventh among FBS safeties.
Alford has the seventh-best grade in coverage in the Big 12 overall (82.8) - 35th among FBS safeties.

LAST TIME OUT - UCF
Being outgained 406-260 against the Knights on Saturday, the contest marked the first time ASU had won a game where it trailed to total yardage category by over 100 yards since beating #18 Michigan State, 10-7, in 2019 after being outgained 404-216.
The Sun Devils improved to 5-1 in one-score games this season.
The contest marked the first time ASU recorded a special teams touchdown and a defensive touchdown in the same game since defeating Cal 51-41 on Sept. 24, 2016 in a game where Laiu Moeakiola had a 28-yard pick-six and DJ Calhoun returned an onside kick 42 yards for a touchdown.
Laterrance Welch's interception return for a touchdown was ASU's fourth defensive touchdown of the season (two pick sixes and two fumble returns), tied for second in the FBS.
In the last two games Welch has five pass breakups and an interception return for a touchdown.
The Sun Devils have been exceptional closing halves this season. The team is eighth in the country with 11 offensive touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first or second halves. ASU added two of those against UCF and added a defensive touchdown in the final minute of the first half as well. The 12 total touchdowns in the final five minutes of either half are tied for third in the country.
ASU has absolutely dominated the "middle eight" of games this year - the final four minutes of the second quarter and first four minutes of the second half. With a 14-0 advantage in that category against UCF, ASU has now outscored opponents 63-13 in the category this season.
UCF running back RJ Harvey got loose in the third quarter, and UCF had 12 rushes for 94 yards in the frame. ASU was able to limit the standout and the Knights to seven rushes for 17 yards in the decisive fourth quarter.
Through three quarters UCF held the ball for 25:51 to ASU's 19:09 and ran 59 plays to ASU 38. In the final quarter, ASU had the ball for 9:31 to UCF's 5:29 and ran 19 plays to UCF's 12.
It was the second straight game where Sam Leavitt recorded three touchdown passes without an interception. His TD:INT ratio this season now sits at 14:4.
It was the first time an ASU quarterback posted consecutive games with three touchdown passes and no picks since Jayden Daniels did so in three straight games against UCLA, Oregon State and Oregon in 2019.

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). Despite missing a game, he is 10th in the FBS this season with 1,001 yards rushing, 8th 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 and ranking only behind Boise State's Ashton Jeanty for most in the country..
He has forced 216 career missed tackles on rushing plays, 5th among active FBS/FCS halfbacks as are his 0.37 missed tackles forced per rushing attempt (min. 300 attempts). He is 4th among FBS running backs this season wtih 57 missed tackles forced on rushing plays, despite missing a game.
Skattebo has rushed for a first down or touchdown on 35.6 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 9th in the FBS (min. 100 carries).
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 31st 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 fifth nationally despite missing one game and coming out in the fourth quarter in blowouts against Oklahoma State and Wyoming.
He has 17 rushes for a first down or touchdown in the fourth quarter of games - good for third in the nation in the nation. His 10 runs of 10 yards or more in the final frame are also tied for third in the FBS.
41.5 percent of his fourth quarter rushes this season have resulted in a first down or touchdown, good for fourth in the FBS, and his 49 fourth quarter touches (rushing and receiving) are seventh 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 second among FBS running backs and his 27 receptions are 11th.
He lies third in the nation with 384 yards after the catch among the FBS running backs - a total good for 18th among all players, regardless of position.
His 132 receiving yards after contact are sixth among FBS running backs.
His 15 first downs receiving are 4th among FBS running backs and his 15.0 yards per catch are fourth (min. 100 receiving snaps).

SKAT BACK
Skattebo has multiple touchdowns in five of his last six games and has rushed for a touchdown in seven of eight games this year he has played in this year - including six-straight games.
His 13 total touchdowns this season are 13th among FBS players and second in the Big 12. His 1,001 rushing yards are 10th in the FBS and his 1,405 all-purpose yards are fifth. He is the only player in the country with 1,000+ rushing yards and 300+ receiving yards, even with a missed game.
Skattebo has 191.8 all purpose yards per game in conference games.
Skattebo was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the best player in college football. He is the first semifinalist for the honor in program history.
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 six Mountain West weekly accolades this year.
Skattebo has received an overall offensive grade of 88.4 from Pro Football Focus this season, good for fourth among all FBS running backs and first among Power Four conference backs.
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 (85.3) behind only Jacksonville State receiver Cam Vaughn (86.1).
In the last 10 years of PFF grading, Leavitt's 85.3 grade is 9th among FBS freshmen quarterbacks (true or redshirt) that have played at least 500 snaps. Among the eight ahead of him, six have started NFL games this season (Spencer Rattler, C.J. Stroud, Drake Maye, Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy).
The grade is good for 19th among all FBS quarterbacks this season.
After having just three touchdown passes in his first four games, he now has 11 in his last four.
Leavitt is the first ASU quarterback to have three or more games in a season with three or more touchdown passes in a season (3) since Jayden Daniels in the 2019 season (four total).
Among players with at least 200 dropbacks, Leavitt is tied for third in the FBS with just three turnover-worthy throws this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His four interceptions are tied for 15-fewest in the FBS among those with at least 200 dropbacks..
Only 11 of his passes have been broken up this year, good for the 17th-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 481 passing yards while pressured - good for 26th nationally despite having two bye weeks and missing a game. His 9.6 yards per attempt while under pressure are fourth-best in the country.
His 54.0 completion percentage while being pressured is 9th among FBS quarterbacks.
His 82.2 NFL QBR while under pressure is 23rd in the nation. He has picked up a first down with his arm 28 times on 83 pressures - 15th-most in the FBS.
Leavitt has set his receivers up for success, finding open players and hitting guys in stride to the tune of 57.5 percent of his total yardage coming after the catch - good for 8th nationally.

TAKE IT OR LEAVITT
Sam Leavitt has rushed for 269 yards this season on 33 QB scrambles, the yardage good for the seventh-most among quarterbacks in the FBS.
He has picked up a first down or touchdown on 45.5 percent of those QB scrambles, good for 13th among FBS quarterbacks (min 20 scrambles). His 24 total rushing first downs/touchdowns on the year rushing are 30th
Leavitt has the nation's 5th-best rushing grade when scrambling this season at 76.8. His 76.0 overall rushing grade is 15th among FBS quarterbacks.
He has twice been named the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Week this season.
His is the first player to post consecutive games with three touchdown passes and no picks since Jayden Daniels did it three times in 2019.
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 76 games - second-fewest in the FBS in that time behind only Washington (18). The FBS average in that span is 43.16 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 5th-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 118 TOTAL 30-plus yard plays (1.5 per game/76 games)). That is the third-lowest tally in the FBS in that time behind Iowa (93) and Northwestern (109) (Kennesaw State and Sam Houston 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 26th in the country in converting 45.53 percent of its third down attempts - 56-of-123.
The Sun Devils struggled defending third downs in a four-game stretch prior to the last three games where opponents converted 30-of-64 opportunities (46.9 percent). However, against Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and UCF, ASU has limited the opponent to 12-of-36 on third down conversions (33.1 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).
Opponents have converted just 9-of-30 third down opportunities in the fourth quarter of games this year, a 30.0 rate that has ASU ranked 30th in the country. The team was 71st a year ago in allowing 37.2 percent of fourth-quarter third down conversions.
ASU's 5.8 yards per third down play this season is good for 47th nationally after ranking 112th nationally at 4.4 yards per third down last season.
Conversely, the defense has allowed just 4.2 yards per third down to opponent offenses - the 17th-lowest total in the country after allowing 5.3 per third down play a year ago (67th).
Opponents have just a 56.8 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 21st 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 14.9 percent of its offensive drives start inside its own 20-yard line this year - the 21st-lowest tally nationally.
ASU's average starting field position has been its own 28.1 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 (-1.8).
The Sun Devils rank 27th nationally in picking up 54.3 percent of the yards available on offense while limiting opponents to picking up just 43.3 percent of theirs. The net 11.0 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 60.9 percent of the total yards available from the starting field position to the opponent's own 40-yard line - the 33rd-lowest percentage in the FBS - while only 54.2 percent of drives have made it to ASU's 40 yard line, good for 39th in the country.
51.7 percent of Sun Devil offensive drives have resulted in ASU scoring a touchdown or getting in range for a field goal attempt - good for 20th nationally. Only 41.3 percent such opponent drives have done the same, a net +10.4 percent difference that is the 30th-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 2.78 points per drive this season, good for 24th nationally and have a net .61 points per drive over opponents advatage that is 33rd 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 5th-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (313), Alford has allowed just seven receptions, tied for the 2nd-fewest among Big 12 players (min. 250 coverage snaps) and 5th-fewest in the FBS.
Opponents have chosen to throw his way on just 4.2 percent of coverage snaps, the 6th-lowest total among all FBS players. His 13 targets on the year are 6th-lowest in the FBS.
He has allowed just 76 yards in coverage this season - 7th-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 4th in the FBS.
Alford has forced an incompletion 30.8 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 30th-best tackling grade among all players (86.6), tops in the Big 12 and 7th among FBS safeties. He has been credited with just three missed tackles this year, tied for third-fewest among FBS safeties with a 5.8 missed tackle percentage that is sixth among FBS safeties.

NO FLY ZONE
Among FBS slot defenders, Shamari Simmons is one of just 8 players in the country not credited with a touchdown allowed (min. 200 snaps), despite playing the 6th-most slot coverage snaps in the country (256).
His 227 total yards allowed are 13th-lowest in the country (min. 200 snaps in slot defense), though his 0.89 yards allowed per slot coverage snap are the 7th-lowest total in the FBS. He has accomplished this despite being the 5th-most targeted slot defender in the country (48 targets)
Opponents have just a 80.8 NFL QBR when targeting Simmons, 15th-lowest among FBS slot defenders.
Keith Abney's six forced incompletions are fourth among Big 12 corners.
In the last two games, Laterrance Welch has five pass breakups and an interception return for a touchdown.
A true Sun Devil corner (nickelback excluded) has an interception in four-consecutive games entering the weekend, the first time ASU has accomplished that feat since 2013.
Opponents have just a 56.8 NFL QBR rating on third downs against ASU this season, ranking ASU 21st 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 6.35 yards per passing attempt this season, the 35th-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 2.38 seconds, a total good for 28th nationally. The team has done that with largely four-man rushes on the year, blitzing just 27.2 percent of the time - the 27th-lowest total nationally while the team has brought just four pass rushers 236 times - 25th-most among all FBS teams.
On run plays, the big men up front on the defensive line have a depth of tackle average of 1.94 yards, 30th nationally and tops in the Big 12.
C.J. Fite's five tackles for loss or no gain are fourth among the league's 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.
ASU's offensive linemen have received a 83.3 pass blocking grade from PFF as a group this season, the 19th-best tally nationally. The offensive line itself has been credited with just five of ASU's sacks this year, the 24th-lowest total in the country.The group has allowed just 48 total pressures, the 27th-lowest total in the FBS - the latter notable as the group was 80th in the country in the category last year.
As a team, ASU is 44th in the country in only allowing 14 sacks this season after ranking 87th a season ago with 30 allowed.
ASU's quarterbacks have had an average time to throw of 3.39 seconds this season, good for 17th-best in the FBS after ranking 128th in the country a season ago at 2.48 seconds.
The group is 24th nationally with an average of 2.60 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 43.9 percent of his dropbacks this season, the 31st-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 2nd among all FBS players with just two pressures credited by PFF this season (min. 250 pass block snaps). His 0.7 pressure allowed percentage on 255 pass block snaps is 6th in the FBS.
Coleman has not been credited with allowing a sack this season.
His 90.8 pass blocking grade is 5th among all FBS players and 2nd among guards.
Leif Fautanu has just four pressures credited against him, tied for 18th-fewest among FBS players and 9th among centers (min. 250 pass block snaps). His 1.4 pressure allowed percentage is 11th among FBS centers. His 88.0 pass-blocking grade is 2nd in the FBS and fourth among FBS centers.
He has not been credited with a sack allowed this season.
ASU and Texas are the only two programs in the country with two offensive linemen ranked among the Top-15 pass blockers in the country.
Fautanu has played 3,258 snaps in his career, third-most among FBS centers behind only NMSU's Canaan Yarro (3,327) and Texas' Jake Majors (3,260) and has started 46 consecutive games in his career out of his 52 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 330.8 yards per game, good for that is 35th nationally and fifth in the Big 12. Opponents are averaging just 5.00 yards per play - 32nd-lowest in the country.
ASU's defense currently ranks 28th in overall defensive EPA at -0.061.
The team has allowed offenses to pick up just 43.3 of their available yards, the 43rd-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 60.9 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line - the 33rd-lowest total in the FBS while also allowing only 54.2 percent of opponent yards up to the ASU 40 - 39th nationally.
Only 41.3 percent of opponent drives have resulted in a touchdown or field goal attempt, the 64th-lowest total in the FBS - notable 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 76 games (56.5 percent of the time) - including seven of nine 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 76 games since 2018 (65.8 percent) - including seven of nine 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 seven for eight 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), UCF (31/33.2).

AIR JORDYN
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has five touchdowns in the last four games and 448 yards (89.6 yards per game) on 32 catches in that span. In the first four games, he had 14 catches for 209 yards with one touchdown.
Four of his touchdown receptions this season have come in the final five minutes of a half (two in the first half and two in the second half).
Three of his seven touchdown catches have come in the fourth quarter of games - tied for third among FBS receivers.
His 11 third down receiving conversions are tied for 19th in the FBS.
Tyson is 9th in the Big 12 with 33 first down/touchdown receptions
Tyson has emphasized Hines Ward's "No Block, No Rock" mantra as he is fifth among FBS receivers with 273 run-blocking snaps this season.

GOLD RUSH
The Sun Devils rank 27th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 in averaging 198.0 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 31.1 percent of the time, good for 28th nationally.
The rushing attack has been especially efficient in punishing opponents with ASU running backs earning 3.7 yards after contact per rush - 25th in the FBS.
ASU has forced 105 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 20.5 percentage of total drives have ended with a rushing touchdown is 11th 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 30th in the FBS.
Since 2020, ASU has picked up a first down or touchdown on 30.7 percent of its rushes - 13th-most in the FBS. The team is averaging 5.3 yards per rush in that time, tied for 35th in the FBS.
Since 2018, ASU has rushed for 100+ yards in 57 of 76 games (75.0 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 118.8 rushing yards per game, the 33rd-best total in the country. This comes as ASU has played three of the Top-25 teams in the nation this season in rushing offense. 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.
Keith Abney has the third-best run defense grade in the Big 12 at 83.2 while fellow corner Shamari Simmons checks in at No. 10 (79.2). They rank 11th and 33rd among all FBS corners.
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 has 13 (nine interceptions and four fumble recoveries) through nine games this year.
Sun Devil true corners (excluded the nickelback) have recorded interceptions in four straight games (Keith Abney vs. Utah and at Cincinnati/Javan Robinson at Oklahoma State/Laterrance Welch vs. UCF). It is the first time ASU has had corners accomplish that feat in four straight games since 2013 (Robert Nelson at Stanford/Osahon Irabor vs. USC and Notre Dame/Nelson and Lloyd Carrington vs. Colorado).
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 10th nationally with just two fumbles lost this year.
ASU has recorded four defensive touchdowns this season (2 pick sixes, 2 fumble returns), the second-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 941-554 in points off takeaways since 2012 and 34-14 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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