The Arizona State football team sits at 2-1, with the loss coming to Texas A&M, the team most thought it would lose to.
The Big 12 is very much up for grabs. While BYU and Utah look like the best of the lot, it is a wide-open race, unlike last season when Texas Tech was the overwhelming favorite. The Sun Devils started conference play with a 24-17 win in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 19.
Next up for ASU is a 7:30 p.m. showdown against Baylor on Oct. 3 at Mountain America Stadium.
Let's look at what ASU has done well and where it needs to improve to contend for a Big 12 title.
What has gone right
Late-down defense: The Sun Devils rank 13th among 138 FBS schools in fourth-down defense, allowing opponents to convert only 2 of 11 attempts. In the most
recent game, Kansas was 0-for-3. Linebackers Owen Long and Martell Hughes combined for a rushing stop on a fourth-and-1, while Long's interception came on a fourth-and-10 from the ASU 23. The third Kansas failure was an incomplete pass on a fourth-and-6. On third down, defensive coordinator Brian Ward's unit allows only a 30% success rate (12-for-40). That ranks 30th.
Defense as a whole: This was expected to be a strength, and it has been just that. The Sun Devils rank 39th in total defense, allowing just 285.7 yards per game. They are 68th against the run (113.24) and 38th against the pass (124.3). Long leads the team in tackles with 25, four more than Hughes. Senior defensive back Montana Warren has 18.
Harris is a legitimate star: Everyone wondered who would take up the void left by the departure of receiver Jordyn Tyson. Omarion Miller looked to be the guy. He was the No. 2 wide receiver in the transfer portal. Harris, a transfer from Boston College, was a top-10 player too and has looked the part with touchdown receptions in every game. At 6-foot-5, he is a matchup nightmare for defenders. He boasts 21 receptions for 374 yards, fifth-best in the country.
Red zone offense: This was a legitimate issue last season. My, how things can change. Through three games, ASU ranks second nationally behind only Alabama. It is 8-for-8 in red zone scoring opportunities with three rushing touchdowns, three passing touchdowns, and two Carson Smith field goals.
What has gone wrong
Boley needs to be better: Boley struggled miserably against Kansas, passing for just 95 yards and missing the easiest of throws. He did an admirable job in the first two games, so maybe the struggles are just a one-game thing. Former QB Sam Leavitt (now at LSU) didn't exactly light the world on fire in his first three games as a Sun Devil. Boley's numbers over three games are actually better than Leavitt's in all but one category: completion percentage.
Net Punting: Remember last year, only one team was worse in the FBS. Well, this year it isn't starting great either. The Sun Devils rank 134th at 30 yards per kick. Better than just four teams. Maybe it isn't quite as bad as that number would indicate because that figure is skewed by the 72-yard return for a touchdown it gave up against Kansas. Either way, the Sun Devils have to do better. Nick McLarty took over from the incumbent Kanyon Floyd, who held down the position the previous two years. Floyd was at 41.4, while McLarty is at 42.2. So far.
Get more players involved offensively: This is something Dillingham mentioned the last time he met with the media. Omarion Miller has 20 catches for 149 yards, while Reed Harris has 21 for 374, so most of Miller's catches are in the flat, and he is being tackled quickly. He needs to be used more downfield, where his speed and athleticism can take over. After that, the next "receiver" is running back Kyson Brown with three catches. The unit also has other talented wide receivers. Brown has 43 of the 83 rushing attempts by running backs. Marquis Gillis needs more touches. He only has 11.
Offensive line issues: This unit has been a work in progress. It lost all five starters from last year. The tackle spots have been especially problematic. Even FCS Morgan State, ASU's first-game foe, was able to get some pressure and recorded two sacks. Right guard Wade Helton is currently out with a lower-leg injury, and his replacement, Rob Lapuaho, was injured against Kansas.
Mounting injuries are a concern: The Sun Devils lost three players for the season before the first game. Now, Helton will be out for a "few weeks," according to Dillingham, and tight end Khamari Anderson, injured on the second play against Kansas, is out for the season.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 4 reasons we are optimistic about Arizona State and 5 reasons we aren't
