The TCU Horned Frogs are now 3-0, following eye-opening victories over the North Carolina Tar Heels and SMU Mustangs. Next up is arguably TCU’s toughest test yet: the Arizona State Sun Devils. Like SMU,
Arizona State reached the College Football Playoff last season and returns a large portion of its roster.
That said, the Sun Devils have yet to fully live up to expectations, with narrow wins and a loss to Mississippi State leaving early blemishes on their resumé. Still, Arizona State features one of the most balanced offenses and defenses in the conference.
To gain insight into Arizona State’s season so far, we spoke with Kevin Hicks of Arizona State Sun Devils on SI to break down the Sun Devils’ struggles, their improved pass rush, and offer a prediction for Friday night’s matchup.
Frogs O’ War: After setting lofty standards last season, the Arizona State Sun Devils have had a rocky start, losing to Mississippi State and narrowly defeating Baylor. Should fans be concerned, or is this relatively slow start consistent with expectations?
Arizona State Sun Devils on SI: I’m not sure if I would say it’s time to be ‘concerned’ or to sound the alarm on the season, but the team truly hasn’t panned out as expected to this point either. The victories over Texas State and Baylor were more consistent displays, but it truly does feel as if the offense and defense are trading off in stepping-up in key moments—something that Sam Leavitt alluded to after Tuesday’s practice. There is reason to believe that the team is crawling out of the rut they found themselves in—but several things must be cleaned up moving forward, including procedural penalties and the coaching staff continuing to find ways to get non Jordyn Tyson targets involved.
Frogs O’ War: Following Cam Skattebo’s departure, even with the addition of transfer Kanye Udoh, there were questions about Arizona State’s ground game. How has Raleek Brown emerged as the team’s leading rusher, and how critical has he been to the Sun Devils’ offensive success?
Arizona State Sun Devils on SI: Raleek Brown’s talent has never been a question. He unfortunately did not work out at USC after a promising freshman season in 2022. He battled injuries a year ago and redshirted—now he brings an explosive running style, receiving ability, and a level of strength that is unexpected from someone of his stature. Kyson Brown can’t be forgotten either—he is likely going to re-establish himself as the lead back this week following a 145-yard performance in week one. The real advantage the Sun Devils hold in the backfield is the versatility and ability to switch between the three backs situationally. OC Marcus Arroyo has ample talent at his display.
Frogs O’ War: Arizona State’s pass rush appears to be stronger than it was last season, leading the conference with 13 sacks thus far, after notching 24 a season ago. What specific improvements have you noticed, and how have they impacted the team’s defensive performance?
Arizona State Sun Devils on SI: Coach Dillingham has stated in preceding weeks that his biggest takeaway from the edge room is that the group has not only improved in terms of working as a unit, but the individual players have grown as well. Leading sacks man Clayton Smith bulked up to 260 pounds while retaining his prior explosiveness. Justin Wodtly lost approximately 15 pounds while retaining the same strength. Prince Dorbah, Elijah O’Neal, and even Albert Smith III figure into the rotation as talented players in their own right. They also receive undeniable help from the interior as well—Jacob Rich Kongaika forced a strip sack fumble in week three against Texas State, and C.J. Fite secured a timely sack on Sawyer Robertson in the fourth quarter of last week’s game. All in all, the group is talented, more connected than last season, healthier, and in-tune with DC Brian Ward’s aggressive brand of playcalling.
Frogs O’ War: Continuing with the pass rush, are the Sun Devils’ high sack totals more a result of strong play in the secondary or an effective defensive front? Is there a specific player, either on the defensive line or in the secondary, that the Horned Frogs should be planning for?
Arizona State Sun Devils on SI: A bit of both in my mind. Keith Abney II has been a dominant figure at cornerback in the early stages of the season—establishing himself as a potential NFL draft prospect come April. He is accompanied by safety Myles “Ghost” Rowser, a hard-hitting, high-motor player who flies around the field at will. CB Javan Robinson, S Adrian “Boogie” Wilson, and nickel Kyndrich Breedlove are players to watch for in the secondary as well, while star safety Xavion Alford remains out. The specific player to watch on the defensive front is Fite, who is a legitimate NFL prospect and has been at the forefront of the Sun Devils’ dominant run defense that has been on display for a full calendar year to this point. TCU’s run game is underrated, but it will find a match in Arizona State’s front seven.
Frogs O’ War: Does a return to the College Football Playoff still feel within reach for the Sun Devils? How so? If not, what improvements must be made to reach the postseason for the second consecutive season?
Arizona State Sun Devils on SI: Yeah, a return to the CFP definitely feels to be within reach. The next three games will go an immeasurably long way in determining the ultimate viability, as Utah and Texas Tech are the opponents beyond TCU. However, the Arizona State program is well-positioned to face challenges. The roster is one of the most talented in the conference and is adept at winning games in a myriad of different manners. The coaching staff is well-connected and proven at virtually every spot. There are certainly improvements that must be made, while the upcoming conference contenders must be defeated as well.
Frogs O’ War: What’s your prediction for Arizona State vs. TCU? Who wins? What’s the final score?
Arizona State Sun Devils on SI: Arizona State sneaks by with a 35-31 win. The Sun Devils steal another one-possession battle behind the connection that Leavitt and Tyson hold, along with a stand or two by Brian Ward’s defense. This game truly could go either way, and it feels like one of those battles that will come down to who has possession of the ball last.
Special thanks to Kevin for providing some terrific insight ahead of TCU’s Friday night matchup with Arizona State. For all things Sun Devils, be sure to check out Arizona State Sun Devils on SI.
