Two years ago, en route to the 4th 10-win season in school history, Arizona went to Tempe and crushed an ASU team that was in the first season of a rebuild under Kenny Dillingham. Last season, the Sun Devils came down to Tucson and put the finishing touches on the Wildcats’ disappointing first season under Brent Brennan and went on to make the College Football Playoff.
Now we get a rare occasion when both teams are good. ASU (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) is No. 20 in the latest CFP rankings and Arizona (8-3, 5-3)
is No. 25. The Sun Devils can still make the conference title game while the UA is trying to repeat that 2023 run by winning consecutive games at Mountain America Stadium since 2009 and 2011.
To better understand the current ASU squad we reached out to Aiden Blanc, formerly of SB Nation site House of Sparky. Below are his relaxed answers to our uptight questions:
AZ Desert Swarm: ASU has had a rash of injuries but maybe none worse than to quarterback Sam Leavitt, yet Jeff Sims has held his own since stepping in. What has made Sims so successful, and what (if anything) still concerns you about him.
Aiden Blanc: “Simms’ biggest asset has been the amount of time he has spent with the program. People may forget he and Leavitt were at one point competing for the starting job, and he made two starts last year when Sam was out with an injury. His ability to step in and run the offense has been seamless because he’s been working with the unit for two years.”
So much was made about not having Cam Skattebo anymore, and rightfully so, yet Raleek Brown is second in the Big 12 in rushing. What’s been the key to his breakout season?
“Raleek had huge shoes to fill, and nobody was quite sure how the running back room would work out post-Skatt, but he has been incredibly effective leading the attack. His ability to make defenders miss is probably his most deadly weapon, leading the conference in missed tackles forced. He’s also been able to stay healthy which is not something every offensive weapon for ASU can say, so he’s been able to provide a consistent presence in that regard.”
Other than Jordyn Tyson, who is a known quantity, who are the other offensive weapons Arizona should be focused on?
“Tyson is of course the name to watch, but one of the best things about ASU’s offense this year is how pretty much everyone has played a part. Derek Eusebio has shined in certain moments and is always a threat to have a breakout game, while Chamon Metayer has led the tight ends with 4 TDs.”
What are the strengths and weaknesses of ASU’s defense?
“Rushing defense is where ASU stands out, featuring the second-best run defense in the entire conference at roughly 117 yards allowed per game. ASU has also improved in pass rush, also second in the conference in sacks per game. Pass defense may be a vulnerability against a QB like Fifita, as the secondary has been prone to some big plays over the course of this season.”
Kenny Dillingham appears committed to the Sun Devils, but we know better than anyone how fleeting loyalty can be. What would it take for Dilly to leave?
“Kenny has made it pretty clear that he’s not taking another job this cycle, but if he continues to have the level of success he’s had, it appears this will become a yearly conversation. Many believe the Cardinals job may be in his future, although that’s likely years down the road. As far as colleges go, it’s almost impossible to predict given today’s coaching landscape. Some believe he’ll be here for decades, others say it’s only a matter of time before he’s off to bigger and better.“
Prediction time. Does Arizona win its 5th straight and beat ASU in Tempe for the second time in a row or do the Sun Devils hold onto the Cup?
“In typical Kenny Dillingham fashion, ASU hangs on and wins with a late go-ahead score, keeping its Big 12 title hopes alive for at least another day.”
