By Jacob Seliga
College Football Writer
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Arizona State Sun Devils have been arguably the most improved team in the country.
A 41-point thrashing of Wyoming coupled with a hard fought victory over Mississippi State are two games that, in 2023, would’ve likely been losses. Now the Sun Devils head into Week 3 with the chance to finish their non-conference schedule undefeated on a short week against the Texas State Bobcats.
Texas State background
The Bobcats rolled through rival UTSA 49-10 in Week 2 for their first ever victory in the young history of the rivalry.
That followed a tough week one victory over FCS opponent Lamar that wasn’t as close as the 34-27 final would suggest. Offensively, the Bobcats pose the toughest challenge the Sun Devils will have faced so far behind quarterback Jordan McCloud, who is in his seventh year in college following stops at South Florida, Arizona and most recently, James Madison.
In the first two games, McCloud has passed for 547 yards with five touchdowns through the air and two on the ground. He’s joined in the backfield by running back duo Ismail Mahdi and Lincoln Pare, who have combined for 315 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Defensively, this unit will give up yards but follows the “bend but don’t break” motto. The main reason for that is that they typically will send an extra backer or defensive back on a blitz or will overload one side of the field in order to disrupt the rhythm of opposing quarterbacks. That strategy has worked so far, as they’ve generated eight sacks and two turnovers through the first two games.
This is something Arizona State will look to capitalize on as the Bobcats finished in the bottom eight nationally a year ago in explosive rush rate, but have shut down two pass heavy offenses in the rushing game to start the year. That’s where the rushing attack with multiple backs and skill sets of Arizona State looks to take advantage as they bring a run first style the Bobcats haven’t had to face yet.
Matchup to Watch: Arizona State Offensive Line vs Texas State Defensive Line
The battle in the trenches will determine who walks away with the victory in this matchup.
The starting offensive line has protected quarterback Sam Leavitt relatively well in the first two games. But the bread and butter of what makes the unit special was on display against Mississippi State, and that’s their ability to open up the rushing lanes for the Sun Devils.
Running back Cam Skattebo won National Player of the Week honors after rushing for 262 yards on close to eight yards per carry. His ability to run between the tackles as well as through the “A Gap” with center Leif Fantanu leading the way was a big reason for his success. Leavitt’s ability to keep plays alive with his legs also creates problems for opposing teams. Multiple times in the first two games he was able to extend drives by tucking the ball and running instead of throwing an errant pass due to great pass protection.
For Texas State, the key to this game will be their ability to seal the edge with defensive ends Ben Bell, Kalil Alexander and Tunmise Adeleye, who have been the primary pass rushers but will have to play inside contain this week as Skattebo and Leavitt create issues.
Defensive tackle Tavian Coleman has dealt with double teams and will fight through them in order to stop the run and will be the primary point of attack against Skattebo. If he is able to win his matchup, he could create enough of a disruption to force the Sun Devils rushing attack outside.
Prediction: Arizona State 27 Texas State 17
The defense, most notably the pass rush of the Sun Devils, has been a massive bright spot to start the season. This is perfect for this matchup as CJ Fite, Clayton Smith, Elijah O’Neal and Justin Wodtly. All should be able to get home or disrupt McCloud’s progressions and create opportunities for Myles Rowser and Shamari Simmons to help stop the run and get back in coverage.
This will be a big game for Skattebo for the second week in the row as his rushing style is perfect to attack the defense of Texas State and extend drives. This should be a lower scoring game and could go back and forth, but I expect a late drive that pulls the game away for Arizona State and sends the Sun Devils into conference play undefeated.
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