By Jacob Seliga
Lead Writer
The first four games of Arizona State’s season have been as close to perfect as possible for the Sun Devils.
A 3-1 start highlighted by the program’s first ever victory over an SEC opponent and an offensive explosion not seen in the last five years.
With Arizona State on a bye and the first quarter of the season done, it’s time to reflect on the first stretch of games and look ahead to what’s next for the Sun Devils.
Coaching: A
Arguably the most noticeable improvement on the coaching staff has been the upgrade at offensive coordinator from last year under Beau Baldwin to this year with Marcus Arroyo.
Last season, the Sun Devils were 124th in the nation in points per game and have jumped to No. 37 through four games. Yards per game has jumped over 100 yards, and is now inside the top 50 nationally after being in the bottom ten last season as well. This tangible improvement comes as new wide receivers coach Hines Ward has put an emphasis on possession catching and proper blocking techniques for his receivers especially on the perimeter.
This improved focus on blocking has created more opportunities for Sun Devil running backs to stretch the field by running more towards the boundary and going outside to use their speed to their advantage.
Defensively, Diron Reynolds’ defensive line has been a bright spot on that side of the ball as both the pass rush of the Sun Devils and their ability to stop the run has noticeably been more effective this year. As of now, the Sun Devils are inside the top 10 for opposing rushing yards per play and top 20 for total yards allowed per play.
Offense: A-
After brutal quarterback play last season, it wouldn’t have taken much to show marginal improvement at the position, but Sam Leavitt has shattered expectations so far.
The second-year quarterback in his first games as a college starter has had his ups and downs like most young signal callers do, but his poise and ability to make quick & correct reads have elevated a once stagnant unit to one of the better ones in the Big-12 conference.
But for all the credit Leavitt has rightfully received, it’s been the offensive line that has played the biggest role in the improvement of the offense as a whole. Two seasons ago the unit struggled mightily and last season the unit could not stay healthy at all. This season however, the unit anchored by multiple year starters throughout the lineup has hit its rhythm and has for the most part kept Leavitt upright.
The most impressive part of the unit however has been its run blocking ability which has helped running back Cam Skattebo be the darling of the Sun Devils offense that included a record breaking outburst against Mississippi State in week two.
Defense: A
Last season, the lone spotlight for the Sun Devils was the defensive output the team would put up in matchups where the roster was clearly inferior to its opponents and the team was outmatched in every facet of the game.
Now through four games and with great offensive support, it’s clear that those strong performances weren’t anomaly’s but rather a true vision of what the unit is. It took four games for the Sun Devils to record a turnover last season. This year? It took only two plays before Zyrus Fiaseu recorded a pick six to open up the 2024 season en route to a dominating victory over Wyoming.
The defensive line hasn’t been at full strength all season with players being out most notably Prince Dorbah who was considered a potential all-conference defensive end. But with the bye week, coach Dillingham informed media members that it’s likely the unit will be the healthiest and most available it has been entering the Kansas game which could elevate the unit even further.
The linebacking core has been without Tate Romney but transfers Keyshaun Elliott and Fiaseu have both stepped up to anchor a unit that has been key to Arizona State being top 25 nationally in total yards per game. The secondary has also seen transfers play roles, Myles Rowser has been one of the best safeties in the country so far in stopping the run game and Shamari Simmons has stepped up in a new role with Cole Martin’s season ending injury and Macen Williams’ departure from the team prior to the season starting.
If the unit continues to play the way they have and keeps generating turnovers, the ceiling for the Sun Devils is higher than even the most optimistic fans would believe.
Comentários