Arizona State Sun Devils: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats
Arizona State Sun Devils: Key To The 2022 Offense
Keep the running game going
It’s about consistency as much as anything else with the Arizona State offense, but the passing game won’t be quite as sharp or quite as dangerous. However, the backfield has a killer rushing tandem of Xazavian Valladay and QB Emory Jones to rely on.
Arizona State hit the 200-yard rushing mark six times last year and won all six. More to the point, it was 8-0 when it ran for 165 yards or more and 0-5 when it didn’t.
Under Herm Edwards, ASU is 19-1 when rushing for more than 165 yards.
Arizona State Sun Devils: Key To The 2022 Defense
Generate more of a pass rush
Yeah, the Sun Devils were able to get plenty of production from a variety of spots to add up to 27 sacks, but there were times when the pass rush didn’t work at all.
There was pressure, but ASU went on a five-game Pac-12 run without a sack after cranking up the production early on. There isn’t a sure-thing killer who’ll be in the mix for double-digit sacks – at least, that player hasn’t emerged yet – but the sacks have to at least be steady.
Arizona State Sun Devils: Key Player To The 2022 Season
QB Emory Jones, Sr.
Jayden Daniels grew into the starting quarterback job. He ran, he pushed the ball deep, and this was supposed to be the year it all came together as one of the best and most efficient all-around playmakers in the Pac-12. At least that was the hope before he bolted for LSU.
Jones was the high-end recruit for Florida who got in a little work here and there, but he’s always been a part of a rotation. Now it’s his time to shine – assuming he keeps the gig over Alabama transfer Paul Tyson – as a dangerous runner with a good arm. He has to keep the picks to a minimum, but he’s a difference-maker.
Along with Jones …
Arizona State Sun Devils: Key Transfer
RB Xazavian Valladay, Sr.
Take out the four-game 2020 season, and Arizona State has had a 1,000-yard rusher in every year since 2016. Now it has to replace 1,006-yard Rachaad White, and that’s where Valladay comes in.
If Emory Jones really is the starting quarterback, he’ll account for at least 700 rushing yards on his own. The slippery Valladay will hit the big play, averaging well over five yards per carry with 3,274 yards and 19 touchdowns in his Wyoming career.
Arizona State Key Game To The 2022 Season
Utah, Sept. 24
Arizona State was able to handle Utah for a few years, but it hasn’t won in the series since 2018. This might not be the same Ute team of previous seasons, but it’s still going to be a factor in the Pac-12 title chase.
Is Arizona State going to be a player or not? If it can’t win the Pac-12 opener at home, there’s a big problem with a trip to USC to follow.
Arizona State Sun Devils: 2021 Fun Stats
– 4th Quarter Scoring: Arizona State 110 – Opponents 42
– Penalties: Arizona State 113 for 1,015 yards – Opponents 65 for 604 yards
– Average Yards Per Carry: Arizona State 5.1 – Opponents 3.6
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