Both coming off disappointing losses, the 1-2 Colorado Buffaloes and 2-1 Arizona State Sun Devils kick off their Pac-12 schedules together this Saturday in Tempe. Colorado has had ASU’s number in recent years, but the Sun Devils hold an experienced QB in Jayden Daniels. We caught up with ASU sports journalism student Dominic Stearn to learn more about the Sun Devils.
Q: Are you concerned about the play of Jayden Daniels after the loss to BYU?
Stearn: Daniels was sharp to start the game, but things spiraled in the second quarter and the offense wasn’t able to recover. He was ready to lead a second half comeback, but penalties didn’t allow them to get in a rhythm. I’m not so concerned with Daniels, more the passing game as a whole.
Q: Who is one X-factor to watch for the Sun Devils on Saturday?
Stearn: The receiving unit as a whole is the X-factor for the Sun Devils. There hasn’t been any consistency with the group, and it is limiting the potential of the offense.
Q: What is your prediction for the game?
Stearn: I think ASU figures out its problems and handles Colorado at home, winning by 14.
Q: How much does the BYU loss affect the Sun Devils and the future of Herm Edwards?
Stearn: Well it’s just one game, but it showcased the problems for the Sun Devils this year, undisciplined football. That is an issue that can be directly attributed to coaching, and given the current NCAA investigation on the program, if this discipline issue isn’t resolved, it could spell the end for Edwards. The talent on ASU is undeniable, it’s just about getting the most out of it.
Q: The Sun Devils have a grueling schedule coming up with UCLA, USC and Utah over the next month. Are you concerned about this team going forward?
Stearn: Yes, but their problems are very fixable. We need to see them be fixed against Colorado before traveling to UCLA.
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Q: The Buffs had a disappointing game against Minnesota but hung tough with Texas A&M a week before. Who is one CU player that you are concerned about for Saturday?
Stearn: Nate Landman, the Buffs leading tackler. The ASU defense has done a great job, but if Landman can slow down the ASU running attack, the other strength of the team at the moment, this could be a very close game.