The Arizona State Sun Devils set up shop in the Alamo Dome to settle their differences with the University of San Antonio Roadrunners. The game kicks-off on Friday, September 16th at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. In this years PAC-12 After Dark edition, Arizona State comes in as a -19.5 point favorite. The over/under for this contest is 59.5.
The University of San Antonio football program will get another shot a toppling of a major conference opponent. So far, the outcomes haven’t been all that favorable. The Roadrunners have hosted and lost to Oklahoma, Kansas State and Arizona.
The Sun Devils storm into this match-up on the heels of a 68 point performance against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In fact, Arizona state has logged 112 points in their first two home games of the season. The Sun Devils will look to continue their out-put against a San Antonio team that is licking it’s wounds from a 14-23 loss last weekend to Colorado State.
Arizona State (2-0):
Chip Lindsey, the ex-Southern Mississippi offensive guru, has the Sun Devils offense flying high. Of course, it helps when you have a stable of talented running backs and a heady first year signal-caller under center. Lindsey’s offense will be hard to stop for the Roadrunners on Friday night.
Sophomore quarterback Manny Wilkins has seemed to figure out how to guide this explosive offense in a hurry. Despite not having any experience, the youngster has already completed 48 of 64 for 531 yards with two touchdown strikes on the season. The crafty quarterback also can use his feet as a weapon. Wilkins has 24 carries, totaling 144 yards and another trip to the end-zone.
Even though Manny Wilkins is posting impressive numbers through the air, there is no doubt in Tempe where the offensive firepower resides. The one-two punch of Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard has been impressive.
Combined they have rushed for 380 yards and nine scores in their first to contests. Kalin Ballage is taking full advantage of coach Chip Lindsey’s wildcat formation in the red-zone. In last weeks match-up versus the Red Raiders, he galloped to pay dirt eight times. That effort was good enough to match the all-time Division I NCAA Football record.
The Arizona State wide-outs haven’t been as busy in the red-zone as the tail backs, but they are doing their part to get them there. Senior Tim White has posted a steady 15 catches for 135 yards in his first two games. Freshman N’Keal Harry is learning from his senior mentor and has posted 10 grabs for 103 more yards.
The Sun Devil’s defense is definitely the thorn in this squad’s side. Arizona State finished dead last in pass defense last season. The Sun Devil’s man coverage was constantly punished for huge chunks of yardage.
Apparently, the problems that plague the secondary continue to arise. Pat Mahomes II, the Red Raider gunslinger, lit them up for 540 yards and five scores. Things shouldn’t get any easier next week when they square off against Cal’s Davis Webb.
The front seven is solid and should be able to do their part against a weak Roadrunner ground attack. Linebackers DJ Calhoun and Koron Crump produced against Tezxas Tech. Together they combined for 7.5 tackles and two sacks.
University of San Antonio Roadrunners (1-1):
UTSA enters the Friday night game showing some improvement in some facets while struggling in others. The positive side has been the growth of returning starting quarterback Dalton Sturm.
The Junior quarterback has thrown for 450 yards in his two contests with four touchdowns. Dillon Sturm also has thrown two picks but has completed an impressive 73 percent of his passes. He should get plenty of opportunities against a porous Sun Devil’s secondary.
The running game in San Antonio has struggled in 2016. Senior tailback Jarveon Williams hasn’t been able to get going because of an ankle injury. The starter is listed as questionable for their game tomorrow.
Mississippi native Marquez McNair has been the top receiving target for Dillon Sturm. The pass catcher has nabbed eight catches for 83 yards and a score. Tight End Shaq Williams has pitched in another three catches for 63 yards. Not the most impressive numbers but the catches have been on clutch third down conversions.
The defense will have it’s hands full against a potent Sun Devil’s offense. Through two games against mediocre talent, the Roadrunners secondary ranks 15th in the nation in total yards against.
One bright spot is that defensive coordinator Pete Golding knows Chip Lindsey’s offense as well as anyone. The coaches worked together for a year while at Southern Mississippi. Golden was coaching the Eagles’ safeties during that time.
Match-Up Analysis:
I realize that hopes are riding high for the Roadrunner’s fans to finally get that program defining win. Throw in a nationally televised game on ESPN2 and the upset would be that much more special.
Arizona State wants to continue it’s offensive onslaught while not looking ahead to a conference match-up with the California Bears. Considering the talent on the offensive side of the ball, that shouldn’t be to big of a problem.
Dillon Sturm has been efficient for UTSA and I don’t see why that wont continue on Friday night. With a little luck, Jarveon Williams will play and jump start a struggling running game. The two combined could produce some points from the Roadrunners.
Arizona State is going to get their points for sure. The production in the red-zone is impressive and I expect them to be there often. With a defense that is still trying to find it’s way and an offense that has been lights out, makes a great combination for points. The UTSA hopefuls will have to wait another year to see their beloved Roadrunners get their signature win.
The Hun’s Pick:
UTSA should be able to score a bit. Arizona state will score a lot. Give me the over 59.5.
