Arizona State Sun Devils

ASU Football: Are the Sun Devils For Real?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Arizona State enters conference play with a 3-0 record, coming off a 32-28 win against Texas-San Antonio. They escaped with a late touchdown against a Conference-USA opponent, but now have to play nine straight games against the PAC-12. Are they ready?

With a lackluster schedule so far, the Sun Devils face their first true test this Saturday against the California Golden Bears. And for those who claim Texas Tech was a real indicator of ASU’s legitimacy, the Red Raiders give up an average  of 531 yards per game, which gives them the sixth worst defense in the FBS.

Cal doesn’t have the best defense either, but recently posted an impressive win over then 11-ranked Texas, 50-43. That said, Cal has the 3 best offense in the FBS after three games played, with most of their offense coming through the air.

Arizona State has no problem stopping the run, but the secondary has continued to show reason to be concerned.

If the Sun Devils aren’t able to create timely turnovers, pass-oriented teams like Cal are going to shred them.

Defensive linemen JoJo Wicker and Tashon Smallwood have proven themselves on the frontend, and now it’s time for key players to step up in the secondary, like Armand Perry or Gump Hayes.

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So far, Arizona State undoubtedly has one of the best offenses in the Pac-12. With the powerful Demario Richard and the electric Kalen Ballage, the rushing attack has been explosive.

Adding Manny Wilkins into the mix with designed quarterback runs and smart scampers to avoid pressure, the Sun Devils are averaging 260 rushing yards per game.

A lot of the credit has to go to a gritty offensive line as well.

Along with the strong running game, they have only allowed four sacks in three games. The Sun Devils passing game has been steady as well, averaging 260 yards per game. Arizona State has realized that they can pass only when they need to.

Wilkins has done a great job with the short passes, but he tends to struggle when throwing the ball downfield.

Wilkins has only thrown two interceptions in three games, showing good maturity for a young quarterback. He has also found a weapon through the air in freshman N’keal Harry, Arizona State’s up-and-coming receiver.

There’s a feeling in the air that a strong performance in the Pac-12 schedule rides on a hot start with Saturday’s Cal game.

If Arizona State goes on to beat Cal this weekend, they will be sitting pretty at 4-0 and full of confidence. It would be the best thing the Sun Devils could ask for heading into their match up in Los Angeles against a shaky, but always dangerous USC team.

So, is Arizona State football for real? It’s tough to say right now, but after a potential 4-0 start, heads will start turning towards Tempe.

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