ASU, Cal expected to put on offensive show

ASU, Cal expected to put on offensive show

Published Sep. 23, 2016 7:19 p.m. ET

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Sonny Dykes brought an offense with him to California that rolls up yards and points in bunches.

On Saturday, the Bears will face another light-up-the-scoreboard team in Arizona State, setting up the kind of game fans love.

The coaches, not so much.

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"I'd love to win one 3-2 if I could," Dykes said. "If it's 70-63, that's not as much fun probably in some ways, but we'll take that one as well. I guess it's all in your perspective. Fans would probably have more fun at the 70-63 game, where coaches might have more fun at the 3-2 game."

The Bears (2-1) are rolling to start the season, averaging 47 points while ranking second nationally in passing offense (453 yards per game) and third in total offense (580.3). Quarterback Davis Webb has been a more-than-able replacement for Jared Goff after transferring from Texas Tech, entering Saturday's game with 1,359 yards and 13 touchdowns passing.

Arizona State (3-0) has been shaky on defense, allowing 55 points and 540 yards passing in its win against Texas Tech alone, so Webb and the Bears could have another big game.

But the Sun Devils also have a similarly explosive offense, capable of keeping up with nearly anyone.

Arizona State scored 68 points to outlast the Red Raiders and enters Saturday ninth nationally with 48 points per game. The Sun Devils play fast and will likely have it in an even higher gear in opening Pac-12 play at home.

"We know that we are going to be up against one of the top offenses in the country and our guys are going to get ready for the challenge," Graham said.

A few more things to look for when Arizona State hosts Cal on Saturday night:

WILKINS' RIDE: Manny Wilkins won a tight battle to be Arizona State's starting quarterback. He's handled the role well. The dual-threat sophomore has been adept at orchestrating the Sun Devils' offense

FINDING HANSEN: Webb has quickly found chemistry with receiver Chad Hansen. The Cal junior leads the nation in receptions (40) and receiving yards (546), while tying for the lead with five touchdown catches. A big receiver at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Hansen is a load for any defensive back trying to cover him and is not afraid of trash talk, mocking a Texas defensive back with a "Hook 'em Horns" sign after scoring what ended up being the decisive touchdown against Texas last weekend.

NUMBERS: Cal is playing at Arizona State for the first time since 2007. ... A win would give Arizona State its first 4-0 start since 2007 and just its fifth since 1976. ... The Bears allow 39.7 points per game, 117th in the FBS. ... The Sun Devils have 13 rushing TDs this season after having 19 in all of 2015. Kalen Ballage had seven of those in one game on his way to the NCAA record of eight overall TDs against Texas Tech.

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