How Will ASU Respond To Losing Herm Edwards, Other Game Day Info
Sep 23, 2022, 1:15 PM
Devin Lloyd #0 of the Utah Utes celebrates sacking Jayden Daniels #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils with teammates Karene Reid #32, Nephi Sewell #1 and Hauati Pututau #41 during their game October 16, 2021 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY- It is hard to say exactly what ASU and Utah are to each other. They are a rivalry that isn’t a rivalry, but man, oh man, they do not like each other and it shows up every time they play. Add in the drama surrounding the Sun Devils after letting head coach Herm Edwards go after losing to Eastern Michigan last week among everything else, and there is a recipe for an interesting game.
Looking at the recent history, the Utes have won four of the last six meetings against the Sun Devils. Utah’s last win in Tempe came in 2016 with quarterback Troy Williams, partially due to the Covid-19 pandemic interrupting the series pattern.
The million dollar question this week is how will ASU respond in a big game after releasing their head coach and moving on with interim head coach Shaun Aguano? Will they come out firing, or will they struggle to adjust?
Dark mode: on 😈#ForksUp | #O2V pic.twitter.com/AIMidJKIDY
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 23, 2022
Breaking Down ASU
Last season ASU really disappointed after being touted as a possible Pac-12 South contender going 8-5. The Sun Devils currently sit 1-2 on the 2022 season with losses to Eastern Michigan and Oklahoma State and their lone win against Northern Arizona. This year, much like last year, Arizona State has talent to work with, but it’s a matter of getting that talent working together.
The Sun Devils landed Florida transfer Emory Jones at quarterback after Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU. Jones can present problems with his arm and legs, but so far hasn’t been fully allowed to “do his thing”. In three games he has amassed 45 completions out of 74 attempts for 557 yards and two touchdowns. Jones also has a passer rating of 60.8 along with four sacks. He has rushed 21 times for 38 yards and three touchdowns.
ASU’s leading rusher is Xazavian Valladay- a guy they are really high on. So far Valladay has run a total of 52 times for 361 and four touchdowns. He is currently averaging about 6.9 yards per play. Behind Valladay and quickly catching some attention himself, is Daniyel Ngata who has 20 attempts for 123 yards so far this season.
While he hasn’t been called upon a lot early in 2022, ASU’s leading pass catcher makes the most of all his opportunities. Elijah Badger has reeled in 17 receptions for 217 total yards and a touchdown. The explosive receiver has been averaging 12.
Defensively, linebacker Kyle Soelle has been a menace racking up 39 total tackles and two interceptions for the Sun Devils. Defensive back Chris Edmonds in another big-play guy for ASU with 14 total tackles, one pass defended and one interception.
