ASU’s defense is dominating while the offense is significantly struggling to cope with the absence of running back Cam Skattebo, overcoming the adversity and leading 21-17 at the break.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Here is what Arizona State has to do to defeat the Knights:
Get offense firing
The Sun Devils only mustered 39 yards of total offense and were stagnant in the first quarter, a warning sign that they needed to snap out of the funk. Without Cam Skattebo is a massive loss for Arizona State which heavily relies on his production. Kyson Brown has seven carries and rushed for 40 yards so far, looking to be the go-to guy filling in for Skattebo.
The level of importance in terms of how much Skattebo means to the team was blatantly evident. Jordyn Tyson was quiet, Leavitt had just nine passes in the half and the offense didn’t score one point in the half. It is stagnant for both teams, so it remains to be seen if the next half will see more action.
Defense continues to overwhelm UCF
While the offenses were identical with low output, Martell Hughes blocked a punt by UCF’s Mitch McCarthy and Montana Warren. Knights quarterback Dylan Rizk completed 18-for-24 passes for 161 yards, but the Sun Devils have held him to not throwing a touchdown. Keeping the deficit close will not be easy as R.J. Harvey is a serious threat that will fearlessly attack anyone who stands in his way, already scoring early in the game. Knowing how inconsistent quarterback play at UCF has been this season, however, Arizona State has a chance to hold the Knights down to low scoring and give its offense a chance to strike back.
Jacurri Brown stepped in for Rizk and rushed for a six-yard touchdown to extend the Knights’ lead to 17-7. If they want any chance to come out with a victory, the Sun Devils need the defense to be near-perfect because of the offensive woes.
Negate R.J. Harvey as much as Sun Devils can
Harvey has arguably been one of the best running backs in college football this season, as he had 1,201 rushing yards coming which was third in that category. He tallied three touchdowns against the University of Arizona in a 56-12 blowout victory for UCF last year and already has one through two quarters of play. Between his elusiveness, power and speed, Arizona State’s defense will be tested going into the latter half of the matchup.
Lessening Harvey’s ability to impact the game is a major point of emphasis for the Sun Devils. If he gets an opportunity to blow past an opposing defense, he will take it and run (literally).
Help Tyson receive touches
Besides Skattebo, Jordyn Tyson has been a standout this season for ASU and his chemistry continues to build along with Leavitt as the season has rolled on. He didn’t gather his first touch of the ball until there was 3:33 left in the second quarter, a 20-yard reception before a 14-yard catch on the same drive.
His two important receptions set up a four-yard pass from Leavitt to Chamon Metayer for a touchdown. Tyson can turn nothing into something and has to be used more to continue to wreak havoc on the Knights’ defense.
UCF coach Gus Malzahn praised Kenny Dillingham, believes he has done ‘super job’ at ASU
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
