TEMPE — Arizona State and Cam Skattebo meeting Texas Tech and Tahj Brooks on Saturday will serve as an appetizer for the elite running back matchups to expect in the Big 12.

“You’re not a 1,000-yard rusher on accident. He’s absolutely dynamic,” ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said of Brooks. “When you look at the stats, the fact that he’s back is huge for them. Someone we’ve gotta control, gotta contain.”

For ASU entering its Big 12 debut, Skattebo has opened the season as the workhorse of all workhorses leading the nation with 68 rushing attempts through three weeks. Brooks has had similar usage on a per-game basis (44 total attempts) but missed the Red Raiders’ lone loss against Washington State in Week 2.

In both games he’s played, Brooks ran for more than 100 yards with a touchdown. He produced 1,541 yards last season and has been Texas Tech’s leading rusher for three straight seasons.

Red Raiders offensive coordinator Zach Kittley loves to establish the running back early to open up play action. All four of Texas Tech’s passing touchdowns in a Week 3 win over North Texas came off play action, with Brooks laying the wood on some key blocks.

Kittley has called Brooks the best pass-protecting running back he’s ever been around, and ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward said it’s an element the Sun Devils must be prepared for.

asu defensive coordinator brian ward said going against tahj brooks in pass pro is “like trying to run through a block of granite.” pic.twitter.com/24c3qpvIFP

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) September 19, 2024

With Skattebo looking to keep an exceptional start to his season going, the Red Raiders’ staff had their own top-notch running back to prepare for.

“I don’t know how you say it, but I know he’s a bad man,” Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire told reporters after mispronouncing the running back’s name (it’s Skatte-BOO).

Skattebo is sixth nationally among running backs in yards after contact (258), according to Pro Football Focus. Among those six, he has the second-most rushes of 10-plus yards with 11.

“He’s in a lot of ways a lot like Tahj,” Texas Tech defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said. “When he gets one-on-ones, there’s not many guys that get him down and there’s no yardage. You better have a gang of guys there tackling because he’ll run through people.”

The matchup is a chance for the ASU rushing attack to establish itself as one of the best in the conference.

“I feel like every game for us is a statement game,” center Leif Fautanu said. “I feel like we try to put out the best film that we can, and this week we’ve got a good opportunity to put some yards on the ground. But again it just starts off with doing our job.”

After dealing with Brooks this week, the running back matchups don’t get much easier for Arizona State with Kansas’ Devin Neal and Utah’s Micah Bernard the next two on deck. Neal has reached the century mark in all three games, while Bernard has done so against both FBS opponents Utah has faced.

After a second bye week, more challenging running back matchups come with preseason conference player of the year Ollie Gordon II of Oklahoma State and UCF’s R.J. Harvey, a top-three rusher in the nation.

After giving up 134 rushing yards in the win over Texas State, the ASU rushing defense dropped from one of the best in the nation to sixth in the Big 12. This matchup with Brooks and Texas Tech should provide a clearer expectation for how ASU will hold up throughout conference play.

Former Arizona State TE Jalin Conyers facing old team

Tight end Jalin Conyers, now with Texas Tech, was among the most important players for Arizona State in Dillingham’s first season, making an impact with his versatility last season.

In addition to catching 30 passes for 362 yards with limited quarterback play, Conyers ran 22 times and completed five passes last year.

Through three games with his new team, he has again taken snaps at quarterback and in the backfield, according to PFF. However, it’s much more of an orthodox tight end role than at ASU, where more than 13% of his snaps came at quarterback.

Dillingham said playing closer to family was a big factor in Conyers’ decision, one the coach fully supported.

kenny dillingham raved about jalin conyers and his move to texas tech … after he gave us some grief for forgetting to ask pic.twitter.com/9ZFtr2F7KG

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) September 17, 2024

McGuire said Conyers is excited for the matchup, and Kittley said he planned to speak with the tight end about the ASU defense.

The Sun Devils expect to start six defensive newcomers on Saturday, so Conyers’ familiarity will only be so helpful.

ASU, meanwhile, has a former Red Raider on its roster in starting right guard Cade Briggs. He was Texas Tech’s backup center in 2022 and appeared in two games before arriving in Tempe last year.

How to watch, listen to Arizona State football vs. Texas Tech

The Sun Devils match up against the Red Raiders at 12:30 p.m. MST in Lubbock.

You can listen to play-by-play on the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 or 98.7 FM-HD 2, with pregame coverage beginning at 10 a.m. MST. FS1 will have the TV broadcast.

TEMPE — In less than a month, Arizona State football has gone from being picked to finish last in the conference to entering Week 4 as one of seven unbeaten teams in the Big 12.

It was a whirlwind for many on the outside, but head coach Kenny Dillingham said Monday this is the same team he has seen everyday since spring.

“We’re the same team that we were before we played a game,” Dillingham said. “We’ve played a few games, but that’s really about it. We’re the same team that just needs to get better and better and better.

“The best opponents that we face this year are in our future, they’re not in our past. We have to get better every single week if we want to continue to have fun Saturdays.”

kenny dillingham said today it’s easier to get buy-in when the stuff you preach in practice translates to winning games, but that comes with the added pressure of expectations pic.twitter.com/hM54dHIplI

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) September 16, 2024

With the “fun Saturdays” ASU has already logged, some bowl projectors have ASU reaching the Sun Bowl or Independence Bowl, while talk of a bowl for last year’s squad never started.

Dillingham could tell there was a stark contrast between the two squads by the way this group attacked the off-season.

“To be honest, just the work they would put in in the weight room and the lack of people on (negative) lists,” Dillingham said. “The minimum expectation was so much higher all offseason.”

He praised the maturity of his team, saying they never complained in an adverse environment in San Marcos, Texas, even when the team had to come back out for a final final play.

“Our guys didn’t flinch in that game which was awesome to see. There was never a wavering, never a flinch just on the sideline with their body language, with anything. That’s a really good sign of the direction of the program is when you win games like that, when your guys don’t flinch,” Dillingham said.

Arizona State (3-0) now enters conference play in the Big 12 for the first time, with the only other undefeated teams being No. 12 Utah, No. 13 Kansas State, No. 14 Oklahoma State, No. 20 Iowa State (2-0), UCF and BYU. ASU received three votes in the latest AP poll.

ASU plays its first Big 12 game on Saturday at Texas Tech.

Kenny Dillingham explains the importance of firsts. And the Red Raiders' tortilla toss. pic.twitter.com/maeB2MhAWE

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 16, 2024

Impact defenders Prince Dorbah, Jordan Crook expected to make season debuts

Some of the expected top performers on ASU’s defensive front in defensive end Prince Dorbah and linebacker Jordan Crook are likely to make their season debuts on Saturday.

Dorbah was tied for the team lead in sacks last season and Crook is an Arkansas transfer whose intelligence has been lauded by Dillingham.

Dillingham praised reserve defenders Blazen Lono-Wong and Caleb McCullough, who were each involved in tackles for loss on Saturday, for stepping up as improved depth compared to last year.

The other players up front have set a high bar for what’s expected. Defensive linemen C.J. Fite and Justin Wodtly have each come up with big man touchdowns while linebackers Zyrus Fiaseu and Keyshaun Elliott had interceptions on ASU’s first two defensive drives of the season.

Dillingham said he also expects offensive lineman Sean Na’a, one of the youngest members of the Tillman Leadership Council as a true sophomore, to make his season debut as well.

Running backs Raleek Brown and DeCarlos Brooks are considered questionable for Saturday.

Dillingham said it’s a disservice to play Brown if he’s not at 100% given his top-end speed and is waiting to see how Brooks handles the week ahead. Brown had three touches for three yards in his limited ASU debut against Texas State while Brooks didn’t see action.

ASU and Texas Tech match up in Lubbock on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Listen to the action on the Arizona Sports app, 620 AM or 98.7 FM-HD 2 with pregame coverage starting at 10 a.m. or watch on FS1.

Beachum stepped into Williams’ spot to play 39 snaps and close out Week 1 on Sunday.

“There’s a comfort level with Beach being the vet that he is and how many games he’s played,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday. “Who’s ever in there we feel good about getting the job done.”

Beachum started 48 games for the Cardinals over 2020-22 with nearly every snap coming at right tackle. He took on more of a reserve role in 2023, appearing in 11 games (two starts) as Arizona’s swing tackle.

“It hurts any time one of your starting offensive linemen goes down,” quarterback Kyler Murray said Wednesday. “I’ve obviously been around (Beachum) for quite some time now, so I’m very comfortable with him being in the game.”

In each of his previous seasons with the team, Beachum was rated by PFF as much better in pass blocking than run blocking.

The opposite was true on Sunday with two sacks allowed on four pressures.

“The calls are the same, everything’s the same. It’s just a different person in there,” tight end Trey McBride said Wednesday.

Behind Beachum, the Cardinals have three depth options on the practice squad with regular season experience and can look for further external options.

Jackson Barton has nine games of regular season experience and appeared in one game for Arizona last year. Luke Tenuta played three games for the Green Bay Packers in 2022.

Charlie Heck, who has appeared in 41 games for the Houston Texans since 2020, was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday. Nearly all of his snaps have come at right tackle.

“We feel good about the plan moving forward,” Gannon said.

TEMPE — Arizona State football’s road matchup with Texas State on Thursday is far from a trap game because the Sun Devils understand how good the Bobcats are.

ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham went so far as to call Texas State the best team the Sun Devils have faced thus far.

“This is the best football team we’ve played, these guys play hard. You watch the tape, they play with passion … they are explosive,” Dillingham said. “We have to be fresh, we have to be healthy and we have to be fundamentally sound.”

While Arizona State (2-0) won its opener in a blowout with polar opposite halves in the second game, Texas State (2-0) has seen the reverse.

In their first game, the Bobcats built an 18-0 halftime lead over Lamar before escaping with a 34-27 win. Then on Saturday, they stomped UTSA 49-10 — a matchup of two popular picks for the Group of Five playoff spot — with over 500 yards of total offense to show for it.

“They’re physical, they play hard, they play with effort,” running back Cam Skattebo said. “I played against that head coach at Sacramento State when he was at Incarnate Word, so I know what he brings to the table as a coach.”

Sacramento State was bested 66-63 by head coach G.J. Kinne and Incarnate Word in the 2022 FCS quarterfinals. Skattebo rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns and threw for another score in the loss.

In Kinne, Dillingham sees an offensive mind who built a creative run scheme from coordinating at UCF under Gus Malzahn, Dillingham’s former boss at Auburn.

kenny dillingham on monday talked about the extensive run scheme texas state head coach gj kinne has cultivated.

he also said the bobcats could compete at a power 4 level and kinne will land on coaching watchlists. pic.twitter.com/TtiJbmkOJf

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) September 11, 2024

“All those guys are gonna be physical, those guys are gonna play hard,” Skattebo added. “They’re all smart, they don’t recruit dumb guys.”

The physicality translated to holes for explosive play-makers to capitalize on Saturday. Four of Texas State’s seven touchdowns were on plays of at least 20 yards, and two of those were more than 40 yards.

Arizona State has given up just one play of over 30 yards so far, the 80-yard touchdown by Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. to cut ASU’s lead to seven late.

What will Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo do for an encore?

Skattebo had by far the most productive Week 2 for a running back, with his 262 rushing yards beating the second-most in the country by more than 50 yards.

“I think it was a mentality thing,” Skattebo said Tuesday of what went right. “The guys up front realized that we were better than them, and I was behind them with a lot of anger. I had 50 yards in the first seven carries and I was like, ‘This is gonna be a long day boys. Let’s put it to these guys,’ and they trusted it. That’s what we had our game plan set to be.”

He saw limited action in the open portion of Tuesday’s practice. Dillingham emphasized that Skattebo needed to get to Thursday feeling fresh.

ASU’s overall rushing attack is seventh in the FBS at 293.5 yards per game. The Texas State rush defense is nothing to scoff at, ranked in the top 20 in yards allowed. The Bobcats have 9.5 tackles for loss.

The Bobcats crowd the box and thrive on chaos, which the Sun Devils hope to neutralize through physicality and heavier packages that have shown up in practice this week.

Youth vs. experience in the quarterback matchup

From a passing standpoint, Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is still waiting for everything to click into place going into his third start.

His own run game, however, has been one of the brighter spots of the offense outside of Skattebo. Leavitt has 115 rushing yards on 19 carries through two games, with both touchdowns coming against Mississippi State.

Dillingham on Monday reiterated his confidence in the downfield passing coming around, but there might not be time to wait with a blitz-happy Texas State team up next.

“They’re going to blitz and they’re gonna blitz a lot on early downs,” Dillingham said. “They create chaos. These guys play very, very aggressively on defense, and we have to be ready to combat that in early downs.”

Both of Leavitt’s touchdown passes this season have come under pressure, and his completion percentage is about 15% higher when blitzed, according to Pro Football Focus. His 66.7% on those dropbacks is top 30 in the country.

Blitzes could lead to a susceptible back end of the Bobcats’ defense for Leavitt to make good on 20-plus yard throws, but he’s 0-for-6 so far as a Sun Devil.

On the other sideline is Jordan McCloud, a former Arizona Wildcats quarterback with more schools on his resume than Leavitt has collegiate starts.

With a stop in South Florida prior to Arizona, McCloud was the Sun Belt player of the year with James Madison in 2023 before transferring in-conference to Texas State.

A dual threat in his own right, McCloud is unflappable with nearly 40 starts under his belt, according to Dillingham.

“You’re not gonna go out there and run something new and think they’re not gonna figure this out or he’s gonna get rattled here. You’re not gonna spook them,” Dillingham said. “I think that the challenge this week is how can we not let him know what’s happening, and we can’t give things away.”

ASU is Texas-touring for 1st road trip

Dillingham showed up to his Monday press conference in a “Texas to Tempe” shirt. Defensive backs coach Bryan Carrington wore a “Texas Devils” shirt at practice on Tuesday.

The ASU staff knows how important Texas is as a recruiting base and how key good showings are when there are games in the Lone Star State.

Arizona State has never had this many players from Texas, including defensive lineman C.J. Fite, whose father played for Texas State.

C.J. Fite, who had a “thicc-six” against Mississippi State, is excited to go on the road and play Texas State on Thursday.

Having grown up about five hours northeast of Texas State, Fite had to get 13 tickets for friends and family. pic.twitter.com/0Yc2Qe9CcX

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) September 10, 2024

“I think it’s awesome for those guys to get to go back home,” Dillingham said.

The coach said he’s intrigued by whom the Tillman Leadership Council will choose to be the gameday captain. Last week’s was running back Kyson Brown, originally from Mississippi.

ASU goes to Texas Tech next week, the Sun Devils’ final game in Texas this season. Four Big 12 schools are based in Texas, so trips will be regular occurrences.

How to catch Arizona State vs. Texas State

The Sun Devils and the Bobcats face off at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at UFCU Stadium.

Listen to coverage beginning at 2 p.m. on the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 and 98.7 FM HD-2. Matt Barrie, an ASU alum, will be on play-by-play duties for the TV broadcast on ESPN.

Leavitt completed 50% of his passes en route to 69 passing yards in a 30-23 win over Mississippi State on Saturday, a statline that resembled ASU’s limited quarterback play from a year ago.

“He’s through two games, he has no (turnovers), we have very limited procedure penalties, he’s getting us into good calls, converted/extended three different third downs with his legs,” Dillingham said. “Then he missed a couple throws.

“I can sleep really well at night if our quarterback is just missing a few throws. I can’t sleep if he’s throwing to the wrong person, if he’s turning the football over, if he’s panicking when guys are aligned wrong or when the running back goes the wrong way … he doesn’t do any of that.”

ASU didn’t need success through the air to amass a 30-3 lead early in the second half, as running back Cam Skattebo earned national player of the week honors for his 262-yard explosion.

Dillingham said his insistence to feed Skattebo took Leavitt out of rhythm, although a 1-for-5 first quarter after connecting on the first two attempts suggests the quarterback never had his rhythm to begin with.

“I did a bad job,” Dillingham said postgame. “I’m over there telling coach Arroyo, ‘Keep running it, they can’t stop it,’ and that’s the head coach side of me. But I’m forgetting that I ruined everything with the quarterback’s rhythm. That was a bad job by me, I should’ve just let him kinda go with the flow and let him call the game how he was calling it.”

Leavitt helped out with the ground game with nearly as many rushing yards (68) as passing yards (69). He also ran for two touchdowns.

Sam Leavitt looking for deep throws to translate from practice to games

So far this season, Leavitt has not connected on a downfield throw despite available opportunities, but the quarterback said it’s a matter of time before the Sun Devils start connecting in-game.

“Just rep ’em in practice. I feel like we were super close to a couple of them, should’ve had them but I don’t think it’s much more than that,” Leavitt said postgame. “Couple pregame jitters and I just had a little too much juice, so I feel like we’re gonna come back and really start connecting on those.”

Leavitt had Jordyn Tyson deep for a would-be touchdown on ASU’s first drive, but the throw was just in front of the receiver.

Tyson, who later made blocks that opened up Skattebo’s game-sealing run, is one of the receivers Leavitt has shown great downfield chemistry with in practice, along with Jake Smith and Malik McClain.

“That’s what gives me great confidence is he’s missing throws that he makes routinely in practice in his second start with no rhythm,” Dillingham said Monday.

“He has so much passion, I mean the guys feed off the passion,” Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham said. “Our guys love football … they love to compete, and he’s the ultimate competitor.”

Skattebo had nearly as many total yards (297) as Mississippi State (298), and he dragged the Sun Devils to the win after they had given up 20 unanswered points.

He waited until the two-minute warning to break off his best run of the game, a 39-yard breakaway he stopped short to set up three Sam Leavitt kneel downs.

“The last time I told you to slide to win a game, you scored. Make sure you slide,” Dillingham said he told Skattebo before the final drive. “Skat of this year falls down, we take three knees, we win the football game. That’s the growth he’s made as a person.”

The run that sealed it for ASU and put Cam Skattebo into second place for rushing yards in a single game by a Sun Devil.

Watch Skattebo's postgame interview: https://t.co/umCatTyQKr pic.twitter.com/yxf3Y95w88

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 8, 2024

Dillingham believes Skattebo’s growth will earn him NFL consideration, but he didn’t think so before a significant amount of change over the offseason.

“Listen, if you want to play on Sundays … you’re gonna drop weight, you’re gonna get in better shape, you’re gonna be faster, you’re gonna control your passion and you’re gonna channel it,” Dillingham said he told Skattebo. “And he’s done everything I’ve asked him.

“Right now, that looked like a Sunday player.”

Skattebo has come a long way from being an unranked high school prospect to a Big Sky standout to now staking claim to a Power Four program’s record books.

When he arrived, Arizona State was in a dark place, and he took the brunt of it by playing entirely too many positions. Now that he’s able to just be a running back, it has freed him up immensely and paid dividends.

“I think today was fun. That’s the most fun I’ve had in a football game in a long time,” Skattebo said. “Bullying dudes, grown men that are 300 pounds, that’s fun to us … my body feels great and we won the (expletive) football game, so I’m happy.”

Skattebo looks like one of the best running backs in a Big 12 loaded with great running backs, and suddenly Arizona State (2-0) has a chance at an undefeated nonconference schedule.

After ASU averaged 18.8 first downs per game in 2023, they’ve averaged 26.5 through two games this season, including 19 by Skattebo on Saturday.

However, there’s added urgency to move onto the next game with a Thursday road trip to Texas State coming up for ASU, so there’s no time for the running back to feel tired.

Kenny Dillingham said ASU sent running back Cam Skattebo to the Austin Powers cryo chamber after 36 touches on Saturday.

His toe is the only thing a little sore. pic.twitter.com/ms918WYaFm

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 9, 2024

Skattebo’s efforts on Saturday netted him AP national player of the week and Big 12 offensive player of the week.

Fite, a true sophomore weighing 295 pounds, used his body to block the ball from running out of bounds, recovered the ball and ran it in.

A couple of highlights from Arizona State’s dominant first half against Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/dKQEH35jL8

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 8, 2024

The score gave ASU, seeking its first SEC win in program history, a 20-3 lead in the first half.

“In practice, we set a standard on defense: any time the ball comes out, go pick it up,” Fite said. “So I saw the ball, I went and got it.”

The Arizona State defense had racked up a sack and three tackles for loss prior to the touchdown, as the Sun Devils were in the Mississippi State backfield on seemingly every drop back.

“Playin’ out the play, same thing we keep preaching,” ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said. “We’re gonna play the ball, we’re gonna play hard, we’re gonna play passionate. I think we did that for 35 minutes of the game. I think there was a lull where we got comfortable, and I think that lull was how we practiced on Tuesday for the first 14 periods.

“It was a great lesson for us that you can’t get comfortable in a football game.”

It was the second straight week with a big man touchdown from Arizona State defensive linemen, with Justin Wodtly running in a similar touchdown after a botched backwards pass from Wyoming in Week 1.

“The guys are probably bored of it. We start our team meetings and the only two things I show are effort plays and takeaways,” Dillingham said after the first win. “It’s just to get in their mind that if you play really hard and you win the turnover battle, all of these schemes that you’re about to go do are awesome.”

At the time of Fite’s touchdown, the Arizona State defense had outscored its opponents 21-10 over the season, including Zyrus Fiaseu’s pick-six that began the season.

Leavitt made defenders miss on both runs, including a sweet spin move on the first run before he escaped pressure and got to the sideline for the touchdown.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt's legs give Arizona State an early 7-0 lead vs. Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/jsGZYDMtrn

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 8, 2024

The 10-play, 79-yard drive — with 58 yards coming on the ground — was key as ASU dominating time of possession would help neutralize a Mississippi State offense that wants to run up the pace.

The Sun Devils’ second drive went 65 yards in 12 plays and stalled out in the red zone. ASU settled for the 10-0 first-quarter lead.

Cam Skattebo pushed the drive forward with a few chunk plays, as Leavitt’s passing struggled to the tune of a 3-of-7 start, including missing an open Jordyn Tyson for a would-be touchdown on the first drive.

Leavitt punched in a second rushing touchdown from one yard out on ASU’s final drive of the half to earn a 27-3 advantage at the break.

Skattebo would go on to have the second best rushing day in program history, with Leavitt continuing to struggle as head coach Kenny Dillingham said he took the quarterback out of rhythm with the run frequency.

“We wanna be balanced like we were last week but at the end of the day, we were running the ball well,” Dillingham said. “We didn’t put our quarterback in a position to be in a rhythm there because we thought we had a big enough lead.”

The quarterback wasn’t concerned about the misses, because he believes the success in practice will translate eventually.

“I feel like we were super close to a couple of them, should’ve had them,” Leavitt said. “But I don’t think it’s much more than that, couple pregame jitters and just had a little too much juice. But I feel like we’re gonna come back and start really connecting on those.”

TEMPE — Mississippi State’s high-tempo offense is a problem the Arizona State coaches have worked to solve ahead of a matchup at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham said the tempo gives new Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby the chance to “play quarterback” in signal caller Blake Shapen’s ear. In-helmet communications, which are new to college football this season, turn off at the 20-second mark on the play clock. 

In their Week 1 victory over Eastern Kentucky, the Bulldogs consistently snapped the ball well before that, oftentimes even before the 30-second mark. Their drives took less than two minutes on average.

ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward said he has lost sleep this week over getting his defense’s pre-snap disguises right, given Lebby can read the field himself and make the call in real time. 

ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward on the challenges of getting presnap disguises right against a team that utilizes tempo as much as Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/gosHG9Ya8B

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) September 4, 2024

Lebby was most recently the offensive coordinator for two years at Oklahoma after two seasons coordinating under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. Those units finished third, 13th, sixth and third in yards per game nationwide. His UCF offense ranked second the year before that tenure.

At one point committed to both ASU football and baseball, Shapen joined Lebby’s new staff as a transfer from Baylor. After Week 1, Shapen was ranked the second-best quarterback in the nation by Pro Football Focus after he completed 15 of 20 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns against EKU.

“Obviously that system is super quarterback-driven. He came from a completely, drastically different system,” Dillingham said. “So this is a big change for him in terms of the style of play, the freedom they give their quarterback.”

Shapen on Saturday threw a gorgeous deep ball on shots set up by the pace, which wore down the defense and softened the back end by being so effective in the short game.

asu defensive coordinator brian ward on what he’s expecting from former asu commit blake shapen and the mississippi state offense pic.twitter.com/BM33n1M55L

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) September 5, 2024

Where can Arizona State exploit the Mississippi State defense?

ASU’s offensive coaches this week have emphasized staying true to their own identity against a talented Mississippi State defense coordinated by Coleman Hutzler, who was Alabama’s outside linebackers coach the last two years.

“They’re obviously a really talented football team that (is) tough, well-coached … they’ve got a new energy, a new juice,” ASU offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said. “On the perimeter, they’ve got some real guys, so being able to run the football effectively in any game really is our mantra, our identity, as we saw starting last week.

“Being able to put guys in the box and be able to take advantage of guys on the perimeter is something that give (the receivers) a one-on-one situation if we can get to that. And if we don’t get to that, then we’ve gotta be able to do it in other ways.”

As many as four running backs were in the rotation in the season opener. Quarterback Sam Leavitt additionally rushed eight times for 47 yards. The Sun Devils averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a team.

Running back Kyson Brown, who grew up about an hour away from Mississippi State but was never offered by the Bulldogs, ripped off the Sun Devils’ biggest offensive play on Saturday when he took a screen pass 68 yards for a touchdown.

He clocked one of the fastest game speeds nationwide on the play, according to Reel Analytics.

#CFB's Fastest Five Players of Week 1:

T-5. @ASUFootball's Kyson Brown (@KysonBrown11)

RB, 68-yard TD, 20.0 MPH 💨
#ForksUp #ActivateTheValley #Big12FB pic.twitter.com/sV4fmk9Q9H

— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 3, 2024

Punt coverage is biggest special teams key

Arizona State punter Kanyon Floyd only needed to punt twice in ASU’s win over Wyoming. 

He sent his first collegiate punt into the end zone for a touchback from the Wyoming 41-yard line. Dillingham said postgame a communication slip-up on his part led to Floyd not sky-punting it in that situation. 

His second punt went 51 yards from the ASU 29. The punt coverage team gave up a six-yard return.

With a tougher opponent coming up and Floyd likely having to do a bit more on Saturday, the ASU coverage team will have to be on its game, as MSU wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. has game-breaking potential as a return man. 

Coleman’s opener started with punt returns of 32 yards (nullified by penalty), 18 yards, seven yards and 30 yards before EKU stopped punting to him.

While serving as Florida State’s offensive coordinator, Dillingham recruited Coleman before the 2022 top-75 overall prospect chose Deion Sanders and Jackson State. 

The Bulldogs also blocked an Eastern Kentucky punt that freshman wide receiver Mario Craver recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Coleman and Craver also each caught a touchdown.

Gold in, cowbells out

After the ASU students nearly broke the attendance record for a game since 2010 in the opener, Dillingham has called since postgame for it to be broken this week.

Packing the stadium with gold is especially important to former SEC defensive back Laterrance Welch, who played at Mississippi State under the “cowbell effect” last season while with LSU.

“All I can remember is them cowbells, the most aggravating (sound),” Welch said. “You line up, they start ringing them.”

Dillingham hasn’t shied away from reminding his team that a win on Saturday would be the program’s first against an SEC opponent.

Many of the players, including running back Cam Skattebo, have taken the approach of just looking forward to playing another game.

ASU RB Cam Skattebo on what the Week 1 blowout win said about the Sun Devils and what the approach is going into Week 2 against Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/EdfsW6p2iy

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) September 3, 2024

Catch ASU square off against Mississippi State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Listen on the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 HD-2 or 620 AM or watch on ESPN (Spanish broadcast on ESPN3).

Leavitt didn’t attempt many deep shots in Arizona State’s 48-7 win over Wyoming, his first collegiate start. Dillingham attributed that to short fields and game flow.

“The first time we had an open field we had the ball on the (Wyoming 42-yard line), which you can’t really take too many shots (from),” Dillingham said. “On the second possession, we chucked it deep and he threw a great ball, so we’re not playing scared with him, moral of the story. We’re gonna be aggressive with him.”

kenny dillingham on arizona state “not playing scared” with sam leavitt at quarterback: pic.twitter.com/SdXdt0jWJV

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) September 3, 2024

Leavitt averaged 11.7 yards per attempt even without connecting on the few deep shots attempted.

Dillingham said he wants to stay balanced offensively, but he isn’t expecting a ratio of 49 runs (4.9 yards per carry as a team) to 22 pass attempts for every game.

“Obviously, you’d always love to be balanced. I don’t know if it was about Sam. I think Sam is a high learner even though he’s a (redshirt) freshman,” Dillingham said. “I don’t think we tailored the plan to say. ‘Hey let’s protect him.'”

The nature of the blowout added to the run frequency, as did Wyoming’s inability to stop the Sun Devils.

“I didn’t think we were gonna be able to run the ball at that high of a percentage,” Dillingham said.

Five of the six players who carried the ball at least four times saw an average of more than four yards per rush, with Leavitt being one of them at 5.9 yards per carry on eight rushes.

His mobility and poise were on display throughout, taking two sacks on eight pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

Leavitt turned the poise into points when he stepped up to avoid pressure and throw on the move to tight end Chamon Metayer for Leavitt’s second score of the day. The drive included two third downs he converted with his legs.

“The student section tonight was absolutely incredible,” head coach Kenny Dillingham said before joking that it’s hard to keep fans in their seats for entire games when it’s a blowout.

It was the second-largest student attendance since 2010 at 13,698, the university said. The mark was less than 400 shy of the record set in 2013 when the Sun Devils hosted UCLA.

“The crowd showed out. I don’t think they realize how much of an impact they have,” linebacker Keyshaun Elliott said.

The ASU athletic department geared up to the opener with an enhanced game day experience that included half-price parking and water.

New value and signature concessions were added as well, such as elk bratwurst for the Wyoming game and alligator po’boy for the upcoming Mississippi State game.

“It was pretty dope. I didn’t think it would be that loud running out,” quarterback Sam Leavitt said. “Hopefully more people start showing up and we get this thing really rocking.”

Overall attendance was announced at 48,108 for the game, though only fragments remained late with the win in hand. One of the late highlights from the crowd was a fan with a yo-yo who took everyone by storm with his skills.

The Yo-yo kid at the ASU game tonight was absolutely electric pic.twitter.com/TEIOVwYdAu

— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) September 1, 2024

Dillingham called on the Arizona State faithful to pack the stadium for Week 2 opponent, Mississippi State.

“We’ve never won an SEC game in Arizona State history,” the head coach said. “So we need a sold out crowd with the biggest student section that there’s ever been. We need it loud for four quarters all night long next Saturday.”

Catch Arizona State’s big test vs. Mississippi State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MST on ESPN, the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 AM and 98.7 HD-2.

The 17-year-old was seen during pregame festivities and throughout the game with his family and basketball coach Bobby Hurley, as well as several assistants from Hurley’s staff.

Head Sun Devils football coach Kenny Dillingham also introduced himself to the Peat family, which includes offensive linemen brothers and basketball-playing sisters.

Koa’s older brother, Keona, is a walk-on offensive lineman with the Sun Devils and had a one-yard carry on ASU’s final drive.

A consensus five-star prospect, the 6-foot-8 senior has won Arizona state championships in each of his three seasons playing for the Pumas and has three gold medals playing for Team USA junior national teams.

Peat played alongside Arizona State freshman Jayden Quaintance on the 2023 U16 USA squad, Quaintance still needing to play at least two years of college before he’s eligible to be drafted. If Peat commits and Quaintance doesn’t transfer, the two could be headed for a reunion.

Peat later won USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for his performance in that tournament, averaging 17.2 points (58.7% shooting), 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

This past July, Peat (26 points, eight rebounds) spearheaded a 129-88 win over Italy to lift Team USA to gold in the 2024 U17 World Cup. He averaged 17.9 points (62.5% from the field), 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals over seven games in Turkey.

The senior has not given a timetable for his decision, and has scheduled upcoming visits to Arkansas (Sept. 14), Baylor (Sept. 27) and Arizona (Oct. 4).

Head coach Kenny Dillingham has been confident the transfer has all the tools to succeed at this level, but even he was surprised by how Leavitt operated in a 48-7 win over Wyoming.

“I thought there’d be more freeze moments,” Dillingham said. “There were only a couple where he got to the sideline and he’s like ‘what am I doing?’ Not many of those moments.”

He finished 14-for-22 with 258 yards and two touchdowns in three quarters.

“There’s always gonna be things you want back, but overall we flowed into the next drive really well,” Leavitt said. “We weren’t focused on the last drive, which I think was a major factor in our success today.”

He said he encouraged his teammates coming out of halftime, not wanting to see the foot come off the gas with a 27-0 lead.

Leavitt displayed pocket presence beyond his experience, evading pressure to make plays such as an improvised throw to Chamon Metayer that the tight end took to the house.

Chamon Mateyer adds another TD to the tally! 👊 @ASUFootball pic.twitter.com/4SrgMkSpkD

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 1, 2024

On the same drive, Leavitt used his legs to convert two third downs. He finished with 47 yards on the ground while showing an indifference to sliding, which Dillingham said is not part of the conversation because Leavitt’s not good at it.

“It’s kind of an awkward thing to do if you’re not good at it and we’ve practiced it a little bit, but it’s just not comfortable for him,” Dillingham said. “So he’s just gotta learn how to dive-slide forward to protect himself some, but I think it would do him a disservice to try to get him to slide and jam his feet into the ground.

“But I definitely don’t want him to get hit as much.”

Arizona State kept an “everybody eats” approach to the passing game as seven players caught passes before any one receiver had 50 yards.

Leavitt’s ability to keep the offense on schedule kept himself in a position to make the easy plays. Only three of the 11 third downs he faced were 3rd-and-longs.

The Sun Devils also had success on screen plays, one of which Kyson Brown took 68 yards for Leavitt’s second touchdown.

MAMA, THERE GOES THAT MAN 😈 @KysonBrown11 TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE 🔱

📺 FS1
📱 https://t.co/YDxGTNeZJO#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/Ys6QiECAiy

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 1, 2024

Dillingham had seen enough after three quarters, and Jeff Sims played the rest of the way.

“The kid played an unbelievable game, and I’m excited about the future with him,” Dillingham said. “That’s what’s really exciting is that kid has four more years potentially to play here. And I think this program is gonna grow and grow with him, and that’s super exciting.”

TEMPE — Wyoming has a new head coach this season, but Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham expects that the Cowboys won’t look too different from the Mountain West power it has become the last decade.

Former head coach Craig Bohl retired after his 10th season on the job. Defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel was promoted to replace Bohl, while Sawvel’s old job was filled by Bohl’s son, Aaron. The program still has that Bohl DNA.

“You kind of have a beat for how they want to operate. At the same token, they were really good on defense but everybody changes and adds wrinkles,” Dillingham said.

ASU’s coaches expect new Wyoming offensive coordinator Jay Johnson will run more of a spread attack than Wyoming is used to under Bohl. Johnson served as Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt’s freshman-year offensive coordinator at Michigan State last season.

“It’s a little trickier (to scout offensively) because you’re adding a guy who’s been a coordinator before from a different scheme,” Dillingham said. “A guy who was way more uptempo, a guy who runs more 11 personnel more open sets, RPOs and that was completely different from what they were in the past.”

ASU football still expects a direct run attack from the team that last year knocked off Texas Tech and went into the fourth quarter tied with Texas in non-conference contests.

“They’re very well coached,” cornerback Keith Abney II said. “We just gotta come out here and play to our technique and to our coaching.”

Green dots to make their ASU football debuts

Arizona State coordinators Marcus Arroyo and Brian Ward will both be above the field in the box during games this season, Dillingham said.

It might not be the case if not for the NCAA adopting the “green dot” players who have in-helmet communication with coaches on the sideline. Leavitt will wear one as the quarterback while linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, who led New Mexico State in tackles a year ago, gets the honor on defense.

Leavitt called it “an advantage on both sides,” saying it helps him prepare for a potential NFL future.

asu qb sam leavitt on the in-helmet communication that has arrived in college football this season, its integration and impact: pic.twitter.com/mFYFugABmQ

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) August 27, 2024

Arroyo said the team has implemented walkie-talkies in practice and mocked box-to-field communications to get Leavitt used to the coordinator being in his ear.

“The first day was a mess in my head mentally, but I got used to talking while also thinking what am I doing but also telling people what they’re doing,” Elliott said. “I enjoy it, I like telling other people what to do. I like giving alerts and making sure that we’re all on the same page.”

Wyoming QB and Mesa native Evan Svoboda garners Josh Allen comparison

Evan Svoboda could be the next in line of big, dual-threat quarterbacks who thrive at Wyoming, but he was just a two-star prospect when he graduated from Mesa Red Mountain High in 2021, according to 247 Sports.

In limited action last year with the Cowboys, he threw for 200 yards with 80 rushing yards after he took the junior college route and arrived at Wyoming via Snow College in Utah.

“We don’t have much film on him, but again, he has played some. He’s a big, strong kid,” Ward said. “We’re really expecting a more downhill run game and downhill quarterback run game.”

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, you can see why Svoboda’s frame mixed with the scouting report would amount to a quarterback the Denver Post compared to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who wore No. 17 at Wyoming years before Svoboda did.

“If Evan Svoboda plays the way we hope that he can and that his potential could allow, we could become extremely good,” Sawvel told reporters.

When does Arizona State face Wyoming and how can I watch?

Catch Arizona State’s opener vs. Wyoming on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MST on FS1, the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 AM and 98.7 HD-2.

TEMPE – Depth of talent is the best indicator of where Arizona State football is in its rebuild, and the secondary and running backs were the ones setting the curve entering fall.

Both positions feature a balanced mix of returning leaders, experienced transfers and freshmen who have impressed early, which bodes well for the recently overhauled program. 

The secondary has stood out as a competitive group, and the depth chart released by the team on Wednesday showed that.

“I feel like our group as a whole is good, we all have our own traits and we mesh together well,” starting cornerback Keith Abney II said. “We all complement each other with our own skillset … and it’s gonna be dangerous.”

Javan Robinson has the other corner spot locked up, transferring from Washington State in December having spent his freshman season under defensive coordinator Brian Ward in 2022.

sun devil corners javan robinson and keith abney ii work coverage reps during practice: pic.twitter.com/J6gRmvfWSd

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) August 27, 2024

Head coach Kenny Dillingham said Robinson and Abney have answered questions at the position.

“Those two have really separated themselves … They’re both just such intelligent players, and at that position split indicators and route recognition are both so important, and both those players play the game with an extremely high IQ,” Dillingham said.

The middle of the field is less clear, as five different players are listed as potential starters for three spots at safety and nickel.

Cole Martin, Myles Rowser and Kamari Wilson – three of the players in contention – were among those listed by Ward as showing the most improvement over fall.

asu dc brian ward yesterday on which defensive backs have improved the most throughout this fall: pic.twitter.com/237xGn2ij2

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) August 29, 2024

Shamari Simmons and Xavion Alford feel like safe bets to start with the third spot more up in the air.

The depth at corner behind Robinson and Abney is made up of LSU transfer Laterrance Welch and a whole lot of youth. That includes Dillingham’s pick for most improved defensive back, freshman Rodney Bimage Jr.

Keontez Bradley, the team’s tallest defensive back at 6-foot-2 and another freshman, has impressed this week with numerous passes defensed in team reps.

Cam Skattebo returns to lead Arizona State running backs room

The running backs are headlined by a slimmed-down Cam Skattebo, who cut weight in favor of speed. Conversely, sophomore Kyson Brown has added muscle and has been a vicious change of pace behind Skattebo.

While those two are likely to get the majority of touches, it’s not a big drop in talent to the other four in the room.

Self-described all-around back Alton McCaskill was a conference freshman of the year at Houston before tearing his ACL before his sophomore season. Last year, McCaskill redshirted at Colorado.

He was one of the final additions at a time when five talented backs were already in the fold. Dillingham and his values were the biggest selling points for the running back to join ASU.

“I know that he’s building something great over here and that really was my important thing,” McCaskill said. “I trust my talents. I know that I’m skillful enough to get on the field at some point eventually.”

Citing seniors and last season’s top two rushers Skattebo and DeCarlos Brooks as helpful veterans, McCaskill quickly found himself in the thick of the depth chart.

alton mccaskill, cam skattebo and jason brown jr. drilling screen pass YAC at asu practice: pic.twitter.com/EPbBHowam9

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) August 27, 2024

Dillingham has described USC transfer Raleek Brown as dynamic, and he should return soon from an injury he’s dealt with for much of the preseason. Brown may have the highest upside in terms of two-dimensional work on the ground and through the air because of his high-end speed.

Jason Brown Jr. was the team’s highest-rated true freshman by 247 Sports and has had a good amount of breakaway runs when he gets the chance.

“The depth in that room is really good for us, and that’s gonna keep us fresh throughout the end of games,” Dillingham said. “When Skat has to carry the ball 28, 30 times in a game last season at times and we’re wondering why he’s not hitting his top speed, well there you go … We’ve gotta be able to balance that workload.”

The different looks ASU is able to throw with this year’s group should help them do just that.

Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini has listened to fans’ concerns and taken action early in his tenure that began just months ago.

The university this week announced changes to its game day experience at Mountain America Stadium, with improvements ranging from slashed parking prices to added concessions and more.

Rossini joined Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Thursday in the first of his weekly visits this season and explained there’s more to come.

“I’m a big believer that food is the experience anchor, and we want to talk a lot more about tailgating this season,” Rossini said. “We’re gonna be out in the lots ourselves this weekend just interacting with tailgaters, getting feedback on that experience.”

Rossini said that the expansion of ASU’s campus has cut off some of the tailgating real estate, which is a problem that needs fixing. One workaround for now is a free public tailgate with $4 food and drinks.

The Dos Equis Pitchfork Pregame is FREE, open to all fans and features $4 beverages and $4 Food Items including Bar-S Hot Dogs, Venezia's New York Style Pizza, and Rudy's Bar-B-Que.

It is a unique indoor/outdoor public tailgate on the north side of Desert Financial Arena. This… pic.twitter.com/eb6yu1vjBq

— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) August 29, 2024

Inside the stadium, food changes include signature items based on each home opponent and added value menu items.

“We’re looking at the decisions we can make that restore the faith and the confidence of our fanbase that we’re making decisions based on the things they’re asking for,” the athletic director said. “All that fuels our chance to compete right out the gate.

“And we’re not in a situation where we feel like we need to ease into the Big 12. We’re ready to compete. We’ve got a roster right now that we feel is gonna be able to compete in this conference.”

Arizona State finding the right spotlights

The Sun Devils have found quite a few opportunities to use the spotlight to their advantage.

The first two road games for ASU football this season are both in Texas, which was a big recruiting base even before the move into a conference that features four teams from Texas.

“That’s a great opportunity, ASU has a huge interest in Texas,” Rossini said. “Those are important for enrollment for ASU, but they’re really important in the recruiting conversation.”

Furthermore, men’s basketball is set to play an exhibition on the road against Duke and begin its season against head coach Bobby Hurley’s former team.

“It’s gonna get our basketball team battle tested out the gate. We’re really excited about this roster, we’ve got incredible talent here on campus ready to compete,” Rossini said. “It’s valuable from a basketball standpoint but it’s also gonna be a really fun weekend to take a lot of our donors … to give them a unique, never-before experience of Sun Devils at Cameron Indoor.”

Rossini also said “there’s no replacement” for the attention ASU got during the Olympics, with swimmer Léon Marchand front and center.

“The world got to know ASU because of our Olympic presence,” Rossini said.

ASU football is starting from a low point. Dillingham didn’t have a dream first season by any means.

He took over the offensive play-calling duties going into conference play. True freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada was injured in his first game — a sign of things to come as six different players attempting passes over 2023 was just one piece to an injury-plagued season. Then-offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin was replaced after the season.

Leading up to Dillingham’s second season, the team has already suffered losses in the form of defensive back Macen Williams retiring from football and potential starting offensive lineman Jalen Klemm reportedly out indefinitely with a health issue.

Dillingham said Monday that linebacker Tate Romney would miss 4-6 weeks with a broken hand while offensive lineman Sean Na’a and defensive end Prince Dorbah deal with leg issues that would sideline them 2-4 games.

But as Dillingham says, no one’s going to feel sorry for the Sun Devils. All that matters is how ASU finds a way to succeed despite it.

Can Arizona State football’s offense come together quickly with so many new pieces?

Only a handful of starters returned, including running back Cam Skattebo and 2023 All-Pac-12 honorable mention center Leif Fautanu.

New coordinator Marcus Arroyo will call plays for the offense that receiver Jordyn Tyson said is dramatically different from last season because of unpredictability.

“I feel like year one, it was kind of bland … you could guess it really easy. But now it’s more complex. We got more routes, we run every route, we run every concept and it’s good for us,” Tyson said.

Expected to be a big part of the offense after the injury bug got him in 2023, Tyson has shown the optionality of making plays on a variety of routes in practice.

“It feels amazing learning the new concepts that we have in there. Feel like we’re all getting a pretty good idea of everything,” receiver Melquan Stovall said.

Can the offensive line keep quarterback Sam Leavitt upright enough?

ASU allowed 30 sacks last season, more than any 2024 Big 12 team except Colorado (56) and Baylor (34), so it’s an area of emphasis this season.

Kenny Dillingham on his comfort level with the offensive line that has much more depth this season, trying to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2023. pic.twitter.com/snwriUEqPS

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) August 26, 2024

A returning Fautanu should help, as would improved injury luck if the Sun Devils can get it. Dillingham has said the line was so depleted in 2023 that it couldn’t conventionally practice.

Ben Coleman, a 6-foot-3, 325-pound graduate student, was one of the earliest hit by injuries. He missed all of 2023 due to a spring injury after starting 11 of 12 games at Cal the year before. He could be one of the best linemen on the team this season.

There have been days in fall practices where the defensive line has had its way, but the Sun Devils believe it’s a testament to a vastly improved line on that side. 

Plus, Dillingham has said the balance between sides in practice indicates a strong overall group, and the offense has produced enough deep shots where it doesn’t feel like the line will prevent those come the regular season.

Josh Atkins is another new face on the line, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound redshirt junior who started 13 games for Hawai’i last year and is likely to start.

How do the Sun Devils win the turnover margin?

Leavitt has been borderline elite this fall when it comes to ball security, a point Dillingham made when the redshirt freshman was named the starter.

“In 300 clips of team series scenarios, he has two interceptions. So you’re talking 300 clips — that’s roughly five football games — and you have two interceptions,” Dillingham said. “That’s pretty good.”

Pair a quarterback who doesn’t throw many interceptions with a physical starting running back in Skattebo, who didn’t turn it over once in nearly 200 touches last season, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

The defense has to do its part, and that starts up front with two defensive tackles who each squat over 600 pounds: sophomore C.J. Fite and Arizona transfer Jacob Kongaika.

Their ability to pressure the pocket would be what allows Dorbah and Clayton Smith to hurry quarterbacks from the edge spots. The two combined for 10.5 sacks a year ago, ranking first (6.0, tied with BJ Green II, now at Colorado) and third (4.5) on the team, respectively.

If the line can do its job, a strong secondary can feast on opportunities along with linebackers, such as Keyshaun Elliott.

Catching the ball is an important step when given those opportunities, Dillingham aptly pointed out on Monday.

“You’ve gotta be a good player in good position and then make a play,” Dillingham said, also emphasizing fumbles forced and recovered. “Creating fumbles is a lot of effort, you’ve gotta harass the football.

“Those types of fumbles, there’s some luck involved for sure, but some teams consistently create them because they’re swarming to the ball. They make it a torture to run the ball … that’s something we’ve been emphasizing … make it hell for them to run the ball.”

How conventional will the punts be this season?

Skattebo was statistically the best punter for Arizona State a year ago, sending eight of them an average of 42.3 yards per boot. Josh Carlson and Ian Hershey had more cracks at it but their averages fell below 40 yards. 

The issue was concerning enough that it changed ASU’s approach. The Sun Devils went for it on nearly twice as many fourth downs (38) as their opponent in 2023 (21).

True freshman P Kanyon Floyd of Scottsdale Horizon High is expected to make a difference, while Skattebo has practiced in other special teams roles and Hershey remains on the roster.

“I don’t know if we’ll be as aggressive going for it this year as we were last year because we have an ability to punt the ball and flip the field,” Dillingham told reporters Saturday.

He said Floyd is capable of pinning opponents inside their own 20 from the ASU 35-yard line.

Floyd was the No. 2 punter in the 2024 class, according to 247 Sports’ composite ranking. He averaged 48.5 yards on punts in high school and kicked touchbacks on 69 of his 93 kickoffs as a senior, according to ASU.

It's officially game week 🔱

Sun Devil Athletics & @SodexoGroup are excited to announce a new signature item for each home game!

First up, the Elk Bratwurst versus Wyoming. pic.twitter.com/knf6PKTDHQ

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) August 25, 2024

The most mouth-watering change comes as signature concessions based on each home opponent:

• Aug. 31 vs. Wyoming: elk bratwurst
• Sept. 7 vs. Mississippi State: alligator po’boy
• Oct. 5 vs. Kansas: burnt end street tacos
• Oct. 11 vs. Utah: pastrami burger
• Nov. 9 vs. UCF: surf and turf flatbread
• Nov. 23 vs. BYU: chicken shawarma waffle cone

“Our game day specials are inspired by the culinary traditions of the teams we face, offering dishes that reflect their hometown flavors,” Sodexo regional executive chef Leigh Mills said in a release. “Our diverse menu caters to all fans, offering indulgent classics alongside healthier, vegetarian-friendly options.”

New items such as Sonoran dogs, expanded vegan options and build-your-own burrito bowl stations were added to the seasonlong concessions. Value menu items will cost between $5 to $6.60.

Fans will have an easier time finding whatever food special or staple they’re looking for thanks to an improved game day app with a stadium map.

The university also sought to make attending games more affordable and family-friendly.

“We made it a priority to listen to what (the ASU community) loves about game day – what keeps them coming back – and also to hear their frustrations and areas where we could improve,” Rossini said in a release. “These conversations have been about truly listening and then taking action.”

Parking has been greatly improved with more spaces, new traffic flow designs, improved signage and prices that have been cut in half at all ASU structures.

asu athletic director graham rossini today on efforts to improve the game day experience, from slashing parking rates in half to discounted tickets for tempe residents: pic.twitter.com/m8RUs5Lzmy

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) August 26, 2024

ASU opens its season on Saturday by hosting Wyoming and serving elk bratwurst. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the Arizona Sports app.

Dillingham has replenished the coffers with his kinds of players, bringing in a 2024 transfer class rated by 247 Sports as 30th in the nation and fourth in the Big 12. The 2023 transfer class was even better, ranking 17th nationally.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt represents that in his own way as a transfer from Michigan State, but the supporting cast around the quarterback is where the optimism should creep in for Sun Devil fans.

The coaching staff made a concerted effort to surround Leavitt with talent at all skill positions, and it has paid early dividends in the short and long terms.

For example, Elijhah Badger and Jalin Conyers were replaced with transfers Malik McClain and Chamon Metayer, and ASU’s three highest-rated commits in the 2025 class are all wide receivers.

A look at which new faces you should be watching closest throughout the season in Tempe:

Malik McClain, WR

Dillingham helped recruit McClain to his first college, Florida State, when the receiver was ranked as a top-300 overall prospect in the class of 2021.

McClain received limited touches in two seasons at FSU despite suiting up in all 25 games, leading him to transfer to Penn State for his junior season. Dillingham had moved on in favor of the Oregon offensive coordinator job between McClain’s two FSU seasons.

He was a spring portal addition for the Sun Devils after spring camp, a period which Dillingham said the program didn’t have high hopes for.

“To be honest, we got lucky,” Dillingham said. “There were guys that weren’t highly sought after … we got to dig into their past and learn about them … and everything that was said about them was not accurate.

“They probably changed. They probably were that person that (was) described, and they probably made that change in their life given this next chance. So we got lucky.”

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound McClain has popped at nearly every practice session, opening up new dimensions for the Arizona State passing game with his big frame and reliable hands.

The 39 catches and 467 yards over three years doesn’t feel representative of the weapon McClain can be for the ASU offense. But the 12 yards per catch career average checks out, as many of the plays he has made in practice are those possession receptions about 10-15 yards downfield to keep the offense on schedule.

Expect him to start alongside Jordyn Tyson and Melquan Stovall.

Chamon Metayer, TE

Metayer is another spring portal addition, committing days before the ASU spring game. He had transferred from Cincinnati to Colorado in December but re-entered the portal in April.

He’s coming off a breakout third season at Cincinnati, tallying double-digit receiving yards in six of his last eight games with two touchdowns in the season finale.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end comes from an athletic background, having played high school basketball at a high level in Florida. A top-10 forward in the competitive state, he averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds in his senior-year playoffs.

Metayer, who is likely to start for ASU, could be next in a long line of productive basketball players who become reliable tight ends on the gridiron.

Keyshaun Elliott, LB

Coming off a productive season as New Mexico State’s leading tackler with 111, which ranked top-30 in the nation, Dillingham listed Elliott among defenders who have been vocal leaders.

That leadership earned Elliott the confidence of his teammates to be voted onto the 12-man Tillman Leadership Council. Elliott and Leavitt were the only two newcomers to be named to the council.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Elliott has stood out in pass coverage during practice, as he has grabbed an interception or two and batted multiple balls.

His ability to read the quarterback could tie back to his days as a high school quarterback, when he also punted in addition to his linebacker duties.

With the NCAA set to debut coach-to-player communication featuring “green dots” this season, Elliott is in position to be one of the quarterbacks of the defense, although Dillingham noted on the final day of fall camp the pecking order of defensive leaders needs to be sorted out.

Cole Martin, CB

The nickel corner arrived back in the Valley as maybe the best long-term pickup, given his high production for a strong program at Oregon as a true freshman.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Martin played in all 14 games in 2023 for the Ducks. He had his best game of the season in the Valley against ASU on Nov. 18, totaling a season-high five tackles along with his only interception and pass defensed on the year.

His personality has been infectious throughout the program since arriving, getting Dillingham to return some love earlier in the fall.

Cole Martin (@colemartin21) had to take a second to shout out @KennyDillingham 😂

Martin: "The man! The man!"

Dillingham: "Are you talking about yourself?"@DevilsDigest pic.twitter.com/qNSS36jB4J

— Justin LaCertosa (@LaCertosaSports) August 6, 2024

The former Chandler Basha High star also played at Chandler Hamilton and was a top-five Arizona prospect in 2023, per 247 Sports. He was in the site’s top 250 for all prospects.

“We had a bad day. There was very, very poor focus. Started with the staff, started with myself to the staff to the players, that was our worst day of fall camp,” head coach Kenny Dillingham said.

Wednesday’s practice was helmets only, but Dillingham wasn’t letting that be an excuse for the disappointing day.

“The intensity wasn’t there like it was in our other helmet practices. We had practiced really well in our other two helmet practices,” the head coach said. “Today, we kinda took the day off and that’s my fault, that’s our staff’s fault for allowing that to happen.”

On the positive side, the Sun Devils have responded to adversity better and haven’t complained as much this fall, Dillingham said, evidenced Tuesday when he was admittedly looking for a reason to blow up at his team.

The defense got too close to quarterback Sam Leavitt for Dillingham’s comfort on one play, and the head coach snapped at them accordingly.

It rose to the occasion when almost immediately after, safety Shamari Simmons stayed in position on a wide hitch route that he was able to jump for the interception as the head coach was watching to see if any defender might “lose their mind” after getting yelled at.

“That’s winning football,” Dillingham said. “Teams that can respond to those chaotic environments, and that’s what I was trying to create today.

“That’s all football is. The best teams in the country, guess what, they just respond to situations over and over again. They never get fazed. They just go out there and do the same thing over and over again.”

Sun Devils find their identity on both sides during fall camp

Dillingham said the Arizona State defense is characterized by alphas, though the pecking order could at times be a bit clearer.

Situationally, sometimes multiple leaders had called out different adjustments. While either one might work and solve the problem for the defense, Dillingham said which players have the final call could be clarified.

Defensive tackle Jacob Kongaika was among the linemen who were vocal in drills on Wednesday when position coach Diron Reynolds was helping his group understand why certain stunts are timed differently than others.

Across the line of scrimmage, wide receiver Melquan Stovall told Arizona Sports that “explosive” was the best word to describe the offense’s identity.

Hear from ASU WR Melquan Stovall (@Melquan_1) on wrapping up fall camp, the new offense under OC Marcus Arroyo and how he builds chemistry with QB Sam Leavitt. pic.twitter.com/jqs6i5brX9

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) August 21, 2024

It’s fitting that as Arizona State enters the Big 12, a conference known for explosive offenses, that Dillingham gets a young, moldable quarterback with upside in redshirt freshman Leavitt to lead his team. 

Practice on Tuesday featured two explosive pass plays from Leavitt and the first-teamers, including a 50-yard diving grab from Jordyn Tyson. Malik McClain later hauled in a touchdown that Leavitt launched beautifully from about 60 yards out. Both caught touchdowns again on Wednesday.

“It’s a really good addition to have them both,” Leavitt said of McClain and tight end Chamon Metayer, who both joined the team after spring practice. “I’ve connected with them on a bunch of balls.

“They’re really smart players and have a good feel for the game so they picked it up really quick. It’s been a huge addition and we’re gonna see a lot of them this season.”

QB1 Sam Leavitt after practice on getting the deep ball right.

He hit Jordyn Tyson and Malik McClain on deep throws to go 2-for-2 on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/RNMiAoUZn0

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) August 21, 2024

Projected 2-deep for ASU vs. Wyoming

• QB: Sam Leavitt — Jeff Sims
• RB: Cam Skattebo — Kyson Brown
• WR: Jordyn Tyson, Malik McClain and Melquan Stovall — Xavier Guillory, Jake Smith and Troy Omeire
• TE: Chamon Metayer — Markeston Douglas
• OL: Josh Atkins, Ben Coleman, Leif Fautanu, Cade Briggs and Max Iheanachor — Bram Walden, Sean Na’a and Emmit Bohle

Running back will likely be the most intriguing position group to track this fall, despite Skattebo having claim to maybe the most locked-up first-team position on the team.

While he is the student-athlete face of the Sun Devils, he won’t carry the same workload as a year ago with nearly 200 touches. Ideally, his snaps at quarterback will come as a quirk and not a regularity like in 2023.

Behind him are talented backs Kyson Brown, Raleek Brown and Jason Brown, with DeCarlos Brooks in the mix as well.

• DL: Clayton Smith, C.J. Fite, Jacob Kongaika and Prince Dorbah — Jeff Clark, Elijah O’Neal and J’Mond Tapp
• LB: Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook — Zyrus Fiaseu and Caleb McCullough
• DB: Keith Abney II, Shamari Simmons, Xavion Alford, Kamari Wilson and Javan Robinson — Rodney Bimage Jr., Cole Martin and Montana Warren

Defensive back could be the deepest position on the team, so defensive coordinator Brian Ward will likely rotate bodies in liberally.

Some young freshmen, such as Plas Johnson and Tony-Louis Nkuba, could fight for reps as well.