ASU Football Looks Toward Texas Tech in Big 12 Debut

Strategic Insights -

After a 3-0 start in the non-conference slate, ASU football faces its first test in Big 12 conference against Texas Tech on Saturday. ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham believes the game has potential for history, with both teams facing unprecedented matchups on both offense and defense. The Sun Devils will face a Texas Tech offense that has scored an average of 44.7 points per game, led by junior quarterback Behren Morton. Meanwhile, ASU's defense may have to face a lot of two tight end sets, a common personnel grouping amongst Big 12 offenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • ASU football faces Texas Tech in its first Big 12 conference game, with head coach Kenny Dillingham stating that the game will "go down in history" as the first of its kind.
  • Texas Tech's offense has scored an average of 44.7 points per game, led by junior quarterback Behren Morton, and may use multiple two tight end sets to exploit ASU's defense.
  • ASU's defense will have to face a unique 3-3-5 personnel grouping from Texas Tech's defense, which employs three defensive linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs.
  • Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and the ASU passing game may need to step up if Texas Tech succeeds in slowing down senior Cam Skattebo and the ASU running game.
  • The Sun Devils' leading receiver through three weeks is redshirt sophomore Jordyn Tyson, who also leads all Sun Devil receivers and running backs in EPA per play.

Statistics:

  • Texas Tech's offense has scored an average of 44.7 points per game through three weeks.
  • ASU's defense will face a 3-3-5 personnel grouping from Texas Tech's defense, which employs three defensive linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs.
  • Redshirt senior edge rusher Prince Dorbah and junior linebacker Jordan Crook are returning from injury, bolstering ASU's defense.
  • ASU's leading receiver through three weeks is redshirt sophomore Jordyn Tyson, with a team-leading 35 receptions and 444 yards.

Sources:

  • "The 'silent assassin': While placing first in his family, Dorbah places fifth in Pac-12 sacks" by Calvin Stewart, The State Press, September 17, 2024.
  • Twitter post by @LaCertosaSports, September 13, 2024.