Utah junior running back Devontae Booker runs with the ball in a game against USC. (Photo Courtesy of The Daily Utah Chronicle)In advance of Saturday's Pac-12 South showdown, The State Press asked The Daily Utah Chronicle to answer some questions with a Ute perspective. Both teams have seen improvement and somewhat surprising success in 2014, and it is hitting its climax with a matchup of 6-1, top-25 teams at Sun Devil Stadium.
Assistant sports editor Ryan Miller provided the answers from The Daily Utah Chronicle.
State Press: Both ASU and Utah have seen improvement since the start of the season. What similarities and what differences do you see between the two teams?
Utah Chronicle: Everyone knew that ASU was going to be good offensively, but after seeing what it lost to graduation a season ago on the defensive side, it was hard to imagine the Sun Devils being able to stop the high powered Pac-12 offenses. That thought was only cemented after they lost to UCLA in blowout fashion. However, that game now seems like it was an anomaly. ASU has looked better on defense each week and the group really looks like it has come together.
The Utes have improved, but besides the play of Devontae Booker, nothing has come really as a shock. The winning is surprising, but it’s not like Utah is rolling over teams. They are finding ways to sneak by squads even with an inconsistent quarterback situation and offense in general.
The Utes showed some signs of an improved offense last week against USC, but really this group has fooled us all before.
SP: That defense is scary. It's the third impressive defense ASU will face in a row. While it's had some success against the first two, what's the key to breaking this Utah D?
UC: The key to beating the Ute defense is to throw the ball and throw it a lot. Utah has a solid secondary, but it pales in comparison to its front seven. The problem OSU, USC and UCLA all ran into is they tried to be too balanced. The Utes defense excels at stopping the run and getting to the quarterback. Utah’s pass rush acts as the security blanket for its secondary.
Washington State was able to defeat Utah because they were the team that never stopped throwing and eventually the Ute secondary broke. ASU has the quarterback to beat the Utah defense over the top, but it will take more than a couple throws to really open things up.
SP: What impact will the loss of Dres Anderson have? Who do you expect to step up?
UC: Anderson provided a deep threat that often forced safety help over the top. I’m not sure if Utah has another receiver on the team that will demand that kind of respect. As a result the slant and crossing routes that have been a staple in the Utes offense might not be as open. Anderson’s absence might also mean opposing defenses can afford to bring an extra man into the box to stop the run.
Seldom-used freshman Kenric Young fits the deep threat profile, but I’m not sure if he’s earned the coaching staff’s trust yet. Kyle Whittingham said the three primary receivers moving forward would be Kenneth Scott, Tim Patrick and Kaelin Clay. I expect though (that) tight end Westlee Tonga will become a more featured part of the offense and help in replacing Anderson’s production.
SP: What are the chances we see Kendal Thompson in addition to Travis Wilson at quarterback?
UC: After his performance against USC, I think Wilson has bought himself a longer leash. We may see Thompson in for a few plays to maybe provide a different look or spark, but I think the best thing for this team is to pick a quarterback and stick with him. Wilson’s a better passer than Thompson and keeps defenses at least a little offense to provide the team’s true offensive star, Booker, a chance to run.
SP: What's the feeling around the program about being 6-1, bowl eligible, and now battling for the Pac-12 South?
UC: Becoming bowl eligible was one of the programs' main goals entering the season, so the team is excited to have accomplished it. However, there is no sense of satisfaction. I think how Utah won against USC has allowed them to dream. Their defense and special teams – the two units that have led Utah to victories this season – weren’t spectacular and yet the offense still provided enough scoring to get the victory.
Utah hasn’t spoken publicly about contending for the Pac-12 South and won’t until the season gets closer to the finish line, but they know the possibility is there and the optimism and excitement among the players is hard to miss.
This team has a belief in itself that they can pull off a win against any team, and the way Utah has been able to win at the end of games, it’s getting hard to doubt them.
Prediction:
There comes a time when lucky bounces stop going a team's way. I think it happens this week for Utah. Arizona State will be able to score enough that the inconsistent Ute attack won’t be able to keep up. The Utah defense will keep it close all the way, but in the end ASU will have a little more in the tank.
No. 14 ASU 31, No. 17 Utah 24
Reach the reporter at ewebeck@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @EvanWebeck
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @statepresssport
