After a commanding win against Oklahoma State, ASU football is preparing to host Central Florida, its sixth Big 12 opponent of the season, on Nov. 9.
The Sun Devils are 6-2 on the season. UCF defeated UA 56-12 last week and is currently 4-5.
Skattebo Doubtful
The biggest story heading into this matchup is the potential absence of senior running back Cam Skattebo. Head coach Kenny Dillingham announced that Skattebo is "doubtful to questionable" and will not be practicing this week.
Skattebo, who has touched the ball on 36% of ASU offensive snaps, has totaled 1,405 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns this season. While some may view Skattebo's potential absence as a big blow this week, the Sun Devils' are viewing it as an opportunity for others to step up.
"It's actually a good thing," said offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo. "I think you'd need that as a team. At certain times, you need to be able to challenge certain guys to step up and take place."
Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and the passing game may have to step up if ASU is without its workhorse back against the Knights' strong run defense.
Keyshaun Elliot out
The ASU defense will be without junior linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, Dillingham announced Wednesday at practice.
"He got a stinger and he is just working his way back and we’re just being precautious," Dillingham said in an interview with Sun Devil Source. "When you get stingers sometimes and you play too soon, you may get another one."
In his first year at ASU after transferring from New Mexico State, Elliott has quickly emerged as a leader of the Sun Devils' defense. He has 45 tackles and an interception this season.
In his absence, redshirt senior Caleb McCullough will take on a larger role for defense. McCullough, who had a breakout performance in ASU's upset win against Utah, has also impressed the Sun Devils this season.
UCF outlook
On defense, the biggest key for the Sun Devils will be stopping senior running back RJ Harvey. With 1,201 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns this season, Harvey is a big reason why the Knights lead the nation in explosive running plays with 79.
"He’s outstanding," said defensive coordinator Brian Ward. "There's some great running backs in this league, but I would say he's the most dynamic and explosive. He could turn up a three-yard run into a 50-yard gain or touchdown."
UCF is set to start redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk at quarterback. In his first career start last week, Rizk threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns. His 90.1 PFF grade was the sixth-highest among all Power Four quarterbacks.
This means Sun Devil defense must prepare for a new quarterback. Rizk is the fourth starting quarterback for UCF this season.
When the Sun Devils are on offense, they'll have to keep track of UCF redshirt senior cornerback Mac McWilliams and junior defensive end Malachi Lawrence. McWilliams leads the Knights' defense with an 83.3 PFF coverage grade, while Lawrence leads the team in sacks and pressures.
"There's not gonna be any easy outs," Arroyo said. "With these guys, they're going to know where they need to be. They play fast, so we got a good challenge here at home."
Going in blind
UCF has two completely new coordinators on both offense and defense heading into this matchup. The Knights' win over UA marked the first game with Tim Harris Jr. as offensive coordinator and Addison Williams as defensive coordinator.
ASU only has two quarters of competitive game film to sift through in preparation for Saturday's matchup because the Knight's win was so lopsided.
"You're going in blind to any rhythm of a play caller on both sides of the ball," Dillingham said in a press conference.
"You have to put yourself in those coaches' shoes," Ward said. "If you have a new playcaller, then maybe he's going to have different tendencies in different areas of the field, we try to anticipate those things."
The Sun Devils take on the Knights at Mountain America Stadium on Nov. 9.
Edited by Jack Barron, Sophia Ramirez and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporter at jwkartso@asu.edu and follow @kartsonis3 on X.
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Jack is a sophomore studying sports journalism. This is his second semester with The State Press. He has also worked at other student journalism organizations.
