Arid-Zona State Preview--what have they got? A stud fullback.

[Chop]

Arizona State vs Texas Longhorns in CFP quarterfinal: Early predictions, how they match up

Arizona State football will play the Texas Longhorns in a CFP quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1 in Atlanta.

www.azcentral.com

"That presents an interesting matchup between Arizona State's smash-mouth running game featuring Cam Skattebo and the Texas front seven. The Longhorns give up only about 106 rushing yards per game, while the ASU offense averages 199."

("smash-mouth running game" you say -- I like where this is going with our D-front...)

P.S. -- they do the Houston Cougars' hand sign.

 

[Chop]

Texas football opponent preview: Arizona State

Following a potential victory in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against the Clemson Tigers, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns will meet their Big-12 Conference title successor, the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils, in the quarterfinals. The teams have not played each other since 2007...

thedailytexan.com

Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt has got some wheels. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Coupled with their "smash mouth running attack", it sounds like their offense is good.

 

[Chop]

"Coming into the playoffs, ASU has just two losses, one to Texas Tech and another to Cincinnati. The Sun Devils dropped their Big 12 opener to the Red Raiders on the road due to self-inflicted wounds despite outplaying them offensively, converting just 35.7% on third downs and no fourth downs.

While ASU has four convincing wins against Wyoming, Oklahoma State, Arizona and Iowa State, the other seven have had a score margin of 10 points or less. This may or may not have been a contributing factor in what recently made ESPN name ASU as the worst team to ever make the College Football Playoff out of 52 total contenders across 11 seasons."

Texas football opponent preview: Arizona State

Following a potential victory in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against the Clemson Tigers, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns will meet their Big-12 Conference title successor, the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils, in the quarterfinals. The teams have not played each other since 2007...

thedailytexan.com

 

[Chop]

So Steve, Quinn, and our offense have to actually show up and play a decent game again.

We can't just rely on our Defense to shut them down to 15 points or lower and win the game solely on Defense, like it was an SEC game or something...

 

[Chop]

Below is from my questions to a Robot Artificial Intelligence on the ASU Defense:

(bottom line--an above average D, but nothing exceptional)

• Yards allowed: ASU has allowed 330.8 yards per game, which is 35th nationally and fifth in the Big 12.
  
  
• Opponent yards per play: Opponents are averaging 5.00 yards per play, which is 32nd-lowest in the country.

The Arizona State Sun Devils football defense has shown some promising signs in the 2024 season.

• Key Players:
  • Linebackers: Keyshaun Elliott and Caleb McCullough are key figures in the linebacking corps.
  • Defensive Backs: Javan Robinson and Xavion Alford are standouts in the secondary.
  • Defensive Line: Clayton Smith and C.J. Fite anchor the defensive line.
• Strengths:
  • The defense has shown an ability to generate turnovers.
  • They have been solid against the run at times.
• Areas for Improvement:
  • Consistency has been an issue throughout the season.
  • They need to improve their pass rush and overall pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
  • 
  • (that bodes well for us.....)

 

[Chop]

 

[Chop]

From SI:

"Arizona State's offense, under first-year coordinator Marcus Arroyo, is built around a run-heavy approach.

Expect a lot of zone concepts, with a mix of RPOs and play-action passes. Running back Cameron Skattebo is the centerpiece of this attack. At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, he’s a powerful, contact-heavy runner who grinds down defenses.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt is athletic and capable of making plays on the run, but he has struggled with accuracy. Though he has a strong arm and can hit deep shots, he has yet to show consistent touch or precision."

 

[Chop]

More from SI on Arizona State:

"Defense Overview: Strong Against the Run, Susceptible in the Secondary​

Defensively, Arizona State has been solid, especially against the run, where they rank No. 13 nationally.

Their front seven is physical and disciplined"



They're going to make Quinn beat them throwing.

 

[Saint Jimmy]

"Coming into the playoffs, ASU has just two losses, one to Texas Tech and another to Cincinnati. The Sun Devils dropped their Big 12 opener to the Red Raiders on the road due to self-inflicted wounds despite outplaying them offensively, converting just 35.7% on third downs and no fourth downs.

While ASU has four convincing wins against Wyoming, Oklahoma State, Arizona and Iowa State, the other seven have had a score margin of 10 points or less. This may or may not have been a contributing factor in what recently made ESPN name ASU as the worst team to ever make the College Football Playoff out of 52 total contenders across 11 seasons."

Texas football opponent preview: Arizona State

Following a potential victory in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against the Clemson Tigers, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns will meet their Big-12 Conference title successor, the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils, in the quarterfinals. The teams have not played each other since 2007...

thedailytexan.com

I ain't buyin' it. It's a trap.

 

[Saint Jimmy]

Hieroglyphics.... What does it say?

 

[Texadelphia]

I ain't buyin' it. It's a trap.

Get to the choppa!!

 

[Dionysus]

Fun fact: half of the quarterfinals teams have the word “state” in their university’s name.

Arizona State
Boise State
Penn State
Ohio State

 

[caryhorn]

So Steve, Quinn, and our offense have to actually show up and play a decent game again.

We can't just rely on our Defense to shut them down to 15 points or lower and win the game solely on Defense, like it was an SEC game or something...

So, if our offense puts up 38 like Steve and Quinn did against Clemson, I think we will win, no?

The only issue with our offense is that injuries may have put another starter on the sideline.

 

[Chop]

So, if our offense puts up 38 like Steve and Quinn did against Clemson, I think we will win, no?

The only issue with our offense is that injuries may have put another starter on the sideline.

If we don't win with 38 points on the board, something disastrous has happened with our D.

I think we can hold them under 20, which means we win--even with a rather pedestrian offensive production.

Look for us to really jam up the middle and stop the run 1st, then make their QB try to beat us passing. Not easy against our secondary and Edge/DEs.

 

[Chop]

ASU sort of belonged in the Big 12 all along.

They fit the profile of an OSU, Texas Tech, etc.

In other words, we should win, but there is some danger and weird things can happen.

 

[Horn6721]

Hope their D stat at creating turnovers is not an issue

 

[militaryhorn]

Hieroglyphics.... What does it say?

Go through the forest of Cactus. While there the Cowboys must evade many Scorpion and Snakes. Traverse the Desert in your Boots on your Horse and take no Bull. For you shall Pick the Sun to light your way.

 

[Chop]

Heiroglyphics. A new row was uncovered by Indiana Jones.

Let me try:

First, you go across the cactus desert.

Some Pokes from Okla St took the wrong road.

Loud German heavy metal music fills the air.

You have to kick the butts of some suburban karate guys in Cobra Kai outfits

Then across the deadly Superstition Mountains outside Phoenix

Some hot cowgirls in boots go riding by on horses and give you a ride to Phoenix

Bevo's relatives look on intently

Look! It's the Lost Dutchman Mine!

Down into the Valley of the Sun--at last! Phoenix we are here!

Where the hot cowgirls on horseback take you to their evening job and invite you to watch them dance.

 

[Chop]

Below is from my questions to a Robot Artificial Intelligence on the ASU Defense:

These robot A.I. devices seem to know more about football than Brent Musberger did.

 

[NRHorn]

So, if our offense puts up 38 like Steve and Quinn did against Clemson, I think we will win, no?

The only issue with our offense is that injuries may have put another starter on the sideline.

I know Wiesner and Majors are good. Both were cleated to play against Clemson, but were held out.
Cam probably will be. He actually went back in the game for one play.

 

[txhorn_et]

Go through the forest of Cactus. While there the Cowboys must evade many Scorpion and Snakes. Traverse the Desert in your Boots on your Horse and take no Bull. For you shall Pick the Sun to light your way.

Impressive! Mad props!!

 

[mb227]

I ain't buyin' it. It's a trap.

 

[txhorn_et]

Heiroglyphics. A new row was uncovered by Indiana Jones.

Let me try:

First, you go across the cactus desert.

Some Pokes from Okla St took the wrong road.

Loud German heavy metal music fills the air.

You have to kick the butts of some suburban karate guys in Cobra Kai outfits

Then across the deadly Superstition Mountains outside Phoenix

Some hot cowgirls in boots go riding by on horses and give you a ride to Phoenix

Bevo's relatives look on intently

Look! It's the Lost Dutchman Mine!

Down into the Valley of the Sun--at last! Phoenix we are here!

Where the hot cowgirls on horseback take you to their evening job and invite you to watch them dance.

I’d buy that on Netflix.

 

[Saint Jimmy]

Go through the forest of Cactus. While there the Cowboys must evade many Scorpion and Snakes. Traverse the Desert in your Boots on your Horse and take no Bull. For you shall Pick the Sun to light your way.

Marvelous. Thank you. I think I've been there.

 

[Saint Jimmy]

These robot A.I. devices seem to know more about football than Brent Musberger did.

Oh I miss Musberger. He was good for a few non-sequiturs per game. He was very entertaining.

 

[Sangre Naranjada]

These robot A.I. devices seem to know more about football than Brent Musberger did.

My dog's missing left nut knew more about football than Musberger did.

 

[mchammer]

My dog's missing left nut knew more about football than Musberger did.

He could spot talent in the stands.

 

[Dionysus]

A bit of Peach Bowl history:

- The first Peach Bowl was played Dec 30, 1968 where LSU beat Florida State 31-27
- Texas has never played in the Peach Bowl
- #8 Arizona State was Peach Bowl champion in 1970, beating North Carolina 48-26 — ASU’s Monroe Eley was offensive MVP while ASU’s Junior Ah You was defensive MVP
- The 1995 Peach Bowl featured Georgia’s Hines Ward at QB who tallied a record 469 all-purpose yards
- in 2019 LSU’s Joe Burrow had 8 all-purpose TDs in a 63-28 win against OU
- Dec 31, 2022: #1 Georgia beat #4 Ohio State 42-41 in the CFP Semi-final
- Clemson has 8 total Peach Bowl appearances with a record of 3-5
- LSU has 7 appearances with a record of 6-1
- In 1969 South Carolina held West Virginia to a Peach Bowl record low of 3 passing yards
- In the 2009 Peach Bowl Virginia Tech held Lane Kiffin’s Tennessee team to a bowl record low of 5 yards rushing

 

[Walking Boss]

Hope their D stat at creating turnovers is not an issue

Clemson was very good at creating turnovers, something like 28 or 29 on the year. Texas had one against them on a pass that went through Moore’s hands.

 

[mb227]

He could spot talent in the stands.

Brent can still be heard on VSIN. His program aired as My Guys in the Desert...

When broadcasting from South Point, he can sometimes be found at the oyster bar there getting sloshed...