For the second year in a row a P5 team rolls into the Alamodome. Expect Arizona State fans to travel relatively well even though the game is on a Friday night. UTSA played Kansas State well last year and I expect them to do the same against ASU, you just never know when UTSA might get that elusive P5 win.
UTSA does have somethings going in their favor. ASU has a three-way battle at QB and a stater is not expected to be named until after fall camp. All three QB's have a combined zero starts under their belts. Also not helping the situation is the loss of some key wide receiver targets to graduation, but they do return some explosive athletes in Tim White and Cameron Smith. What the Sun Devils do have is a powerful running game. Demario Richards returns after posting a 1,000 yard season.
Historically Arizona State has had relatively good defenses, and although 2015 did not reflect that, expect them to return to form in 2016. They will get after UTSA's QB whoever it might be. If the offensive line doesn't take a step forward from 2015 the ASU defensive line will be in UTSA's backfield often. What this aggressive style of defense does lead to is big play opportunities for the opposing offense. An issue that ASU had to deal with all of 2015. ASU lost some key pieces in its secondary forcing them to move their best linebacker in Laiu Moeakiola to free safety.
Don't want to say UTSA doesn't have chance at an upset because it's college football and anything can happen. UTSA has to play a perfect game and they need to have some things roll their way, something that has yet to happen vs. P5 competition.
UTSA does have somethings going in their favor. ASU has a three-way battle at QB and a stater is not expected to be named until after fall camp. All three QB's have a combined zero starts under their belts. Also not helping the situation is the loss of some key wide receiver targets to graduation, but they do return some explosive athletes in Tim White and Cameron Smith. What the Sun Devils do have is a powerful running game. Demario Richards returns after posting a 1,000 yard season.
Historically Arizona State has had relatively good defenses, and although 2015 did not reflect that, expect them to return to form in 2016. They will get after UTSA's QB whoever it might be. If the offensive line doesn't take a step forward from 2015 the ASU defensive line will be in UTSA's backfield often. What this aggressive style of defense does lead to is big play opportunities for the opposing offense. An issue that ASU had to deal with all of 2015. ASU lost some key pieces in its secondary forcing them to move their best linebacker in Laiu Moeakiola to free safety.
Don't want to say UTSA doesn't have chance at an upset because it's college football and anything can happen. UTSA has to play a perfect game and they need to have some things roll their way, something that has yet to happen vs. P5 competition.
