ASU Football: BYU is offering the first real test for the Sun Devils

Three weeks ago, there wasn’t as much buzz in the Arizona (2-0) and BYU (2-0) matches as there are today. Now BYU has controlled Pac-12 more than any other team that actually attends the conference, and Provo’s match has a much bigger spotlight.

This game has national influences. We admit we only have three weeks into the season, but USC’s loss to Stanford last week puts more pressure on ASU to compete for Pac-12 South. BYU has shown its ability to clean up Power-Five opponents, and they are now nationally ranked (23).

Whatever the outcome, Saturday night’s game tells us everything we need to know about how the Sun Devils take part in the rest of the nation.

So far, the Cougars have not failed after the 11-1 season and were in business against Arizona and Utah as early as 2021. In the absence of NFL draftsman Zach Wilson, quarterback Jaren Hall stepped in nicely, throwing 347 yards and five touches in the first two games.

We know the strength of the ASU running game, and we also know that the passing attack needs to be smoother to compete with nationally ranked teams. We don’t know how the Seven of the Defense Party will advance against a strong line of attack. So far, BYU is rushing 193 yards per game, including a more than 80-yard performance from Hall and runner Tyler Allgeier.

Week 1 Defensive line week for Pac-12 DJ Davidson is crucial in closing the gap and gaps between Tyler Johnson and Michael Matus. Watch out for freshman walking BJ Green for more clicks, a coach’s favorite in the ASU locker room that has impressed some of the late game opportunities. Success in defense kept Cougars under 150 yards in a hurry.

Chase Lucas, Jack Jones, Evan Fields and DeAndre Pierce are expected to continue to perform at a high level, but BYU receiver Neil Pauu is a threat from the outside with over 150 yards of reception and three touches already in a year.

However, none of the South Utah or UNLV receivers received more than 28 yards against Sun Devil’s supporters. Similar efforts on Saturday night are needed to win.

An ASU win this week would earn Sun Devils a quality win on the resume, and maybe just maybe AP voters will no longer confuse ASU with their Southern state rival.