RECORD: 1-0
LAST RESULT: W 56-7 VS EASTERN WASHINGTON
2017 RECORD: 1-1
2016 RECORD: 5-7
LAST RESULT: L 68-55
LAST MEETING: 9-10-2017
SERIES RECORD: ASU Leads 2-1
LOCATION: Lubbock, Tx
Venue: Jones AT&T Stadium
TIME: 7:00 PM CST
WATCH: FSN, FoxSportsGO!
The Red Raiders face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils under the lights on Saturday September 16 2017. Texas Tech comes off an early bye week after winning their season opener against Eastern Washington 56-7.
This is the fourth meeting between the two former Border Conference members and the first time the Sun Devils will make the trip to Lubbock.
Arizona State comes in 1-1 after a disappointing 30-20 loss to San Diego State last week in Tempe. Quarterback Manny Wilkins had a good game, going 20 for 33, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The biggest issue was the running game as the Sun Devils only recorded 44 rushing yards. Poor offensive line play was the main culprit as the Aztecs recorded five sacks against the Sun Devils.
Defensively, Arizona State struggled against the run; allowing 279 rushing yards. The Sun Devils were effective in the pass rush, recording four sacks and 10 tfls.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
OFFENSE:
Tech should be familiar with the Sun Devil defense as first year defensive coordinator spent the last six seasons with the Baylor Bears.
Arizona State has been good in the pass rush so this will be another test for the offensive line and how well they can protect Shimonek. On the other hand, the Sun Devils have struggled against the run so, if all goes well, expect Nisby and Stockton to have another productive day. The secondary has been ok. They allowed over 300 yards passing from New Mexico State but also recorded two interceptions. As long as Shimonek can continue to be smart with the football it should be another productive day for the offense overall.
DEFENSE:
Red Raider fans can't help but shudder when the name Kalen Ballage is mentioned. The junior scored an FBS record 8 touchdowns against Tech in Tempe last year. Kingsbury said in a press conference that Arizona State took advantage of Tech's inexperienced linebacker corps last year and Tech just had no answer to Arizona State's running attack.
This time look for the linebackers, led by Dakota Allen and Jordyn Brooks, to be much better prepared both mentally and physically. In order for the defense to be successful, they will need to stop the run first and foremost. It will also be important for them to take advantage of ASU’s weak offensive line and keep. pressure on Manny Wilkins. The secondary will need to make tackles in open space and force some turnovers. If they can do these things effectively, then we should have a much better result than what we had in Tempe a season ago.
FINAL NOTE
One other thing that Kingsbury mentioned that was overlooked last year was how dominant Arizona State was on special teams last year. Texas Tech had no kickoff returns last year and started almost all of their drives inside the 25 yard line. Arizona State meanwhile, due to poor punting, started nearly all of those drives on or outside the 25 yard line throughout the majority of the game. If the Eastern Washington game is any indication, Texas Tech seems to have solved its special teams problems with Dominic Panzzolo taking over as punter. After shaking his first punt out of bounds, Panzzolo was able to down each subsequent punt inside the Eagles 10 yard line. With Panzzolo taking over punting duties, Michael Bardon has been able to focus solely on kickoffs which appear to have improved as well. Even with preseason all Big 12 kicker Clayton Hatfield out with an injury, Michael Ewton was 8 for 8 in extra points last week. While it would have been nice to see him try a couple of longer field goals, at least we know we have a solid option at kicker who can constantly hit extra points; something Hatfield struggled with last season.
PREDICTION:
TEXAS TECH 45 ARIZONA STATE 28
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