ASU vs. UTSA: Sun Devils host Roadrunners in 2016 rematch

Much has changed since last year for ASU football, and Saturday will mark the first game of a new era.

ASU turned a lot of heads in the offseason with the surprising hire of Herm Edwards as head coach. Since then, hype has built around the program, and fans are excited to see the result in Edwards’ first year.

Although it has been almost 30 years since Edwards has coached at the college level, he said he is comfortable in anticipation of the season opener.

“It will feel like it always feels,” Edwards said. “I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’ve always been on a football field, either playing or coaching. I know my way around that thing pretty good now.”

The Sun Devils kick the 2018 season off with a home game against UTSA. The teams last played in 2016 when ASU came from behind on the road in a 32-28 victory.

Manny Wilkins and N’Keal Harry were already starters in the 2016 win against the Roadrunners, but in spite of that, a lot has changed for both teams since their last meeting.

Essential Info

What: UTSA vs. ASU

When: 7:30 p.m.

TV/Radio: FS1, ESPN 620 AM

Storylines to follow

How will the carries be split for ASU?

Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage dominated the carries the last two seasons, but now that they are both gone, it is up to newcomers to step up. For week one, that newcomer will be Eno Benjamin.

Once a four-star recruit out of Texas, Benjamin made the most of his carries last year, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and he even scored the game-winning touchdown against Colorado. Benjamin will start week one, but don’t be surprised to see others (Isaiah Floyd, A.J. Carter) get reps as well.

Can UTSA stop ASU’s passing game?

UTSA is a year removed from having the second-ranked passing defense in the FBS, but the secondary returns only one starter from last year’s unit.

On the other hand, ASU returns one of the most dynamic combinations in college football with Wilkins and Harry. Harry caught 82 balls last year for a total of 1,142 yards and is one of the best pass catchers in the Pac-12.

UTSA’s best chance of stopping the Sun Devils aerial attack could be by double-teaming Harry.

Can Benjamin get past UTSA’s front? 

While UTSA’s secondary is now without a few key players from last year, the Roadrunners return most of their prime starters from last year’s front.

The defensive line returns three of four starters from last year, the exception being Marcus Davenport, who was drafted in the first round. Although Davenport is a big loss, the Roadrunners return several key pieces to the front six of their 4-2-5 defense.

Most notably, UTSA returns defensive lineman Eric Banks, who was second on the team in tackles for loss a year ago. This experienced front could pose a challenge to a young running back like Benjamin.

To move on the Roadrunner front six, Edwards said the line will have to do its part.

“They have a powerful front,” Edwards said. “Very strong in the middle, with a lot of veteran presence. It’ll be interesting to see how our offensive line handles these guys because they come off the ball, they strike you.”

How will Edwards change the offense?

In Todd Graham’s tenure as ASU’s head coach, the offense was heavily dependent on screen passes, throwing downfield and the running back draw. Now that Edwards is the coach, it is unknown what to expect from the offense.

In the depth chart released Monday, Tommy Hudson, one of the prime blockers, is slated at starting “Y.” This could be an indication that Edwards’ offense may be more run-based than in previous seasons under Graham.

Key Sun Devils

WR N’Keal Harry

Harry’s talent and ability to catch 50-50 balls is no longer a secret, and the junior will likely be an x-factor in Saturday’s opener and the rest of the season.

In his first two seasons at ASU, he combined for more than 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns. Harry will put pressure on a UTSA secondary that only returns one starter, and he could find himself double-teamed. If the Sun Devils take a commanding lead early, don’t be surprised to see Harry resting in the second half.

Because Harry has established himself as a premier receiver in college football, Herm said he expects to see a double team at some point Saturday.

“It’ll be interesting to see what they do to him, if they allow him to play one-on-one all night,” Edwards said. “I anticipate that won’t happen. We’ll have to do some tings to make sure we can adjust if that happens.”

DE Doug Subtyl

Despite limited playing time in 2017, there is a lot of hype surrounding Doug Subtyl this year. In four games last year, Subtyl only made four tackles, but now that he has playing time, he is expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive line. Plus, his JUCO tape is crazy.

If Subtyl can to get to the quarterback multiple times against UTSA’s inexperienced offensive line, it will be great progress for the redshirt senior.

Key Roadrunners

QB Cordale Grundy

The past two years, UTSA’s offense has been defined by their last starting quarterback, Dalton Sturm, and in Sturm’s absence, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer Cordale Grundy will take the first snaps of the year for the Roadrunners. Grundy has never thrown a pass at the FBS level, so there is a lack of certainty to how he’ll perform in week one.

Even if Grundy plays well, don’t expect UTSA to put up many points. The Roadrunners averaged just 23.5 points a game in 2017 and that was with an experienced quarterback like Sturm.

RB Jalen Rhodes

While the Roadrunner offense struggled mightily in 2017, Rhodes was a bright spot last year, rushing for over 600 yards. With the losses of Sturm and other running back Tyrell Clay, Rhodes will be the primary rushing option for UTSA.

The senior could give the Roadrunners an offensive spark if Grundy has growing pains in his new role.

S C.J. Levine

UTSA’s pass defense was ranked second in the nation last year, combining for eight interceptions, but the unit only returns one starter — C.J. Levine.

Levine was exceptional in 2017, finishing fourth on the team in total tackles, and his lone pick came in last year’s rout of Southern. The Roadrunner’s success stopping the passing game may depend on Levine’s performance.

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