Sun Devils host first-place No. 16 Utah in tight Pac-12 South race

It’s hard to believe that the Arizona State Sun Devils, who sit in last place in the Pac-12 South standings, control their own destiny to winning the division if they can string four wins together to end the year.

That process continues on Saturday as the Sun Devils take on the Pac-12 South leader, No. 16 ranked Utah.

Despite the first and last place disparity in the standings, Utah comes into the game with a conference record of 4-2, only one loss better the the Sun Devils at 2-3.

ASU hopes to build off their first road win of the season, a 38-35 triumph over USC in Week 9.

The Sun Devils will try to take advantage of playing at home in Tempe for the next two weeks before ending the season with road games against Oregon and Arizona.

Essential info:

What: Arizona State vs. Utah

When: 1:00 p.m. Saturday

TV: Pac-12 Network

Radio: 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station

Key Storylines:

Can Arizona State run the ball against Utah’s defense?

Eno Benjamin has been everything the Sun Devils could have asked for and more.

The sophomore running back has run for more than 100 yards in four of the Sun Devils’ last five games, including a record-setting 312-yard performance against Oregon State on Sept. 29.

Benjamin has nine touchdowns on the year, but faces a stingy rush defense presented by Utah.

The Utes boast the nation’s third-best rush defense having only given up 649 rushing yards all year.

Utah’s 4-2-5 defense is anchored by linebackers Chase Hansen and Cody Barton, who each have more than 60 total tackles each on the season.

Do the Utes have anyone that can contain N’Keal Harry?

Statistically, N’Keal Harry’s best game was in the first game of the season against UTSA when he racked up 140 yards and two touchdowns.

Aesthetically, Harry’s best game was probably last week when he made two highlight reel plays including a catch-of-the-year candidate and a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown.

The 6’4, 213-pound, matchup nightmare is one of the top-rated wide receiver prospects in the nation and is liable to break the game open at any moment in the Sun Devils’ favor.

Harry could be matched up against Utah’s Jaylon Johnson, who has two interceptions on the year, or Julian Blackmon, who starts at the other cornerback position. Senior free safety Corrion Ballard could shadow Harry over the top as well.

Which Manny Wilkins shows up?

Manny Wilkins’ 45-yard touchdown run against USC sealed the win for ASU last week. But before that play, Wilkins struggled to find a rythym in the pass game. He finished the contest with 166 yards passing on 14-for-22 attempts.

Although Wilkins has thrown 12 touchdowns this season to just two interceptions, the senior QB had just 104 passing yards in a 27-20 loss to Washington and threw a costly fourth quarter interception in a 20-13 loss to Stanford.

Wilkins will have to be more than just his normal, efficient self to take down the Utes. If he can duplicate his performance against USC where he posted a 83.7 raw QBR, the Sun Devils could be in good shape.

Can the ASU defense hold Utah to under 40 points?

Utah has scored more than 40 points in every game throughout its current four-game win streak. In fact, in five of Utah’s six wins on the season, they have broken the 40-point barrier.

The key has been running back Zack Moss, who has racked up 10 touchdowns and 964 rushing yards on the season. Quarterback Tyler Huntley has also thrown for 11 touchdowns on the year, but no Utah receiver has more than two touchdowns.

The Utes like to spread the ball in the passing game and pound it on the ground with Moss.

Defensive tackle Renell Wren, linebacker Merlin Robertson and safety Jalen Harvey will have to play physical to stop to Utah offense.

Key Players

C Cohl Cabral

This will be the best defense the Sun Devils’ have faced this season, and making sure the offense is lined up correctly and in the right position will be key.

Cabral will need to be on the same page with quarterback Manny Wilkins to make sure that he has enough time to find playmakers like N’Keal Harry and open big enough holes for running back Eno Benjamin.

The unusual 4-2-5 defensive formation from the Utes could cause trouble for the Sun Devils’ offensive line, putting even more pressure on Cabral to make the right calls.

DT Renell Wren

The 6’6 297 pound defensive tackle will have to be a disruptive force to slow down Moss.

Although Wren doesn’t have huge numbers in terms of stats, his presence and ability to suck in blockers will be key to freeing up linebackers Merlin Robertson and Darien Butler to slow down the Utah running game.

Key Utes

RB Zack Moss

Moss is averaging six yards per carry and more than 100 rushing yards per game.

The junior has 20 or more rushing attempts in four of the Utes’ last five games.

CB Jaylon Johnson

It will most likely be Johnson’s job to try to guard N’Keal Harry.

The sophomore will have his hands full with the red-hot receiver who seems to be back on track following his big game against USC, but Johnson has been hot, too.

Johnson has snagged each of his two interceptions this season during the Utes’ current four-game win streak, including a 100-yard pick-six against Stanford.

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