Keys to Arizona State’s 2020 Territorial Cup success vs. Arizona

The Arizona State Sun Devils are playing in just their third game of a coronavirus-shortened season and looking for their first win at the end of their 2020 schedule.

But no matter how the year has gone for head coach Herm Edwards and ASU, Friday represents a golden opportunity to obtain at least one positive from a dreary year.

While the Sun Devils had three games canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, the Territorial Cup showdown against the in-state rival Arizona Wildcats remains locked in on schedule.

A lot is riding on this year’s matchup for the Sun Devils, as a victory will mark the fourth straight win over the Wildcats and the third since Edwards arrival in 2017.

There’s also the simple fact that with a win, ASU would keep Arizona winless on the year, adding to the bragging rights the Territorial Cup already brings with it.

With that being said, here’s a look at a few keys that could have a lot to do with the Sun Devils’ success against the Wildcats.

Find that early rhythm offensively

For the Sun Devils to be effective on the offensive side of the football, they need to come out of the gate swinging.

In the team’s two outings this season, ASU has accounted for just three points of total offense in the first quarter, while allowing seven points.

The Sun Devils managed to score 14 points in the second quarter against USC but ran out of time for a comeback win over the Trojans. Against UCLA, ASU couldn’t get anything going until a 15-point second half and lost by a score.

Not only would early offensive success jumpstart the team, it would provide a ton of confidence for sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels and first-year Sun Devils coordinator Zak Hill.

In two games this season, Daniels completed 32 of his 58 passing attempts (55.2%) for 359 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. As a team, ASU has averaged 22.5 points per game and has converted 12 of their 25 third-down conversions (48%). There’s plenty of area for improvement and repetition is best formula for success.

Lean on the running backs

A huge part in getting the offense firing on all cylinders is relying on the prowess of ASU’s rushing attack.

The team is averaging an impressive 211 yards per game on the ground, led by a trio of runners.

While Daniels continues to be a dual-threat, amassing 117 yards and a touchdown on 23 attempts, the additions of running backs DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum and Rachaad White have been critical in the team’s offense.

Trayanum has served as the team’s primary ball-handler in the backfield, rushing 27 times for 192 yards and two scores, all team-highs. His 7.1 yards per carry also leads the team.

White has provided a spark in both the running and passing games for the Sun Devils.

The pass-catching back has ran for 129 yards on 19 carries, while adding another dimension in the passing attack with 123 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. He paces the team in receiving yards.

A heavy dose of the duo in both sides of the offense appears like the best-case scenario for ASU’s Territorial Cup hopes.

Make every kick count

Oh boy, the Sun Devils enter a Territorial Cup without a clear starting kicker.

Uncertainty at kicker usually spells disaster in the annual matchup, just ask the 2010 Wildcats.

After missing a 45-yarder in ASU’s loss to UCLA, starting kicker Cristian Zendejas was replaced by backup Jack Luckhurst. The freshman proceeded to boot a successful 49-yarder and an extra point.

Still, Edwards said this week that the starting job is up for grabs ahead of Friday’s showdown.

“Well, we have two kickers,” Edwards said Monday via Zoom. “We will just play it by ear. Practice will have a lot to do with it.”

Ahead of the season, Zendejas was named to the watch list for the 2020 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award after he finished seventh in the nation in field goals (23) and 20th in FG percentage (85.2).

Before his miss, Zendejas made field goals of 38 yards and 41 yards in the season opener against USC. He also knocked in all three extra point attempts.

A kicker’s confidence is always key, especially in a game like this.

Catch all the Territorial Cup action on Arizona Sports.

Follow @Tdrake4sports