3 things to watch for in Arizona State football’s season opener vs. NAU

TEMPE — Arizona State football received what coach Kenny Dillingham called an “oh wow, it’s here” type of moment on Wednesday when crowd noise was pumped into practice.

After last year’s postseason run, an unexpectedly short offseason is now over, and there are games to be played once again as the Sun Devils seek to prove the run wasn’t a fluke.

“I want to see what this team is. I want to see who we are on Saturday,” Dillingham said. “Like it doesn’t matter who we play. It’s about us, and I want to see who we are. How hard do we play? How physical do we play? How many smart decisions do we make throughout a game?

“And that’s the challenge, and it always will be. It’s not the opponent, it’s us.”

Arizona State built off its Big 12 title-winning roster by returning 17 of 22 offensive and defensive starters, filling in the margins with experienced transfers.

Its opponent will be Northern Arizona, a top-20 FCS team coming off a playoff appearance of its own in the first season under coach Brian Wright. It, like ASU, brought back many starters, including Big Sky Newcomer of the Year quarterback Ty Pennington.

Let’s take a look at how the No. 11 Sun Devils can make a strong statement in their season opener.

What should Arizona State fans have their eyes on in season opener vs. NAU?

Snapping and protection

Part of what made NAU so successful last season was its bizarre defensive fronts. It will keep offenses guessing as to whether three, four or five players are coming and where they’re coming from.

It will provide a good first look at how Ben Coleman can recognize and call out fronts as a first-time center — and where his snaps are at after fending off redshirt freshman Wade Helton.

Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown, both listed as starting running backs on ASU’s extended depth chart for the game, will have a chance to handle pass protection while replacing Cam Skattebo as starters. Dillingham recently praised that aspect of both of their games.

“I think (which of the two gets first reps) depends on what the early calls are. They’re both really good in pass pro, they’re both really good players,” Dillingham said on Monday.

Providing quarterback Sam Leavitt with time in the pocket may be the biggest make-or-break key to ASU’s success this season.

Full playbook open for Arizona State offense

While some programs will hide parts of the playbook when facing teams they’re expected to beat, Dillingham said there will be “no holding back” against NAU.

“We’ll put everything on tape. Both our coordinators, same thing. We want to win. … There’s no hiding,” the coach said. “They’re returning a lot of their good starters. They have a good football coach, good staff, like we’re holding nothing back. We’re going all in.”

If the protection test can be passed early and often, expect that to pay dividends in the deep passing game. The NAU blitz packages are sometimes the only thing standing between an offense and pay dirt because of how often it’s cover zero on the back end.

Expect Jordyn Tyson to be involved early and often, with reinforced depth behind him potentially taking some pressure off his routes.

Malik McClain (size and catch radius), Jalen Moss (slot receiver with feel for the weak spot in a defense) and Jaren Hamilton (top-end speed) each present unique challenges to the defense that will help on that front.

If they can keep enough attention off Tyson’s back — and if he can stay healthy — the preseason AP All-American is in position to make good on all his national and NFL preseason attention, which would only mean good things for team success.

Defensive communication

Because Arizona State brings back 10 of 11 defensive starters — as well as much of the second-string talent behind them — the Sun Devils should have a head start on communicating effectively.

That will be key when facing Pennington, a dual-threat quarterback who had 20 total touchdowns (seven rushing) and just two interceptions in 2024.

ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward said communication could be the area where the unit’s continuity can benefit them the most.

“Continuing to emphasize that standard every day is going to be the key to our success this weekend,” Ward said.

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