TEMPE — On the latest episode of State of the Sun Devils, an Arizona Sports podcast, Jesse Morrison, Jeremy Schnell and Arizona State reporter Jake Anderson break down ASU’s 40-3 blowout win over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks from the sidelines of Frank Kush Field.

While Arizona State’s offense exploded for 419 total yards and four touchdowns, all of which were rushing scores split two apiece by quarterback Emory Jones and running back Xazavian Valladay, one of the trio was not quite as impressed with the debut of ASU’s signal caller.

The trio was, however, in harmony over the performance of another newcomer in 6-foot-8, 255-pound tight end Messiah Swinson, who finished the contest as the game’s leading receiver with 50 yards on three receptions (three targets).

Defensively, the Sun Devils picked up right where they left off in 2021 as the Pac-12’s best defense in terms of total yards allowed, which ranked No. 13 in the entire country.

ASU only allowed NAU to muster 120 total yards of offense and score three points as a result of a turnover.

Arizona State also got an unexpected boost in the kicking game from the leg of true freshman Carter Brown, who for now, appears to be the team’s starting placekicker.

Assistant head coach and special team coordinator Shawn Slocum said on Aug. 23 that the team would “ride the hot hand” (or foot) between Brown and redshirt freshman Jace Feely, who is the son of former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely.

Brown on the night was a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points and field goals from distances of 27, 36 and 44 yards out (twice).

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