Speaking With The Enemy: Arizona State Expert Talks ASU-Tech

In advance of this week’s matchup between Texas Tech and Arizona State, we spoke to Sam Ficarro, editor of “Fansided” site “Devils in Detail”. Here’s what he has to say about the Sun Devils and Red Raiders.

WER: Texas Tech fans still have nightmares of Kalen Ballage after last year’s game. However, he has not had the same kind of production in any other game. Why is that and how much should Tech fans expect to see him featured this week?

Ficarro: Kalen Ballage had a historic performance last year, but don’t expect him to put up similar numbers. Ballage has been the feature back for Arizona State this season with the normal starting running back, Demario Richard, suffering an injury in the first quarter of the season opener vs. New Mexico State. Richard was inactive last week vs. San Diego State and Sun Devils could use him. When Ballage and Richard are healthy, they are a hard duo to stop, but when one of them go down, they are not nearly as effective. The offensive line has also struggled, and that has really slowed down the running game.

WER: Red Raider fans are very familiar with new ASU defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. His defense seems to be off to a rocky start this year so far. What do you expect Bennett to do to try to slow down Tech?

Ficarro: I think Bennett will utilize the same blitzing, ball-hawking defense he had at Baylor. Arizona State’s defense was the worst in the nation last season partially because of missed tackles and blown coverages. The secondary has actually played pretty well, but last week the run defense was gashed by the Aztecs’ Rashaad Penny. The Sun Devils allowed 273 yards rushing, which is uncharacteristic considering the front seven is ASU’s strength. Expect a lot of blitzes as the defense has wracked up 10 sacks through the first two games. Pressure of the quarterback will be key in this game.

WER: Aside from Ballage, what players should Texas Tech fans be aware of offensively that could make an impact this week?

More from Wreck'Em Red

Ficarro: If Richard is healthy, Texas Tech fans should watch for him. Overshadowed by Ballage’s record-setting performance, Richard rushed for 109 yards last season versus the Red Raiders. ASU wants to establish a running game to help set up the passing game for quarterback Manny Wilkins. Wilkins has been really productive so far this season throwing for 598 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. His go-to receiver is N’Keal Harry, who hasn’t been nearly as involved as fans wished he would be. Harry is physical wide receiver that can go above cornerbacks and make great leaping catches.

WER: AZcentral.com said this week that the Devils have an identity problem on offense. Is this year’s team as equipped as last years to dominate Tech on the ground when ASU controlled the ball for 36 minutes?

Ficarro: This was a big admission from head coach Todd Graham after the game Saturday. It was a frustrating night for the Sun Devils as they couldn’t establish a rhythm during the whole game. The play-calling was very predictable. ASU’s bread-and-butter is the running game considering the amount of new receivers this season and that this is their first road game of the season, they want to run the ball and improved offensive line play would go a long way.

WER: Finally, how do you see this game playing out and what is your score prediction?

Ficarro: I think this will be a high-scoring, tight game but not 68-55 like it was last season. A lot of depends on health for the Sun Devils if Richard is good to go and if wide receiver John Humphrey, ASU’s No. 2 wide out, is healthy (as he suffered what appeared was a knee injury last week). His status is questionable. A lot of new receivers could be thrown into the fire and will need to be effective so Tech doesn’t just zero in on the run game and Harry. Texas Tech is coming off a bye week, which is probably an advantage, and I think the Red Raiders will win this game. ASU has a lot to prove after last week’s performance, but not having to face Patrick Mahomes should help.

Next: TTU Football: Strength And Conditioning Of Huge Importance

A big thanks go out to Sam Ficarro. To get all of the insight on this game from the ASU perspective, check out “Devils In Detail” and give Sam a follow on Twitter @SamFicarro.

Home/Texas Tech Football