Know The Enemy 2023: Arizona State Sun Devils

A friend answers our questions

credit: calbears.com

We asked our friends over at House of Sparky to answer some questions about ASU football for us. Andrew Lwowski graciously answered the call to be our go-to expert for the upcoming matchup.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some answers were edited slightly for clarity. Any additional input provided will be clearly denoted with “WFC:” at the start

Which player on offense should Cal fans know about?

AL: Cal fans should and will get well acquainted with running back Cam Skattebo. He is the do-all for the Sun Devil offense. In last week’s loss to No. 5 USC, he was responsible for 190 all-purpose yards while also recording a 53-yard pooch punt that pinned the Trojans at their own 17, a rushing touchdown, and completed two passes–one of which was almost a touchdown pass. 

Which player on defense should Cal fans know about?

AL: DL BJ Green is the enforcer on defense. Green has 3 sacks and a forced fumble through the first four weeks, but what doesn’t show up on stats is his ability to disrupt timing and plays. Since his freshman year when he led the team in sacks, he had been a leader and vocal point of the Sun Devils defense. He plays a major role in the Devil’s severely underrated defensive unit in 2023. 

Who’s one under-the-radar or X-factor player who could swing this game for you?

AL: Veteran quarterback Trenton Bourguet could be the difference in ASU’s offensive game plan. Bourguet came in relief of former ASU quarterback Emory Jones against Washington and led ASU to victory last season, and has the potential to showcase his gameday magic. He is a quick-game specialist and understands when not to force the play and live another down. Coach Kenny Dillingham took over offensive play calling against USC and the offense finally showed a pulse for the first time since QB Jaden Rashada went down with an injury and Bourguet should be able to find his mojo under Dillingham’s offensive expertise. 

What does ASU need to do to win the game?

AL: ASU needs to play smart ball. Bourguet can’t force plays and create turnovers for Cal’s defense. ASU has a lengthy list of injuries, including five of its top eight offensive linemen, so being creative when setting up the run and being diligent when play calling later in the game will be crucial. The Sun Devil’s defense is a tenacious bunch. Last week they made the nation's top offense earn all 42 of its points. If ASU’s defense can continue its pressure and get off the field and the offense can find rhythm early, ASU will have a shot at coming home with a win.

What does Cal need to do to win the game?

AL: Arizona State’s weak point is the offensive line, so if Cal constantly gets pressure and collapses the pocket and run game, forcing third and long, ASU may have trouble offensively. Due to the lack of depth ASU has, the later in the game, the less gas the O-Line and offense may have. The defense is ASU’s strong point, so taking advantage of field position and any points should be a priority. 

How do you see the game going?

AL: With coach Kenny Dillingham calling plays against USC, ASU looked like a completely different team. They hung with the Trojans offensively and were a few plays away from leading at half. If ASU can come out on the road and play with that same fire, ASU should control Cal. I think ASU’s edge pressure can cause some problems, but this is ASU’s first road game of the season so energy will be everything. I think it will be close, but turnovers will be the difference and Cal comes away with a 28-23 win. 

How do you view the Jaden Rashada and Kenny Dillingham pairing? Understandably his injury hasn't helped but how do you visualize that duo's future now that Beau Baldwin has seemed to step to the side?

AL: Jaden Rashada is the future Kenny Dillingham and ASU needs. His potential is the sky and he is strikingly similar to Jaylen Daniels, LSU’s quarterback (who was the last freshman to start for ASU back in 2019). However, Rashada only played two games so it is too early to tell how things will work out, but there is optimism in Tempe. Once ASU has a healthy O-Line and Rashada back, the offense could be a problem. It is definitely an interesting situation with Baldwin after Dillingham took over and found success against USC. If Dillingham can continue to improve the offense and score, then he may continue for the foreseeable future. For Baldwin, I’m not sure where he may end up. He could become an offensive assistant or ASU moves on altogether. Again, too early to tell. 

ASU came into the USC game battered and bruised but managed to give USC more of a game than anybody expected. What, if anything, did the Devils figure out this week? 

AL: The Sun Devils found brotherhood. It’s a new team under a first-year head coach, so bonding amongst the team needed to happen, and the 29-0 loss to Fresno State was the catalyst. Dillingham said after the loss his players had a different look to them. He added that the offense was early to its Monday meeting following the game and that adversity helped his team bond. Cam Skattebo said the team definitely felt more like a brotherhood on the bench against USC. Aside from the bonding, ASU found its first offensive rhythm. The play calling helped ease the pressure off the thin O-Line and get the ball out quickly to the best playmakers. 

ASU employed ex-Cal ST coordinator Charlie Ragle in the same position, what do the early returns on his unit suggest? Do you anticipate similar levels of pain that Cal fans had to endure?

AL: Punting during ASU’s first couple of games was poor with no ability to flip the field. So far, special teams have not been an eyesore for the Devils, but it’s also not a strong point of the team. I think it’s a bit early to predict how ST will perform this season, but so far it hasn’t caught anyone’s eye for better or worse. 

Do ASU fans view the move to the Big-12 as an improvement in their fan experience, or merely as a necessary evil to survive?

AL: If you asked anyone this question a month ago their answer would be completely different. I cannot speak for the players, but the majority of ASU fans were excited about the move to the Big-12. The opportunity to join bigger programs, Power 5 programs will be a great challenge and bring more attention to the program. However, it’s ironic that in the Pac-12’s final year, the Pac-12 leads all other conferences. There are currently four teams in the AP top-10 and the conference currently holds the nation’s best offenses and quarterbacks. Still, the money was not there for the Pac-12 and it was the right move to join the Big 12. As for the future, I think the new move will boost attendance sales. 

We don't condone violence at W4C, but we like this question as an opportunity for folks to air it out. Whom do you most want to punch in the face?

AL: Speaking on behalf of Sun Devil fans, I would like to punch Athletic Director Ray Anderson in the face. The vast majority of ASU fans would agree, wholeheartedly. Anderson has not given the ASU football program the money and effort it fully deserves. First-year head coach Kenny Dillingham was dealt a horrible hand with a self-imposed bowl ban and lingering NCAA investigation. ASU needs an AD that will put football, the driving force of athletics and revenue for colleges, first and bring ASU football to the upper echelons with other D-I programs (He is the second-highest paid AD, look what other schools’ ADs are on the list). Notice anything?