Written by Garin Turner
#23 Arizona State (2-0) looks to keep rolling as they travel to take on San Diego State (1-1) 10:30 PM EST on CBSNN. In what could’ve been a classic dual between quarterbacks, only Sun Devil QB Manny Wilkins will play after Aztec QB Christian Chapman went down with an MCL sprain in his left knee.
Ryan Agnew will make his first career start against a Sun Devil team who beat Michigan State last week as time expired 16-13. Agnew was 11/17 for 159 yards and two interceptions. The Sun Devils have forced five turnovers already on the season.
Wilkins passed for a career high 380 yards and a touchdown last week against a Michigan State team that prides itself on defense. He led a 69-yard drive that produced the winning field goal. “I never watch the kicks. I never watch game-winners. I look at the crowd and if the crowd’s hollering then we did good, and if the crowd says ‘no’ then oh boy it’s not good. I didn’t watch it,” Edwards said. The win propelled the Sun Devils into the top 25. It’s the first time Arizona State has been ranked since 2014. Wilkins has thrown for five touchdowns and 617 yards.
Eno Benjamin has 29 carries for 158 yards and a score to lead all rushers for Arizona State. N’Keal Harry has 12 receptions for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns. “Well there was always a few but Number 1 [N’Keal Harry] came up with the big play when we needed it. You can’t go to him enough,” Arizona head coach Herm Edwards said. It is the first road game of the season for the Sun Devils. Edwards is off to a great start after many questioned the hire. He’s always been a great motivator and so far, it’s translated on the field for his team.
This is the 13th meeting between the teams with the Sun Devils holding a 10-1-1 lead. The Aztec got their first win of the series last year winning 30-20. For the Aztec’s they’ll look to running back Juwan Washington to help take the pressure off of Agnew. Washington has 60 carries for 314 yards and all four rushing touchdowns for the team.
