The Cal Bears have been off to a fast start with Sonny Dykes running the show to say the least. When as a team you average 47 points a game in just three weeks to start the year off the questions begin to arise as to just how deep your offense is. Arizona State will look to test that offense out by trying to match Cal point for point in what should be the highest scoring shootout of the weekend.
Webb Taking Over At QB
It should be safe to say that Davis Webb has done a terrific job thus far replacing the number one pick in the NFL draft last season. Even under Jared Goff, the offense was never this dynamic and lethal as it has shown to be with Webb at the helm. Already nearing 1,500 yards passing in just three weeks with 13 touchdown passes Webb is slowly building himself up as a potential dark horse in the Heisman race behind players like Lamar Jackson in Louisville. Against a team like ASU, this could be another game where Webb tries to get back into the conversation considering the Sun Devils’ defense has been one of the most disappointing thus far in the college football season. Webb might be looking at throwing at least five touchdowns unless Todd Graham and the defense can somehow right the ship to near perfection this weekend.
Ballage Going Point For Point
Kalen Ballage set an NCAA record just a few weeks ago with his performance against Texas Tech with seven touchdowns. He has become yet another Pac – 12 candidate for the Heisman trophy and it certainly didn’t seem like he was going to have as bad of a step backwards as he did against UTSA. Against the Roadrunners he had only a single touchdown and 62 yards rushing in the game. That one touchdown however proved to be the difference in the final score as Arizona State went on to take that game after struggling mightily throughout most of the contest. It will be interesting to see just how much of a rebound Ballage has going into this game or if Demario Richard goes back to being the number one back in Arizona State’s rotation.
Surviving the Air Assault
When you rank dead last in the FBS at a specific defensive category, other teams are going to be gunning at that weakness until you prove otherwise. Arizona State has yet to prove otherwise with their pass defense. As of right now the Sun Devils are looking down a very bad tunnel against Cal with Webb hitting such a great stride to start the year off. After finally staving off all the early season disappointments that have become synonymous with the team, Arizona State goes into their first conference game against the worst possible game plan for them to face. While it won’t be possible to stop the entire passing game, if ASU can stop Chad Hansen that would be a worthwhile start. Thus far the junior wide out has forty catches and 546 yards and five touchdown catches. All of those lead the nation. Stopping him would force other players to step up into a roll they may not be prepared for yet, opening opportunities for the Sun Devil defense to get after Webb and his pocket presence.
The game will be played at Sun Devil Stadium this Saturday on ESPN2 with kickoff starting at 7:00 PM.