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UCLA Football: UCLA Vs. Arizona State Early Analysis

By Mike Regalado

Oct 3, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Kalen Ballage (9) is tackled by the UCAL Bruins defense during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Kalen Ballage (9) is tackled by the UCAL Bruins defense during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils running back Demario Richard (4) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils running back Demario Richard (4) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Key Players

RB Demario Richard (Jr)

As a sophomore last season, Richard ran for 1,143 yards, making him the 19th player in Sun Devil history to run for over 1,000 yards. He is a big solid back that is hard to bring down and will be heavily relied on as the offense adjusts to a new quarterback. Along with Kalen Ballage, the Sun Devils will have a solid run game (if the offensive line allows it).

WR Tim White (Sr)

After losing two of their top three receivers from last season (former Bruin Devin Lucien and D.J. Foster) the passing game will look to White as their go-to guy. Last season, White was second on the team in receiving yards with 633 and yards per game 48.7. If ASU can find a nice balance between the run and the pass, White will be their saving grace.

LB Salamo Fiso (Sr)

Fiso returns as the top tackler from last season, collecting 99 total (78 solo, 21 assisted). He also has the third most sacks in ASU’s blitz-heavy defense with 4.5 on the year. With the Sun Devils losing some key players on defense, having Fiso maintain some stability will be a huge deal for Arizona State as they try to keep their defensive style intact.

Related Story: Josh Rosen is the Best True Sophomore in the Nation

Stats

  • ASU gave up 337.8 ypg last season, the worst in the FBS
  • The Sun Devils allowed 20 or points in 9 of their 13 games in 2015.
  • UCLA and ASU’s rivalry is only 40 years old, playing their first game against each other in 1976.
  • The last time either team won at home against the other was in 2011 when UCLA defeated ASU 29-28 at the Rose Bowl.

Next: Offenses Vs. Defenses