UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview: Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State Offense
Despite Billy Napier accepting the head coaching job at Louisiana, we shouldn’t see too much of a departure from the 2017 offense. That’s because newly named offensive coordinator, Rob Likens, served as the co-offensive coordinator last year under Napier.
Formerly the offensive coordinator for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2015-2016, Likens employs multiple back sets and a wide-open passing attack. In the run game, we should expect to see plenty of the zone running ASU demonstrated last season. While there are quick hitters built into the offense, Likens isn’t afraid to attack downfield using play action to take his shots.
Of course, hitting your shots downfield gets a little easier when you have a massive target like N’Keal Harry. Looking more like a three year NFL vet than a 20-year old college receiver, Harry is firmly in the conversation as the top receiver in 2018. He’s the number one receiver for this offense who can take a short pass the distance or simply just take the top off of the defense with a stride that eats yards like Pacman. He’s the undisputed number one receiver for this team.
ASU 2017 Offensive Stats
| Total Offense | Passing Offense | Rushing Offense | Scoring Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 431 ypg (6th) | 255.7 (6th) | 175.1 (7th) | 31.8 (7th) |
( ) – denotes ranking in the TEAM CONFERENCE
The UCLA Football defense has some of the most talented players in the secondary but Harry is the kind of player that can make an Alabama secondary look bad. CB Nate Meadors and Colin Samuel have the length you need to defend a corner his size but it will likely be Meadors who will face off with Harry for is likely the final time for both as college players.
The rest of the group does it’s best work when defenses are fixated on Harry. Kyle Williams is the old man of this unit but is a steadying and consistent player for the Sun Devils. He can play inside or outside and is something of a security blanket for Wilkins. He’s at this best in the intermediate areas of the field and offers plenty of YAC ability. Ryan Newsome, a name UCLA Football fans likely remember, is a speedy slot receiver for the Sun Devils who will likely see much more time on the field in 2018. We didn’t see much from the TE position in Napier’s offense but don’t expect that to change with Likens calling the shots.
This is where the Bruins could find themselves in some trouble. Double team Harry and Wilkins is more than content to find single coverage elsewhere. Why force the ball when you can take what the defense gives you? If we remove both Harry and Meadors from the equation the tip of the cap has to go to the UCLA Football defense. They have the talent and the depth to make passing the ball a chore for the Sun Devils.