ASU Football: Notebook from Zak Hill’s Tuesday press conference

(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)

Arizona State Football offensive coordinator Zak Hill and sophomore guard Dohnovan West took the podium for Tuesday’s media availability to discuss their takeaways from ASU’s 25-18 loss to UCLA on Saturday night as well as looking ahead to Friday’s game at Arizona. 

Offense is still a work in progress

Twelve penalties for 83 yards – including three ineligible man downfield penalties that erased big plays – certainly won’t please any member of a coaching staff. In ASU’s defense, 28 days between the USC and UCLA games for the Sun Devils is a lot of time, but the lack of discipline stood out to Hill. 

“The big picture is just the discipline and trying to get that operation,” Hill said. “We had some guys off the line of scrimmage. We had some things that we need to clean up. Just the focus and attention to detail in practices from coaches, players and everybody. It’s an all-around offensive thing.”

It’s also clear that sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels and the new group of wide receivers are still working on their chemistry with one another, something that can only be fixed with more game reps. UCLA often stacked the box with six or seven defenders, and Daniels took many chances on the outside in man-to-man coverage but the receivers had trouble locating the ball or Daniels’ throw was inaccurate. 

“You’re going to have a little bit of that [inexperience],” Hill said. “When you don’t have an experienced group, they got to get the experience. That’s what we’re doing. We’re getting them some experience and they’re seeing what works and what doesn’t work.

“I think that whole group in the room is very hungry. They’re hungry to help the team win. They’re hungry to get out there and do well. The experience factor right now is that we don’t have a ton of experience.”

Hill also believes that the time off has prevented Daniels from getting into a rhythm.

“It’s a tough year because you don’t get any of that flow, don’t get any of that momentum,” Hill said. “You can’t really get into a groove playing one game and then playing a month later and not having practices. 

“[Daniels] is in a tough position. He’s learning a new offense, a new coordinator and is trying to get on the same page. We’re just trying to focus on the day-to-day and the preparation and taking notes and talking through stuff.” 

Running backs are “most consistent part of offense”

While the passing game has certainly left room for improvement through two games, the running game has been a pleasant surprise between true freshman Chip Trayanum and junior Rachaad White.

Trayanum has ran for 192 yards so far, averaging an absurd 7.1 yards a carry. White has rushed 129 yards so far, averaging 6.8 yards a carry, while also leading all pass-catchers with six catches for 123 yards. 

“They’ve been really consistent,” Hill said. “Both of them are very tough backs…We feel really good about our running back core right now. Their ability to break tackles, stay on their feet, keep their balance. It’s fun to watch those guys run.

“Right now, they are the most consistent part of this offense.”

Trayanum and White will be in for a treat against Arizona, who are last in the Pac-12 in rushing yards allowed this season (469.8 yds/game) and gave up 301 rushing yards to Colorado’s sophomore running back Jarek Broussard on Saturday. 

Daniels had 35 pass attempts on Saturday but that number could likely be under 30 when ASU makes the trip to Tucson.

West also believed the offensive linemen have done a great job opening lanes for the running backs these past two games.

“I think one of the things that enabled that was our willpower,” West said. “Even though [UCLA] stacked the box, we did a pretty good job of moving defenders off the line of scrimmage as well as the running backs making people miss and getting yards after contact. I think just us doing our job and the running backs doing their thing, it all worked out pretty well.” 

Hill “excited” for first taste of ASU-Arizona rivalry

Coming from Boise State, Hill said “there were a lot of rivalries” between BYU and Fresno State but not one in particular during his days as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator.

Hill now gets to experience one of the longest rivalries in college football for the first time as ASU looks to hold on to the Territorial Cup for a fourth straight year.

“I’m excited to see this rivalry and get these two teams together and have some excitement from the fanbase,” Hill said. “Being a new part of this staff and program, you learn about it and you learn the history and you try to take it all in. Once you get into the rivalry and get into the game, then it becomes more and more real. 

“I’m excited to jump into this rivalry and be a part of it.”

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