ASU Football: Sun Devil defense is embracing the challenge of USC’s high-powered offense

(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)

On an appropriately cloudy-turned-sunny day in Tempe, Arizona State began preparations to face the first traditional offense of the season.

After playing the furthest forms from what No. 19 USC will bring on offense, trying to foresee how the Sun Devils will adjust and perform against the Trojans is a bit clouded.

ASU has yet to see anything close to a pro-style offense this season. Between two triple-option attacks – although those were distinctively different – in Cal Poly and New Mexico and the spread offense from Texas A&M, Saturday’s task will present a new challenge for ASU head coach Todd Graham’s defensive unit.

On the bright side, ASU did well to contain New Mexico to 10 points while missing the likes of sophomore safety Armand Perry to an ankle injury, as freshman Kareem Orr and redshirt sophomore James Johnson filled in at field safety against New Mexico.

Orr played the majority between the two, and he racked up four total tackles. He is expected to help ASU slow down USC’s offense, led by senior quarterback Cody Kessler.

“They’re still a good team,” Orr said. “We got to come out here and beat them.”

Perhaps more importantly than personnel, the opportunity to face Kessler and USC signals a back-to-status-quo in both mindset and scheme for the ASU defense.

In practice, Orr snagged a tipped ball for an interception, and redshirt senior defensive back Solomon Means jumped a route and picked off redshirt freshman quarterback Manny Wilkins in the period open to reporters.

That aggressiveness and playmaking will be critical against Kessler, who has completed 70-for-89 of his passes, and has tossed 10 touchdowns compared to zero interceptions.

When asked how his defense will compete and try to disrupt Kessler’s flow, Graham’s answer was straightforward and simple:

“We’ll do our best,” Graham said.

James Johnson still looking to make an impact

Johnson got reps at second-string SPUR linebacker today after playing partially at field safety against New Mexico. He says that this week, he is “100 percent, all in” at SPUR and making sure he preps in that position.

Johnson spent most of the spring at first-team field safety, but sophomore safety Armand Perry overtook the spot this fall, and Orr got most of the reps against the Lobos. Even with the abbreviated amount of time on the field, Johnson was still happy to make his season debut.

“I was just eager to get out there for the first time,” Johnson said. “Kareem did a great job.”

The redshirt sophomore from Upland, California has spent the majority of the spring and fall in a Tillman jersey, but that hasn’t exactly translated into playing time.

“Some people might say, naturally, it’s a little bit of frustrating (not playing much),” Johnson said. “But that’s what the team is all about: big team, little me.”

Graham mentioned wanting Johnson to get more time on the field, but it’s more of a matter of Johnson forcing his way onto the field with other players starting in his positions.

“James we feel like is one of our better football players,” Graham said. “He happens to play the same position as Jordan Simone (bandit safety) and Laiu (Moeakiola, SPUR linebacker), so we’re going to play him more at that SPUR position and try to see if we can get him some more reps there and maybe even some at the nickel adjustor.”

After playing against the triple-option in back-to-back weeks, the switch to defending a more traditional offense will be an adjustment for the Sun Devils as they open Pac-12 play. Still, it’s an adjustment they and Johnson are prepared to make.

“We don’t want to get too complicated,” Johnson said. “We’re going to focus on ourselves and tackle. The basics of the game.”

Practice notes

– Perry was still on crutches and in a walking boot. It’s more than likely that he’ll be inactive on Saturday

– Redshirt senior wide receiver Devin Lucien was dressed but did not participate in hurry-up today. He was on the side running 3/4-speed sprints, but Graham said he looked good and has a good chance to play.

– Redshirt junior Laiu Moeakiola was in green but was a full participant in tempo and individual drills.

– Redshirt running back De’Chavon Hayes, sophomore running back Kalen Ballage and junior defensive tackle Ami Latu are all likely to play against USC, according to Graham.
You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com

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