(Photo: Mauricio Casillas/WCSN)
This week is all about preparing for the first conference game of the year, and they are facing the projected Pac-12 South champions — the USC Trojans.
While the offense has shown the capability to take over a game, they also haven’t looked their best. Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell has faced this defense plenty of times before, so he knows the importance of a solid game plan no matter what the Trojans bring to the field.
“They run a great scheme. A little more aggressive this year in their blitzes early in games than what they’ve been in the past,” Norvell said. “The big focus for us is going out and executing our plan.”
Injury Report
Sophomore running back Kalen Ballage was back in a green jersey again and was limited in participation, but he did find his way onto the field with the field goal block team.
One player from the injury list who did make it onto the field for the tempo offense session was junior defensive lineman Villami Latu, who is good to go for Saturday’s matchup with USC. Redshirt senior wide receiver Devin Lucien, who was injured in the New Mexico game, was going full speed in the position drills but did not participate in tempo offense.
Lucien, Latu, Ballage, as well as redshirt junior running back De’Chavon Hayes are all cleared to play against USC. The one major lingering injury at this point is still sophomore safety Armand Perry who is still on crutches. Freshman safety Kareem Orr was getting the reps in Perry’s place in the hurry-up session.
Offensive Readiness
There is no question that ASU didn’t come out of the gates like they would have liked, but they still did bounce back and win their other two non conference games. In their only loss so far, the Sun Devils scored 17 points, but in their two wins they put up 34 and 35.
Given the offensive performance their only power five conference game against Texas A&M, it could be hard to tell what to expect against USC. But redshirt junior receiver Tim White thinks they’re in a good spot.
“Right now yes (we are in a good spot offensively),” White said. “As long as we stay clicking and everything, we’ve been doing it in practice and just keep on continuing with the tempo.”
Although the offense has been stagnant at times, White also insists that he hasn’t been surprised by anything so far with the offense’s execution.
“Nothing really,” White said. “There’s a process to it every single time so nothing has really surprised me.”
As impressive as the offensive unit looked versus Cal Poly and New Mexico, they obviously aren’t up to the caliber of a USC or Oregon. Figuring out whether or not they’re on schedule with where they want their play to be has yet to be determined.
“We’re pretty far but we have a long ways to go,” White said. “There’s still a lot of corrections to make and definitely a big improvement (is necessary) in the future.”
Norvell feels the same way, seeing the potential to reach their peak by the end of the year.
“I’m excited about what I’ve been seeing in practice,” Norvell said. “I hope the final product is not what’s in week one through three, I want to see continued improvement every week.”
Leading into conference play, Norvell wants to make sure his players are focused on each and every snap.
“It’s just about being consistent, Norvell said. “Each play is it’s own play.”
Whether that play is a stuffed run up the middle, or a Jael Mary to win the game, the Sun Devils will have to find their rhythm offensively and prove themselves worthy of their early season hype.
