Mississippi State must protect the football against aggressive Arizona State defense

Mississippi State football faced little resistance on offense in their season opener. That might change this week when they face Arizona State on the road. The Sun Devils were poor on defense last season, but in their own season opener, they looked much stronger.

Arizona State struggled defensively in 2023 but had some bright spots

Arizona State had its issues on defense last season, allowing nearly 397 yards and 32 points per game. They were particularly awful against the pass, ranking 123rd nationally in pass defense. They were, however, at least serviceable in run defense and did a decent job of pressuring QBs. And it's worth noting that they were the only team to hold the high-flying Washington Huskies without an offensive TD in a 15-7 loss.

The Sun Devils put together a defensive masterclass in Week 1

ASU was dominant on defense against Wyoming last week. The Sun Devils recorded a pick-six on just the second play of the game, and then would intercept the Cowboys a second time on the very next possession. They'd add another defensive score in the second half, recovering a dropped lateral and running it in for six. Wyoming's lone TD came with two seconds left in the game against backups. In all, ASU allowed just 118 yards of offense, sacked the Pokes three times, and held them to 3-13 on 3rd down.

ASU's best talent is in their Front 7. DE Clayton Smith is their top pass-rusher and had a sack against Wyoming. Transfer LBs Keyshaun Elliot and Zyrus Fiaseu both had interceptions. This group is aggressive in flying to the football and will get after QBs. Safety Shamari Simmons is the lone veteran in the secondary and led the team in tackles last season. ASU is starting a pair of young CBs who held their own in Week 1, though they weren't exactly tested by Wyoming.

Mississippi State must protect the football against Arizona State

ASU wants to be aggressive on defense. Their style is to generate pressure to create negative plays and turnovers, and they had success with that in Week 1. State largely avoided negative plays against EKU and didn't turn the ball over. But they did fumble three time, fortunately recovering all three.

State cannot afford to risk turnovers like they did against EKU. ASU will take full advantage if they do. Also, protecting Blake Shapen will be key. If ASU is going to send pressure, MSU has to be able to pick it up and give him time to throw. If they do, there could be opportunities in the passing game. If not, the offense could have a hard time getting going.