Scouting The Competition: Arizona State Sundevils Dealing With Injuries
Arizona State and Oregon are both dealing with injuries in 2016.
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Entering Saturday the matchup between the Oregon Ducks and Arizona State Sundevils has a different meaning than it did at the beginning of the season. The Ducks have sunk to the bottom of the Pac-12 North and have lost five straight games while trying to find footing on both sides of the ball. Similarly, Arizona State is also trying to find an identity this season.
The Sundevils have won two of their last five games and sit in the middle of the Pac-12 South. Manny Wilkins has thrown for six touchdowns and five interceptions and has just over 1400 yards through the air in 2016, but has spent time on the sideline. Wilkins was out for most of the game against Washington State.
Both Oregon and Arizona State have been dealing with injuries all season. Running Back Jason Lewis was moved to the Defensive side of the ball at Linebacker and was on the job in his new position for just the second day on Wednesday according to AZCentral.com.
While Oregon has not moved a player to the other side of the ball, the Ducks are taking the ‘next man up’ approach when it comes to players who are not ‘available’. The best example is Running Back Royce Freeman who spent some time on the sidelines this season and did not appear himself last weekend in a 15 carry 10-yard performance against Cal.
Offensive Coordinator Matt Lubick said earlier this week that Freeman is close to 100 percent, which I hope we get to see on Saturday. The Sundevils do have the luxury of a better record entering the game, but Oregon has the talent and should pull out the win, which would be their first Pac-12 Conference win of the year.
One area to keep an eye on is the Run Game. Arizona State boasts the best Rush Defense in the Conference and Oregon has the best Rushing Attack with Royce Freeman and Tony Brooks-James leading the charge this season. The Sundevils are giving up just under 100 yards per game on the ground.
The Oregon Ducks and Arizona State Sundevils kickoff Saturday at 2pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Networks.