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ASU’s 2020 Schedule
Dec 11: @ Arizona
Arizona’s 2019
Khalil Tate rounded out his rollercoaster college career with a dud. Tate led the Wildcats to a lackluster four-win campaign, with only two of those wins coming within the Pac-12.
The Wildcats ended the season on a seven-game losing streak, with the final loss coming at the hands of the Sun Devils in Tempe.
Despite a last place finish in the Pac-12 South, and the losses of Tate and starting running back JJ Taylor, Kevin Sumlin returned to Tucson for his third season with the Wildcats.
Key Returners
Despite the loss of Tate, Grant Gunnell showed flashes in limited time last year. Gunnell completed 101 of 155 pass attempts for 1,239 yards, nine touchdowns and only one interception.
Gunnell appeared in eight games, making three starts last season. Gunnell showed promise late last year, and if he can take another step in his progression as the Wildcats full-time starter, he gives Arizona a chance offensively.
With the departure of JJ Taylor, senior running back Gary Brightwell looks to fill the void left by his former backfield mate. Brightwell played well in limited time last season, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, rushing for 390 yards and five touchdowns.
Biggest Losses
Arizona relied heavily on their rushing attack last season. Khalil Tate left for the NFL, as did Taylor. Taylor opted to leave Arizona and not return for his senior year, after rushing for 721 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. While the Wildcats do have Brightwell, he has not had to be the lead back, and has had limited game experience, mostly as a situational back.
Meanwhile on defense, the Wildcats saw three of their top defenders transfer before the season started. Linebacker Colin Schooler, the team’s leading tackler, headed to Texas Tech. Defensive back Scottie Young Jr. and linebacker Tony Fields are currently playing at West Virginia.
Reasons why ASU could win
The Wildcats lost their two most potent offensive weapons in Tate and Taylor to the NFL, and while ASU lost Brandon Aiyuk, they reloaded with a variety of weapons for Jayden Daniels.
Frank Darby, Chad Johnson Jr, and LV Bunkley-Shelton are viable options in the passing game, and the Sun Devils replace Eno Benjamin with Daniyel Ngata and DeaMonte Trayanum in the backfield.
Why ASU could lose
While Gunnell’s sample size is small, he played well in limited time last year with limited weapons. If Gunnell takes another step, his progression in the pass game opens up opportunities for Brightwell.
While ASU boasts a solid defensive core, Jermayne Lole switched positions from end to play three technique tackle. Merlin Roberston followed up a solid freshman year with a slower sophomore campaign, and Tyler Johnson flirted with retiring over the offseason.
If Gunnell can progress, he could take advantage of a Sun Devil defense that experienced some turmoil this past offseason.