Tempe, AZ – DieHard Storyline Results, Game #10

It wasn’t pretty, but the Sun Devil football team battled their way to another Pac-12 conference victory over Oregon State on Saturday night, 30-17.

The main concern going into this game was shutting down the Beaver’s scoring through the air — more specifically, quarterback Sean Mannion and receiver Brandin Cooks.

Although Mannion put up some decent numbers, Cooks was limited by ASU’s secondary who snagged four interceptions to slow down the Beavers. While it wasn’t their most impressive performance of 2013, the Devils executed on both sides of the ball for a 2-touchdown victory. 

Here’s how the DieHard Storyline played out against Oregon State:

Carl Bradford, Chris Young and teammates celebrate an Oregon St. Three & Out Photo- Matt Martin, DieHardDevil.com

ASU’s “Hell’s Gate” Defense vs Oregon State’s Pro-Style Offense

“ASU will have to find that ever so delicate balance of being able to create pressure on Mannion while still having personnel available in underneath coverage against big OSU tight ends. The dream scenario would be for ASU’s front four to make Mannion uncomfortable while still having LB’s in coverage across the field.” – DieHard Storyline

The leading receiver for Oregon State wasn’t Brandin Cooks, it was tight end Connor Hamlett. Although Oregon State put together 300+ passing yards, they only gained 70 on the ground. ASU applied moderate pressure on Mannion, but they also limited the Beavers rushing attack. The strategy worked as Oregon State was only able to put 17 points on the board.

How the Devils Will Slow Down Receiver, Brandin Cooks

“Regardless of the coverage shell, ASU cornerbacks should be jamming him at the line of scrimmage to disrupt timing with his QB. A safety should always be aware of Cooks’ whereabouts and play over the top in order to eliminate explosive plays.” – DieHard Storyline

Mission accomplished.

By most accounts, the Sun Devil secondary was able to contain Cooks. Coming into Saturday, the nation’s #1 receiver had 1,334 yards over ten games (149.3 yards per game). Cooks left Tempe with just 99 yards which included a 42 yard pass play.

ASU’s Read-Option Attack, a Healthy Strong and Grice All in Play

“As long as the ASU O-line can keep Oregon State’s defense out of the backfield, Kelly should be able to make smart decisions as to where to distribute the ball like he has all season. Marion Grice should also continue his balanced production on the ground and in the air against the Beavers.” – DieHard Storyline

Kelly was a surprise. While he was effective with his read-option at different points of the game, he wasn’t consistent. Additionally he gave up two interceptions in the first half. Jaelen Strong, on the other hand, outperformed Brandin Cooks with 106 receiving yards and Marion Grice continued his total reliability for the Devils, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns and gaining 131 all-purpose yards.

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With the biggest game of the season on Saturday at UCLA, Mike Norvell, Taylor Kelly & the offense are working out some kinks to be more effective against the Bruins. It’s going to be a Pac-12 south division battle between two heavyweight programs that have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.