Given this week’s opponent, as well as question marks that linger after ASU’s loss to Texas A&M, we’re going to key solely on Sun Devil players to watch tonight.

On Offense

Sr Receiver DJ Foster

Foster entered the season on the national radar as one of the most dynamic play-makers in the country both rushing and receiving. Against A&M, he rushed for 13 yards on 3 carries, and caught 6 balls for 48 yards and no touchdowns on Saturday.

Fans were left to wonder why ASU’s best offensive weapon only had 9 touches. Will D.J. get more looks in the run game since RB Kalen Ballage has been sidelined with Mononucleosis? Foster shed 15 pounds since playing running back last season in order to be a more effective wide receiver so runs up the middle must be limited.

If ASU wants to contend for a Pac-12 championship, Mike Norvell will get Foster much more involved than he did in Houston. Based on what we know, this game should be a highlight reel for Foster.

Senior receiver D.J. Foster (photo- Brian Brooks for DieHardDevil.com)

Offensive Tackles

First-year starters Evan Goodman and Billy McGehee were severely over-matched at their respective OT positions against two of the nations best defensive ends from A&M. As highlighted in last weeks Role Player installment, Sun Devil QB Mike Bercovici never gained his rhythm because the Aggies simply dominated from the edges.

We’re watching to see if Offensive Coordinator Mike Norvell will keep last week’s starters in place against this weeks lesser opponent in Cal Poly. One thing to keep a close eye on is whether RS freshman Sam Jones will get his chance at OT after reports from Spring determined that he may be ready for prime time.

The Inferno’s about to get Thunderstruck ——–E

Inferno North

Inferno South

On Defense

Sophomore WILL LB Christian Sam

Despite the loss in Houston, there were a number of positive takeaways. The ASU Hell’s Gate defense was for the most part stellar, keeping the Devils within 7 points late in the 4th quarter. Sam was a key cog in stuffing much of the Aggie running game when he was moved over from WILL LB to SAM LB. 

Much of the success that A&M had on the ground was with their QB’s breaking outside contain to extend plays. ASU will not face any more mobile QB’s than last Saturday, and this will allow Sam to further hone his skills at his new position.

He also displayed good vision and awareness in his drops into pass coverage. Has Christian Sam locked up the starting job at WILL? We’ll see. What we do know is that the Sophomore is making a name for himself amongst a talented ASU linebacker corp.

Senior Devil Backer Antonio Longino

Since the departure of Carl Bradford in 2013, ASU’s coaching staff has yet to find a player that can duplicate his production as an elite pass-rusher at the Devil Backer position. Antonio Longino moved over from Will LB to Devil in fall camp after an early stint there last season. 

Longino looks the part with his build and explosiveness, but he was contained very well by A&M’s offensive line last week. It’s essential that he shows high productivity against Cal Poly tonight and against New Mexico the following week.

Waiting in the wings at Devil Backer is local 4-star recruit sophomore Ismael Murphy-Richardson who was suspended for the A&M game. “IMR” could get reps behind Longino.

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With Coach Todd Graham at the helm, don’t expect the Devils to come out complacent against what is in an inferior opponent Saturday night. They have a lot to prove, and they must earn some much-needed confidence to put their opener in the rear view. Also, there are still a few starting positions up for grabs that will be decided before ASU plays USC in Tempe on September 26.