ASU Football: Running Game Key to Devils' Success
The Sun Devils’ 51-41 win against the Cal Bears got them their first Pac-12 win of the season while also improving their record to a perfect 4-0. The team’s success can be contributed to their strong running game from Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage.
Ballage has had a great season as he already has 277 yards on only 43 carries, averaging 6.4 yards a carry. He has a total of 9 touchdowns including the eight he had against Texas Tech.
Demario Richard has a little over double of Ballage’s touches, 90, and has racked up 348 yards with one touchdown.
Even before the season started head coach Todd Graham knew what he had in backfield as he said that it would be, “an area of strength.” ASU and Graham are clearly focused on their run game and they are committed to it.
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Together, these two running backs are averaging nearly 5 yards a carry and 156 yards a game. This explosive backfield has the opposing defense doing everything they can to try to stop them, while creating more options for Manny Wilkins and opening up the playbook for the coaches.
Wilkins’ quarterback play has been great because of this and he already has 9 touchdowns, 5 through the air and 4 rushing. While Wilkins is very mobile and has a great running game as well, he would not be as comfortable in the pocket if it wasn’t for the great 1-2 punch of Richard and Ballage to keep the opponent’s defense honest.
If the Sun Devils can continue their strong rushing game throughout the conference season they should be able to be in a good place come the end of the regular season. The team should be very eager for this upcoming weekend as they are facing a very weak run defense in the USC Trojans as the Trojans give up an average of 194.75 rush yards a game.