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Football prepares for Blue Devils in Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

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Football prepares for Blue Devils in Tony the Tiger Sun BowlFootball prepares for Blue Devils in Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

TEMPE - Sun Devil Football will conclude the 2025 season as it makes a familiar stop in El Paso on Wednesday Dec. 31 to take on the ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils in the 92nd Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. The rematch of the 2014 Sun Bowl is scheduled for a Noon p.m. AZT/local kickoff and will be broadcast nationally on CBS (Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, Jenny Dell). Danielson, the longest-tenured analyst on any network, will be announcing his final game after 36 season in the broadcast booth. The game will also be available over the local airwaves in Arizona on Arizona Sports ESPN 620 AM (Tim Healey, Jeff Van Raaphorst, Kevin Turner, Jeff Munn).

ON THE BLUE DEVILS/BOWL GAMES

  • The Sun Devils are making their eighth appearance in the Sun Bowl, having accumulated a 4-2-1 record all-time in the contest. ASU is 15-17-1 all-time in Bowl Games (the team’s 2021 appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl was later struck from the record books due to NCAA infractions).
  • This will be the second all-time meeting between ASU and Duke, with the two teams last facing off in this very same bowl in 2014. Taylor Kelly passed for two touchdowns and Demario Richard rushed for his second touchdown of the game after a 97-yard kick return by Kalen Ballage with under five minutes left to give ASU a 36-31 victory and its 10th win of the season.
  • The Blue Devils are the current ACC Champions, which marks the first time the Sun Bowl has hosted a conference champion.
  • Sun Devil defensive lineman Anthonie Cooper, the first ASU player in their seventh year of eligibility in program history, made his first career appearance in the 2019 Sun Bowl against Florida State.

KICKING OFF

  • ASU has 39 fourth down conversions since the start of last year - seventh in the FBS - resulting in 22 touchdowns and four field goals on drives that included one such conversion. ASU’s 57 fourth-down conversions since 2023 when Kenny Dillingham took the reins are the ninth-most in the FBS. Arizona State has gone for it on fourth down 106 times under Dillingham, the fifth-most in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have allowed just two sacks in their last four contests - which was tied for the fourth-lowest total in the FBS in the month of November. The five total sack yards allowed for the month were second-lowest in the country. ASU had allowed 25 sacks in the first eight games of the season (3.1 per game) prior to the 0.50 over the last four games.
  • Arizona State is one of just three FBS teams (Bowling Green, Toledo) to not allow 450 or more yards in a game over the last two seasons. Arizona State is the only FBS team this season to have two DIFFERENT players rush for over 200 yards in a single game.
  • Two of Derek Eusebio’s three career touchdown receptions have gone for 64 (last year at Arizona) and 68 yards (at Colorado). He also had a 61-yard reception in a pivotal moment of the Baylor game earlier this season. He is just the eighth Sun Devil since the 1996 season to record three receptions of 60+ yards in their careers. He is one of just six FBS players to have three or more catches of 60+ yards in ROAD games over the last two seasons (Kansas State’s Jayce Brown, Hawaii’s Jackson Harris (4), Texas State’s Beau Sparks, Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling, North Texas’ Wyatt Young (4)).
  • Kanyon Floyd is just the 30th FBS punter since the 1996 season to complete three or more passes in their career (tied for 12th among all punters in that time).

AN ASU VICTORY WOULD...

  • Give ASU consecutive nine-win seasons for the first time since 2013-14. Kenny Dillingham would join Todd Graham (2013-14), Bruce Snyder (1996-97), Darryl Rogers (1981-82), Frank Kush (1970-73, 1977-78) and Dan Devine (1956-57) as the only other coaches in program history to accomplish the feat.
  • Give the Sun Devils their first victory in a bowl game since the 2019 Sun Bowl - a 20-14 victory over Florida State.
  • Improve ASU to 5-2-1 all-time in the Sun Bowl and 16-17-1 all-time in all Bowl games

MILESTONE WATCH

  • Jeff Sims is 28 yards shy of 2,000 career rushing yards (currently at 1,972 career rushing yards).
  • Sims is one passing touchdown away from 40 career passing touchdowns (currently at 39 career passing touchdowns). He is four points scored away from accounting for 100 in his career (currently at 96 career points).
  • Sims is 292 total yards of offense away from reaching 8,000 career total yards of offense (currently at 7,708 total yards of offense). He is one of only nine FBS quarterbacks to have accounted for 5,800+ passing yards and 1,900+ rushing yards.
  • Jordan Crook is 11 tackles away from reaching 200 career tackles (currently at 189 career tackles).
  • Jesus Gomez is three made field goals away from making 70 field goals in his career (currently at 67 made field goals). The 67 made field goals are tied for the fifth-most of any active FBS kicker. Gomez has accounted for 325 points in his career, the ninth-most among active FBS kickers.
  • Myles Rowser is 10 tackles away from reaching 300 career tackles (currently at 290 career tackles).
  • Kanye Udoh is 119 rushing yards away from reaching 2,000 career rushing yards (currently at 1,881 career rushing yards).
  • Malik McClain has appeared in 56 games in his career, the most of any Sun Devil. The Sun Bowl will be his 57th career game.

#10THINGS (Twitter-Friendly Notes) 

1. The Sun Devils will have no fewer than four players making their first collegiate starts in the Sun Bowl and could see as many as eight depending on the team’s opening packages on offense and defense.

2. Arizona State is one of just three FBS teams (Bowling Green, Toledo) to not allow 450 or more yards in a game over the last two seasons.

3. ASU held 10 of its 11 FBS opponents under the scoring average they entered the game with this season, with the lone exception being the Utah game.

4. ASU’s 16 scoring drives in the final five minutes of either the first or second half this season were 12th-most iun the FBS. The team has 32 such drives over the last two seasons combined, also 12th in the FBS.

5. The Sun Devils are 16-6 under Dillingham when leading in time of possession compared to a 6-10 mark when they don’t.

6. The Sun Devils have allowed just two sacks of the teams last four games. The team allowed just five total yards on those sacks, which was second-lowest in the FBS for the month of November.

7. ASU ranks 26th in the FBS in scoring percentage in the fourth quarter of games this year at 43.6 percent on 17-of-39 drives.

8. Derek Eusebio is one of just six active FBS players that have record 3+ 60-yard receptions in road games over the last two seasons.

9. The Sun Devils are 10-1 over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points - the most such victories in the FBS.

10. Arizona State has gone for it on fourth down 106 times under Dillingham, the fifth-most in the FBS.

#BYTHENUMBERS

64

ASU has held opponents to 30 points or less in 64 of 93 games since 2018 (68.8 percent). That total is notable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) in a span from 2013- 17. ASU has accomplished this 30 times in 38 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward. Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 56 occasions over 93 games (60.2 percent of the time). For comparison, ASU accomplished the feat just 24 times in the 65 previous games (36.9 percent) from 2013-2017. The team has accomplished the feat 27 times in 38 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.

60

Derek Eusebio recorded his second consecutive game with a touchdown reception against Colorado - a 68-yard quick slant that the former walk-on took to the house. Two of Eusebio’s three career touchdown receptions have gone for 64 (last year at Arizona) and 68 yards. He also had a 61-yard reception in a pivotal moment of the Baylor game earlier this season. He is just the eighth Sun Devil since the 1996 season to record three receptions of 60+ yards in their careers. He is one of just six FBS players to have three or more catches of 60+ yards in ROAD games over the last two seasons, joining Kansas State’s Jayce Brown, Hawaii’s Jackson Harris (4), Texas State’s Beau Sparks, Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling, and North Texas’ Wyatt Young (4).

16

ASU had 16 scoring drives that ended in the final five minutes of either the first or second half this season, the 12th-most in the FBS. Removing garbage time, ASU has 32 scoring drives in the final five minutes of a half over the last two seasons -good for 12th in the country. For perspective, in the previous three seasons from 2021-23, ASU managed just 28 TOTAL scoring drives in the final five minutes of a half (28-97) - a 28.9 percent score percentage that was 102nd in the FBS. The Sun Devils have a 32.6 percent (16-of-51) offensive touchdown drive rate in the final five minutes of the first half dating back to the start of last season, the 24th-best percentage in the nation (does not include pick six against UCF last year, which makes it 17 total touchdowns).

10

Arizona State is 10-1 over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points - the most such victories in the FBS. ASU’s 10 such victories in a two-year span are tied for the most over a two-season span in Big 12 history and tied for the eighth-most for any FBS team since the 1996 season. ASU’s 10-1 record over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points is the fourth-best win percentage in such games over a two-year stretch (90.9) by an FBS team since the 1996 season (min. 10 such games). Arizona State has trailed at some point in the fourth quarter in four of its eight victories this season and in seven games total over the last two seasons. Jesus Gomez has kicked a game-winning field goal in the final three minutes of regulation in three victories this season.

10

ASU held 10 of its 11 opponents after the opener to fewer points than they were averaging per game coming into the contest (Miss St. 24/34.0, Texas State 15/47.5, Baylor 24/38.0, TCU 24/41.7, TTU 22/47.5, Houston 24/29.4, Iowa State (19/29.0, WVU 23/23.4, CU 17/22.0, ARIZ 23/33.5). The Sun Devils faced four teams that entered the contest averaging over 500.0 yards of total offense per game and held those teams to an average of 301.25 yards (Texas State/Baylor/TCU/Texas Tech). The Sun Devils are one of just three FBS teams - and the only Power Four team - that has now allowed an opposing defense to post over 450 total yards of offense against them over the last two seasons, joining Bowling Green and Toledo out of the MAC as the only other programs to lay claim to the feat.

4

The Sun Devils are expected to roll out no less than four players making their first collegiate starts in the game against Duke.. Linebacker Martell Hughes, corner Joseph Smith, left tackle Jalen Klemm and right tackle Champ Westbrooks will almost assuredly make their first collegiate starts while cornerback Nyland Green will make his first start as a Sun Devil. Additionally, depending on ASU’s opening package, the team could see up to four others also making their first collegiate starts in RB Demarius “Man- Man” Robinson, TE A.J. IA, WR Jaren Hamilton or DB Kyan McDonald.

WHO’S THIS GUY?

  • With a slew of injuries, opt-outs and transfers heading into the postseason, the Sun Devils will run out a very different looking two-deep for the Sun Bowl.
  • Five players are expected to make their first starts as Sun Devils in CB Nyland Green, LB Martell Hughes, CB Joseph Smith, OL Jalen Klemm and OL Champ Westbrooks - the latter four all making their first collegiate starts, period.
  • Depending on the first package ASU runs out on offense or defense, other first-time collegiate starters could include RB Demarius “Man-Man” Robinson, TE A.J. IA, WR Jaren Hamilton or DB Kyan McDonald.
  • In general, 18 players are making their first appearance of the season on the Sun Devil depth chart for the game.
  • All told, there are 22 players that have appeared on the depth chart at some point this season that are not expected to play in the game - 16 of which were listed as a starter (or as an “or” for the starter) at one point or another this year.

VETERAN PRESENCE

  • The Sun Devils returned 16 players in 2025 that started at least six games a year ago. The 16 returning starters were tied for the most among all FBS teams heading into this season. The total is notable as the Sun Devils had the second-most newcomers on the roster in the FBS (78) in 2022 and the ninth-most in 2023 (60). Arizona State had just 17 returning starters COMBINED entering the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
  • Eight Sun Devils started all 14 games last year, and seven of them return. C.J. Fite, Josh Atkins, Ben Coleman, Max Iheanachor, Javan Robinson, Myles “Ghost” Rowser and Keith Abney II were 14-game starters. Center and second-team Walter Camp All-American Leif Fautanu is the only 14-game starter who doesn’t return in 2025.
  • Unfortunately, the injury bug has plagued many of the team’s returners with five members of ASU’s Pat Tillman Leadership committee being sidelined with long-term injuries - including four members of the six-person crew that the Sun Devils brought to Big 12 Media Days with them earlier this year (Leavitt, Tyson, Coleman, Alford)
  • The Sun Devils had 23 players in their final year of eligibility, the 20th-highest tally among all FBS schools this season.
  • The Sun Devil offensive line entered the 2025 season with 134 starts to its collective credit across the FBS/FCS level, good for the 12th-highest total in the nation coming into the year. Despite that, only one starter from the beginning of the season remains as a starter for this game (Kyle Scott).
  • Arizona State has six returnees from the 2024 All Big 12 Team returning next year, led by wide receiver and first team honoree Jordyn Tyson (Offensive Newcomer of the Year), second team honoree Sam Leavitt (Offensive Freshman of the Year), defensive back Xavion Alford (first), tight end Chamon Metayer (second), defensive lineman C.J. Fite (second) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (second).

HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS

  • The Sun Devils are 10-1 over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points - the most such victories in the FBS.
  • ASU’s 10 such victories in a two-year span are tied for the most over a two-season span in Big 12 history and tied for the eighth-most for any FBS team since the 1996 season.
  • ASU’s 10-1 record over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points is the fourth-best win percentage in such games over a two-year stretch (90.9) by an FBS team since the 1996 season (min. 10 such games).
  • The Sun Devils have won seven games in the past two seasons in which they were trailing or tied at some point in the fourth quarter - including four this year (Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia).
  • The Sun Devils scored 45 points while trailing in non-garbage time in the fourth quarter of games - 22nd most in the FBS - and has scored on 8-of-17 fourth quarter drives when trailing this season, a 47.1 conversion rate that is 34th-best in the FBS. Those eight scoring drives were tied for 13th-most in the FBS.
  • Since the start of last season, ASU has scored on 15-of-29 fourth quarter drives while trailing in non-garbage time - a 51.7 rate that is 13th nationally.
  • When trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons, ASU has turned the ball over just three times in its comeback attempts - on the final drive at Mississippi State and then twice in this year’s season finale against Arizona - which is tied for the 21st-lowest total in the FBS.
  • ASU’s 146 EPA over the last two seasons while trailing in the fourth quarter is 21st-best in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devil defense deserves credit as well for allowing the comebacks, posting a -.116 EPA when trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons that is 39th best nationally. ASU was rolling in the category this season with a -.326 mark that was 18th nationally before its inauspicious fourth quarter against Arizona.
  • Opponents are averaging just 4.0 yards per play when ASU is trailing in the fourth quarter in non-garbage time over the last two seasons - the 14th-lowest tally in the FBS.
  • Prior to the Arizona game, opponents had just six first downs (6-of-35 plays) in the fourth quarter of non-garbage time games when leading over ASU this season - a 17.1 conversion rate that was 15th-worst in the FBS. Arizona posted six first downs in the final frame and was the only team that added to its lead in non-garbage time to put a game away against the Sun Devils this season.
  • The team’s 13 third OR fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games were 17th in the FBS.
  • Jesus Gomez kicked a game-winning field goal in the final three minutes of regulation in three victories this season. He, tied with Ethan Sanchez of Houston (coincidentally this season as well) for the most such game-winners in the final three minutes of regulation/OT in Big 12 history.
  • Since Kenny Dillingham took the reins in 2023, 14 of the 22 Sun Devil victories in that time have been by 10 points or less.

LIVING IN A SIMS-ULATION

  • Jeff Sims posted two-straight games with at least 175 passing yards and 75 rushing yards in the Iowa State and West Virginia games, becoming the first Sun Devil since at least 1996 to accomplish the feat in consecutive games.
  • Sims was one of just four Power Four quarterbacks (Georgia Tech’s Haynes King (three in a row), Arkansas’ Taylen Green, FSU’s Tommy Castellanos) to post 175+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in consecutive games against Power Four opponents this season.
  • Sims’ 228 rushing yards at Iowa State were the most for an ASU quarterback in a single game in program history, topping Mark Malone’s 1978 previous school record of 139 yards against USC.
  • His effort earned him AP National Player of the Week honors as well as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week recognition. He followed that up with his second-straight Big 12 Player of the Week nod following the WVU game.
  • Sims is averaging 3.4 yards after contact per rushing attempt, tied for 24th-best among FBS quarterbacks. 69.4 percent of his non-sack yardage this season has come after contact, 13th best in the FBS.
  • The Iowa State contest was just the seventh 100-yard rushing game for an ASU quarterback in program history. Notably, the six previous instances came in Sun Devil home games played in Tempe.
  • Sims’ 88-yard touchdown run was the second-longest rush for an ASU quarterback in program history behind Malone’s 97-yard rush against Utah State in 1979.
  • It was the longest run for a Sun Devil since Rachaad White’s 93-yard touchdown run at Arizona in 2020.
  • He became just the 40th FBS quarterback since 1996 to rush for 225 or more yards in a game. Of those 40, 16 were quarterbacks operating a triple option offense. Of those 40, only 13 occurrences occurred on the road (5 triple option offenses). Only seven of those road instances also happened against a FBS teams,
  • Sims’ 88-yard touchdown run was tied for the 16th-longest for a quarterback since 1996. It was tied for the fifth-longest against a Power Five school (at the time of the contest).
  • The 228 rushing yards by Sims were the 8th most in program history regardless of position, as he joins an exclusive list of some of the program’s legendary players. He was just the sixth player in program history to go over 220 yards on 30 carries or less. It was the 23rd 200-yard rushing performance in program history.
  • Sims won his first game as a starting quarterback since defeating Duke in overtime on Oct. 8, 2022 in the process.
    FINISH THEM 
  • Arizona State had won 16 straight games when leading at halftime prior to the Arizona game, which had been the longest active streak among Big 12 teams.
  • ASU had 16 scoring drives that ended in the final five minutes of either the first or second half this season, the 12th-most in the FBS.
  • Removing garbage time, ASU has 32 scoring drives in the final five minutes of a half over the last two seasons - also 12th in the country. For perspective, in the previous three seasons from 2021-23, ASU managed just 28 TOTAL scoring drives in the final five minutes of a half (28-97) - a 28.9 percent score percentage that was 102nd in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have a 32.6 percent (16-of-51) offensive touchdown drive rate in the final five minutes of the first half dating back to the start of last season, the 24th-best percentage in the nation (does not include pick six against UCF last year, which makes it 16 total touchdowns). The 16 offensive touchdowns are ninth-most in the FBS in that time. For perspective, in the previous five seasons (2019-23), ASU scored just 17 TOTAL touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first half - at a 17.7 rate (17-of-96) that was 112th in the FBS.
  • Conversely, ASU has allowed just four touchdown drives in the final five minutes of the first half dating back to 2024 (at Cincinnati last year, at Baylor, at Utah, at Iowa State this year) and held opponents to a 4-for-46 touchdown drive percentage in that stretch (8.7 percent) that is fourth-best in the nation (drives that end at any point in the final five minutes of the half) behind only Miami (FL), Ole Miss and Texas.
  • Opponents had just a 26.8 first down conversion rate in the fourth quarter of games this season (60-of-224), top 40 in the FBS.
  • Utah’s touchdown at the exact 11:00 mark in the third quarter this season marked the first time ASU had allowed a touchdown in the first four minutes of a second half in the last season-plus. Colorado added the second-such instance in Boulder with Arizona adding the third in the finale.
  • ASU has a 137-67 advantage since the start of last season in the “middle eight” of games last four minutes of first half, first four minutes of second half).

KEEP THEM IN FRONT OF YOU

  • ASU has allowed just 26 plays over 50 yards to opponents since the 2018 season over 93 games - tied for third-fewest in the FBS (Washington 21, Wisconsin 23). The FBS average in that span is 51.10 such plays. ASU ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in 50+ yards played allowed each year from 2014-17, giving up a nation-leading 55 such plays in that span - 13 more than any other school in the FBS.
  • ASU has allowed just 14 total 50+ yard plays in the Dillingham/Ward era, tied for 20th-lowest since 2023.
  • ASU has allowed just 17 catches for 50 or more yards since 2018, tied for sixth-lowest in the FBS in that time.
  • The team has allowed just 10 in the Dillingham/Ward era.
  • The Sun Devils allowed 19 plays over 30 yards this season, the 31st-lowest total nationally. ASU allowed just 12 plays over 30 yards last season, tied for the 3rd-lowest total in the country. ASU allowed just 22 total plays over 30 yards in 2023, which was 35th in the FBS.
  • ASU’s 59 total plays allowed of 30+ yards in two-plus seasons under defensive coordinator Brian Ward are tied for the 20th-lowest total in the FBS.
  • Since 2018, ASU has allowed just 145 plays OVER 30 yards (1.6 per game/93 games). That is the fourth-lowest tally in the FBS in that time. (Kennesaw State excluded as they joined the FBS after 2018). For perspective, from 2014-17, ASU gave up 38, 44, 40, 40 such plays each SEASON, respectively ranked 116th, 124th, 117th and 119th.

RULE OF THIRDS (OR QUARTERS)

  • Overall, opponents are managing just a 36.0 percent conversion rate on third downs against the ASU defense this season. ASU was 97th in the category last year (43.0)
  • The current rate is the lowest since ASU posted a 35.8 mark in 2016.
  • The Sun Devils held Iowa State to 2-of-14 (14.3%) on third down, their lowest conversion percentage of the season. It is the best third down defense by ASU since the season opener when they held NAU to 2-of-15 on third down. Since 2010, the 14.3% was tied for Iowa State’s third-worst conversion rate in a single game.
  • This season is the first time ASU has held two opponents (vs. NAU, at Iowa State) for two or fewer third down conversions on ten or more attempts since the 2010 season (vs. NAU and Oregon).
  • On offense, the Sun Devils have six fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games this season - tied for the 10th-most in the FBS.
  • The team’s 13 third OR fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games were 13th in the FBS.

    NO FLY ZONE 
  • ASU currently rank 16th in the FBS with 65 passes defending this year (58 PBUs, 7 INT). The Sun Devils were 16th in the nation with 69 passes defended last season and 14th with 16 interceptions.
  • ASU’s exceptional work in harrying opposing quarterbacks is due in large part to ASU’s coverage down the field. The Sun Devils have an average time to force a pressure of 2.69 seconds, which was the sixth-LONGEST time in the FBS to harry an opposing QB - a credit to ASU’s secondary given Arizona State’s gaudy sack and pressure numbers.

HOLD THE LINE 

  • The Sun Devils were 20th in the FBS with 32 sacks this season and 16th with 81 tackles for loss. The sack total is especially notable as the team had just 24 TOTAL sacks a season ago.
  • This is a marked change in trend from the past couple seasons, where ASU finished in the lower half of the country in both categories (73rd and 70th in sacks in 2024 and 2023, 83rd and 96th in TFLs).
  • ASU had this success despite blitzing just 19.6 percent of the time, the third-LOWEST total in the country. The team brought four or fewer pass rushers 404 times this year - the seventh-MOST in the country.
  • ASU allowed an average of just 5.02 yards per play this season, good for 32nd in the country.
  • ASU forced 128 plays for loss or for a gain of zero yards this year - 29th-most in the FBS.
  • Opponents averaged just 5.23 yards per play in 2024 - 40th-lowest in the country after being 93rd at 5.95 in 2023. Only 22.2 percent of opponent plays gained 7 or more yards, the 23rd-lowest tally in the country after ranking 105th in 2023 at 35.1 percent.

    IN THE TRENCHES 
  • Prince Dorbah’s 0.33 average depth of tackle on run plays this season was the second-best among Big 12 linemen and 23rd among ALL FBS linemen (min. 100 run defense snaps).
  • Prince Dorbah’s 72.9 grade as a pass rusher was ninth among Big 12 linemen (min. 100 pass rush snaps).
  • Justin Wodtly’s 15 pressures in the month of November were tied for fourth among Big 12 linemen and his five sacks are most in the league for the month (third among all FBS linemen).
  • Jacob Kongaika’s 14 QB pressures this season are 13th among Big 12 interior linemen.
  • Dorbah’s 4.0 tackles for loss in the TCU victory are tied for the second-most for any FBS player this season and he is the only Big 12 player to do so.
  • He was first Big 12 player with 4.0 tackles for loss in a game since Amier Washington (TTU) in their 2023 bowl game and the first Big 12 player to do it against a conference opponent since Felix Anudike-Uzomah (KSU) against TCU on Oct. 30, 2021 (also 4.0).
  • PFF tabbed him as the highest graded defender in the entire country for the week with a 95.2 overall defensive mark (min. 25 snaps). It is the fifth-best single week grade for any defensive player in the FBS this season.

    WHERE’S THE BEEF?
  • The Sun Devil offensive line entered the 2025 season with 134 starts to its collective credit across the FBS/FCS level, good for the 12th highest total in the nation coming into the year. Last year the group entered with a combined 156 career starts spread amongst them entering the 2024 season, the fifth-highest tally in the country.
  • HOWEVER, ASU will start three freshman (two redshirt) on that line in the Sun Bowl.
  • Overall in 2025, ASU has a team pass blocking grade of 75.9 according to PFF, good for 27th in the FBS despite running out six different combinations of that offensive line this season.
  • The Sun Devils allowed just two sacks in their last four contests - which was tied for the fourth-lowest total in the FBS in the month of November. The five total sack yards allowed for the month were second-lowest in the country. ASU had allowed 25 sacks in the first eight games of the season (3.1 per game) prior to the 0.50 over the last four games.
  • The team has given quarterbacks 3.29 seconds to throw per play this year, 27th-most nationally. ASU’s quarterbacks had an average time to throw of 3.51 seconds last season, good for 14th-best in the FBS after ranking 128th in the country in 2023 at 2.48 seconds. The youth of the group has started to show its promise as well over the final month. ASU was one of just 19 schools in the FBS that had two freshmen linemen (true or redshirt) play 200 or more snaps this season (Wade Helton 478, Maki Stewart 203).
  • Stewart posted the fifth best overall offensive grade among freshmen linemen with 200+ snaps this season with a mark of 73.7. His 76.4 run blocking grade was fourth among those linemen.
  • Against West Virginia, Stewart was the only true freshman Big 12 lineman to play 50+ snaps for the week (62) and one of just 15 such players nationally. Stewart recorded the No. 3 overall offensive grade among true freshman linemen in the FBS (71.8), a total still good for fourth in the FBS with redshirt freshmen included. In doing so, he became just the seventh Sun Devil true freshman offensive lineman to play 50+ snaps in a game since the 2010 season while his 71.8 grade is the third best of the 35 total such games played by those seven players
  • ASU’s offensive linemen received a 82.0 pass blocking grade from PFF as a group last season, the 23rd-best tally nationally.
  • As a team, ASU was 40th in the country in only allowing 1.50 sacks per game last season after ranking 96th in 2023 with 2.50 allowed per game.

MIDDLE OF THE LINEUP

  • With the Sun Devils utilizing a 4-2-5 lineup on defense, the two linebackers on the field at any given time can easily get lost in the grand scheme of things but that room has been exception for the Sun Devils this season.
  • Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook lead the team with 98 and 92 tackles respectively - representing 25.0 percent of the team’s overall non-special teams tackles (190 of 760) this season.
  • Crook ranked fifth among Big 12 linebackers on run defense with a 85.0 grade - 29th among all FBS linebackers. His 10.1 run-stop percentage was sixth (29 “stops” on 287 runsnaps) in the Big 12 among linebackers and Top-35 among FBS LBs.
  • Crook was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after the Texas State game after he stuffed the stat sheet during a 12-tackle performance, credited with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His 12 tackles were the second-most in the Big 12 this week and fifth among all linebackers in the country. He made first contact on a play nine times according to PFF, the second-highest total in the Big 12 and tied for 14th-most in the country.
  • The 3.5 tackles for loss were the most by a Sun Devil since Tyler Johnson had 3.5 against Stanford on Oct. 8, 2021.
  • Crook added his second Big-12 Defensive Player of the Week honor for the WVU game. He was tied for first among Big 12 players with six defensive “stops” for the weekend, good for ninth among all FBS players. Crook recorded the Big 12’s third highest tackling grade for the week (84.4) - good for No. 33 in the FBS and 12th among linebackers - and was not credited with a missed tackle. He was one of just 19 FBS players credited by PFF with 10+ tackles and no missed tackles. Crook was credited with 14 tackles, the most by a Sun Devil since Kyle Soelle also had 14 at Stanford on October 22, 2022.
  • Despite there only ever being two linebackers on the field at a given time, ASU’s 64 tackles on pass plays this season are 16th among linebacker groups nationally.
  • When the linebackers have been targeted in coverage, ASU has allowed just a 70.0 completion percentage - the 18th-lowest of any linebacker group in the FBS.
  • The team is one of just 32 in the FBS were linebackers are responsible for three or more of a teams interceptions.

    GETTING DEFENSIVE 
  • The Sun Devils are giving up just 342.3 yards per game this season, good for 42nd in the FBS. ASU allowed just 339.6 yards per game last season, good for 38th nationally after ranking 89th a in 2023 (396.8).
  • ASU’s yardage tally is especially notable as the team faced five teams currently ranked in the FBS’s Top-25 in total offense yards per game (Texas Tech, Texas State, Utah, Baylor, TCU).
  • ASU has avoided letting teams get going when pinned deep as opponents are scoring just .84 points per drive on drives starting inside their own 20-yard line against ASU, the 21st-lowest total nationally.
  • ASU’s -0.105 defensive EPA per play this season ranked 26th in the FBS. Last year, ASU’s defense ranked 21st in overall defensive EPA at -0.070. Only 73.3 percent (33-of-45) of opponent non-garbage time drives that reached the ASU red zone this season resulted in points for the opponent - the ninth-lowest tally in the FBS. Team’s have scored a touchdown or recorded a field goal attempt just 82.6 percent of the time when reaching ASU’s red zone - the eighth-lowest total in the FBS.
  • Opponents have had a field goal attempt or scored a touchdown just 75.8 percent of the time time when reaching the ASU 40-yard line - the 22nd lowest total in the FBS.ASU allowed opponents to pick up just 45.6 percent of the yards available to them, good for 38th nationally. The team allowed offenses to pick up just 45.2 of their available yards last season, the 48th-lowest total nationally. ASU was 124th in the country in 2023 in allowing 56.3 percent of available yards.
  • Opponents are picking up just 63.7 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line this season - the 34th-lowest total in the country - and just 56.3 percent of the yards to the ASU 40, which was 32nd. Last season, ASU was much improved in keeping opponents from getting across the 50, allowing other teams to pick up just 67.6 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line - the 62nd-lowest total in the FBS while also allowing only 58.5 percent of opponent yards up to the ASU 40 - 51st nationally. ASU ranked 121st and 126 in those categories in 2023.
  • Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 56 occasions over 93 games (60.2 percent of the time). For comparison, ASU accomplished the feat just 24 times in the 65 previous games (36.9 percent) from 2013-2017. The team has accomplished the feat 27 times in 38 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.
  • ASU is one of just three FBS teams (Bowling Green, Toledo) to not allow 450 or more yards in a single game over the last two seasons.
  • ASU has held opponents to 30 points or less in 64 of 93 games since 2018 (68.5 percent). This is notable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) in a span from 2013- 17. ASU has accomplished this 30 times in 38 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.
  • ASU held 10 of its 11 opponents after the opener to fewer points than they were averaging per game coming into the contest (Miss St. 24/34.0, Texas State 15/47.5, Baylor 24/38.0, TCU 24/41.7, TTU 22/47.5, Houston 24/29.4, Iowa State (19/29.0, WVU 23/23.4, CU 17/22.0, ARIZ 23/33.5) ASU was 11 for 14 in holding opponents under their season scoring average last year, following the season opener: Mississippi State (23/56.0), Texas State (28/41.5), Texas Tech (30/44.7), Utah (19/28.3), Cincinnati (24/31.0), Oklahoma State (21/30.5), UCF (31/33.2) Kansas State (14/31.2), BYU (21/31.6), Arizona (7/23.1), Iowa State (19/31.2).
  • The Sun Devils faced four teams that entered the contest averaging over 500.0 yards of total offense per game and held those teams to an average of 301.25 yards (Texas State/Baylor/TCU/Texas Tech).

GOLD RUSH 

  • ASU ranked 33rd in the country in averaging 188.9 rushing yards per game. The Sun Devils ranked 20th in the FBS in averaging 199.9 rushing yards per game last year.
  • ASU is the only team in the country that has had two different players rush for over 200 yards in a game this year.
  • The team has rushed for 200 or more yards 15 times under Kenny Dillingham, compiling a 12-3 record when it does.
  • ASU is posting a first down or touchdown when it rushes the ball 29.2 percent of the time this year, good for the Top-50 nationally. ASU averaged a rushing first down or touchdown 31.0 percent of the time in 2024, good for 23rd nationally.
  • The team ranked 23rd this season in averaging 3.5 yards after contact  per rush. The running attack was especially efficient in punishing opponents last year as well, earning 3.6 yards after contact per rush - 21st in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils 108 missed tackles on running plays this year, good for 21st in the FBS. ASU forced 177 missed tackles on run plays last season, second-most in the FBS and were tied for third in the FBS in averaging 0.31 missed tackles forced per running play.
  • ASU has received a team rushing grade of 95.1 from PFF since the start of 2023, good for 13th-best nationally.
  • The team’s 0.30 missed tackles forced per rush since 2023 are second in the FBS. The team has averaged 3.3 yards after contact per rush in that time - tied for 24th in the FBS. The team’s 30.6 first down/touchdown percentage since 2023 is 26th in the FBS.
  • ASU has rushed for 100+ yards in 28 of the team’s 38 games under Kenny Dillingham.
  • The Sun Devils have produced a 1,000-yard rusher 11 times in the last 15 seasons - with one of the lone exceptions being the shortened 2020 season. For comparison, from 1976-2010, ASU had just eight 1000-yard rushers over 34 years.
  • ASU’s 355 rushing yards at Colorado were its eighth-most in a single game since 1996 and fourth-most in a road game. At the time, was the 11th-most by an FBS team this season on the road. The Sun Devils recorded 205 total yards of offense in the fourth quarter of the game - ALL OF WHICH came by way of the run (on 17 rushes). ASU ran the ball on its final 19 plays of the game. It was the first time three different running backs rushed for a touchdown in a single game since the 70-7 Arizona victory in 2020 (Rachaad White, Daniyel Ngata, Jackson He).

     

BUT ALSO NO RUSH 

  • ASU ranks 26th nationally in allowing just 116.7 rush yards per game this season.
  • The Sun Devils held opponents to just 112.9 rushing yards per game last year, the 21st-best total in the country and tops in the Big 12. That came despite ASU playing four of the Top-15 teams in the nation last season in rushing offense (5. UCF/11. Kansas State/13. Kansas./15. Texas State). No other team in the Top-30 faced more than two such opponents in the regular season. ASU was 36th in the FBS in allowing just 133.5 rush yards per game to opponents in 2023.
  • ASU has now held opponents to 140 or fewer yards in 27 of 38 games (70.3 percent) in the Kenny Dillingham era.
  • The Sun Devils have held opponents under 100 rushing yards 18 times in the 38 games in the Dillingham/Ward era. Between the 2018-22 seasons, it had happened just 13 total times in 55 games.
  • ASU has held eight of its last 15 opponents dating back to last season under 100 rushing yards.

    SWEET BABY JESUS 
  • Sun Devil Football kicker Jesus Gomez surpassed ASU’s total field goals kicked for the entire SEASON a year ago with his 21 made kicks this season - the 10th-most in the FBS. ASU made 11 field goals in the entirety of last season.
  • Gomez became just the eighth Sun Devil since 1996 to record 20+ field goals in a season. His current mark of 21 is 10th in single season program history.
  • His 92 points this season were Top-25 among kickers this season
  • Gomez is third among active FBS players with 67 field goals made in his career and eighth in total points scored with 325.
  • He was the first kicker in the FBS this season to make four field goals against a Top-25 or Top-10 team (vs. #7 Texas Tech) and one of just two players in the FBS to have two games with four or more field goals this season. .
  • Gomez became just the fifth FBS player since 2015 to make game-winning field goals in the final two minutes of regulation in back-to-back games and the first Big 12 player since Oklahoma State’s Ben Grogan in 2015 with his fields goals at Baylor and vs. TCU. He is the first to accomplish the feat since Kent State’s Matthew Tricket in Nov. of 2023.
  • Gomez has kicked a game-winning field goal in the final three minutes of regulation in three victories this season. He is tied with Ethan Sanchez of Houston (coincidentally this season as well) for the most such game-winners in the final three minutes of regulation/OT in Big 12 history.
  • Gomez played hero in Arizona State’s dramatic 27-24 road win over Baylor. Gomez drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired, clinching a victory in ASU’s Big 12 Conference opener.
  • The Sun Devils needed all four of Gomez’s made field goals as he set a new personal career-best mark for a single game. Gomez’s four field goals were the most by a Sun Devil since Carter Brown had four against NAU on Sept. 1, 2022. It was his seventh career game in which he has made three of more field goals.
  • Gomez’s game-winner was ASU’s first walk-off field goal since Sept. 18, 2018 when Brandon Ruiz hit a 28-yarder to knock off Michigan State.
  • It was the first walk-off field goal on the road by a Sun Devil kicker in regulation since at least 1964.
  • He is one of only nine kickers to make four field goals in a game this season, which are tied for the third-most in a contest in the FBS this year.

    TIME AND TIME AGAIN 
  • ASU has controlled the ball for over 32 minutes in 18 of 38 games (47.4 percent) under Kenny Dillingham. It had reached the 32-minute mark just 17 times in 55 games from 2018-22 (30.9 percent)
  • The Sun Devils are 16-6 under Dillingham when leading in time of possession compared to a 6-910mark when they don’t. 

    KENNY THE GIANT SLAYER
  • Kenny Dillingham won his sixth game against an AP Top-25 team in the last two seasons and moved to 6-6 in his career in such games with the victory over #7 Texas Tech.
  • He is the only active coach in the Big 12 with at least a .500 record against ranked opponents.
  • The Sun Devils have won six-straight games over Big 12 teams ranked in the Top-25 (2-0 this season), which is tied for the sixth-longest streak in Big 12 history.
  • ASU’s 6-1 record against AP Top-25 teams since the start of last year is tied for the second best in the FBS with Alabama behind only Ohio State (8-1).

MOUNTAIN AMERICA STADIUM, HOME OF THE ASU SUN DEVILS 

  • Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics have announced a multi-year naming rights partnership in 2023 with Mountain America Credit Union to form one of the most dynamic naming rights deals in college athletics.
  • The 15-year partnership with Sun Devil Athletics – the most important deal in athletics department history - includes ASU’s football stadium, which will now be called Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils.
  • Both Mountain America and ASU are committed to giving back to the community, and this partnership will provide support to the community and student-athletes in a variety of ways: Football Field Goals: Mountain America will donate $250 to the Sun Devil Club for every field goal made to enhance ASU’s student-athlete experience, Shoe Donation Program: ASU and Mountain America will develop a shoe donation program, providing brand-new shoes to community members in need, Scholarships: Each year, Mountain America will provide $20,000 to ASU student-athletes, with $10,000 going to women’s sports and $10,000 to men’s sports, Financial Education Programs: Mountain America will offer special student-athlete financial education programs, including personal coaching sessions, Internship Program: Mountain America will also provide an internship program for student-athletes to help students develop the skills and experience needed for future endeavors.

    SMART DEVILS
  • ASU competedwith 16 young men this season that had already earned their undergraduate degrees:
  • Xavion Alford, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
  • Coben Bourguet, BSE Engineering Management, 2024
  • Ben Coleman, MA Communication, 2024
  • Anthonie Cooper, BA Interdisciplinary Studies (Communication/Nutrition and Healthy Living), 2022
  • Prince Dorbah, BS Communication, 2024
  • Adama Fall, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
  • Zyrus Fiaseu, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
  • Cameron Harpole, BA Communication, 2025
  • Max Iheanachor, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
  • Chamon Metayer, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
  • Elijah O’Neal, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
  • Kyle Scott, BS Psychology, 2025
  • Ian Shewell, BS Clinical Exercise Science, 2025
  • Jeff Sims, BA Liberal Studies, Graduated SP24 (Nebraska)
  • Clayton Smith, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
  • Justin Wodtly, BA Liberal Studies, 2025

NOTES BELOW THIS MARK RELATE TO PLAYERS NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY IN THE BOWL GAME:

AIR JORDYN 

  • Jordyn Tyson had recorded a touchdown in eight consecutive games dating back to last season prior to sustaining a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a month in the second half of the ASU season following the Texas Tech game. That was the longest active streak in the FBS and also tied for the third-longest streak for an ASU player since at least 1996 behind Marion Grice (10) and Cam Marshall (9).
  • Tyson was the first Sun Devil with 8+ receiving TDs through the team’s first seven games since Derek Hagan in 2004 (also 8).
  • Despite missing three games, Tyson’s 8 receiving touchdowns this season were tied for the 21st-most among FBS receivers.
  • Prior to missing time, Tyson was second among all receivers in receiving yards (1,729) and receiving touchdowns (18) since the start of last season.
  • Nine of Tyson’s 22 career touchdown receptions came in the final five minutes of either the first or second halves (with 10 total touchdowns in that criteria with a late punt return TD against ASU in 2022). Those nine touchdown receptions were the fourth-most of any FBS player in the last decade (since 2015) behind only SMU’s James Proche (14), LSU’s Kyren Lacy (10), and Alabama’s Devonta Smith (10).
  • Tyson recorded 10 touchdowns in the fourth quarter of games in his career (9 receiving, 1 punt return) - the most among active FBS players. It was the 10th-most of any player in the last decade (in FBS games played only).
  • Prior to missing the Houston game, Tyson’s 34 receiving first downs/touchdowns (59.6 percent on 57 catches) this season were tied for first in the FBS.
  • Tyson found his success despite facing press coverage on 126 of his 317 receiving snaps this season. His 476 yards out of press coverage were 27th-most in the FBS and his five touchdowns were 28th. His 24 receiving first downs against press coverage were still 19th among FBS receivers.
  • Tyson was nigh-uncoverable in man coverage this season prior to the injury, putting up a 89.5 grade on man coverages this season - the highest grade among all FBS players (min. 100 man coverage snaps).
  • Tyson’s 25 catches against man coverage were fifth in the FBS and his 297 receiving yards against man were 11th. His five touchdowns vs. man were fifth, and his 16 receiving 1st downs/touchdowns were 10th.

    AGENT ZERO 
  • Tyson emphasized wide receivers coach Hines Ward’s “No Block, No Rock” mantra as he was fifth among FBS receivers with 298 run-blocking snaps last season prior to his injury. His 214 run block snaps this year prior to injury this year were seventh among FBS receivers and fourth among Power Four receivers.
  • Despite his missed time this season, Tyson was named an AP third-team All-American tbis season.
  • Tyson has 100 or more receiving yards against two Top-25 teams this season (No. 7 Texas Tech and No. 25 TCU ).
  • Tyson (who wears No. 0) became the first Sun Devil to be named a Preseason First AP All-American entering this season. He was also named a Walter Camp Preseason All-American, and recognized on the Maxwell Award Awatch List, the Biletnikoff Award Watch List and a First Team Preseason All Big-12 selection.
  • Tyson earned Third-Team Associated Press All American honors last and is one of 16 returners from those teams in 2025. He is one of five returning AP All Americans returning on offense along with center Jake Slaughter (Florida), wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Eric Rivers (Florida International) and tackle Spencer Fano (Utah).
  • Tyson has now eclipsed over 2,000 yards in his NCAA career, checking in at 2,282 yards between his time at ASU and Colorado - which wastied for the 21th-highest total among active players at the FBS level and the most career receiving yards of any player that has played in 35 games or less. He averaged 4.79 catches per game in his career, the 10th-highest total among active FBS players. Hewass 11th among active players at the FBS level in receiving touchdowns (22).
  • Tyson hds nine games in which he has eclipsed the century mark in receiving since becoming a Sun Devil. ASU is 6-0 when Tyson catches a touchdown and has over 100 yards in his time at ASU.
  • Tyson had a breakout season in 2024, with 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns before getting injured in the second half of the Nov. 30 Arizona game and missing the postseason. He had five games of 100-yards receiving including 12 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns at Kansas State on Nov. 16.
  • His efforts earned him Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
  • The ten touchdowns last season tied him for sixth all-time in Sun Devil history, one of just 11 Sun Devils total to reach double digits in a season, and the most since Jaelen Strong had 10 in 2014.

    SPRUNG A LEEK 
  • Raleek Brown had the opportunity to show Sun Devil fans how electric he can be while healthy this season, finishing the regular season second in the Big 12 and 18th nationally with 95.1 rushing yards per game and 15th in the FBS with 1,141 total yards on the ground.
  • Brown was the FBS’ 17th-highest graded running back on rushing plays this season (87.0) and the third-highest graded back in the Big 12. His 79.9 overall offensive grade was 27th among all FBS running backs.
  • His 6.13 yards per carry were 21st in the FBS and his 120.50 all-purpose yards per game were 12th in the FBS and second in the conference.
  • The elusive back forced 53 missed tackles on the year on run plays, the 17th-most among FBS backs
  • His 31 runs of 10 or more yards this season were tied for 19th among FBS players.
  • Brown’s 46 targets this season were 10th among FBS running backs while his 33 receptions were 22nd. His 300 yards after the catch (including yards out of the backfield) were 20th among backs.
  • Brown’s 12.0 yards per carry (144 yards on 12 carries) against Texas State were the fourth-most for an ASU running back that has cleared 125 rushing yards since the 1996 season (with his 11.6 average at Colorado right behind that). He is the only player in that time to reach 140 rushing yards on 12 or fewer carries.
  • His 75-yard touchdown run was the longest run AND touchdown run for an ASU player AT HOME since Kalen Ballage vs. Texas Tech in 2016.
  • His 88-yard touchdown at Colorado was the longest for a running back since Rachaad White’s 93-yard touchdown at Arizona in 2020.

    WHAT CAN BROWN DO FOR YOU? 
  • Raleek Brown rushed for a Sun Devil football road record 255 yards on against Colorado, unseating Ben Malone’s 52-year-old record of 251 yards at Oregon State in 1973. It was the third-highest rushing total for a Sun Devil in a single game, period, behind Eno Benjamin’s 312 yards vs. Oregon State in 2018 and Cam Skattebo’s 262 vs. Mississippi State last season.
  • Only twice this season had a player rushed for over 250 yards on the road - coincidentally both occurring on the same day between Brown and Kansas State’s Joe Jackson at Utah (293).
  • it was just the sixth time this season overall that a player rushed for over 250 yards in a game. It had only happened 11 times in the last two seasons, with ASU owning one of the other marks with Cam Skattebo’s Mississippi State effort last year.
  • Brown had a touchdown reception for the second consecutive game. It was the first time a Sun Devil running back had a receiving touchdown in back-to-back games since Xazavian Valladay in 2022 (Oct. 1 and Oct. 8) and just the 12th time it has happened since the 1996 season.
  • Brown notched 108 rushing yards in the first half alone, and 141 all-purpose yards in the half. It was the first time a Sun Devil had 100+ rushing yards at halftime since Cam Skattebo’s 140 against Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship last season. It is the third time ASU has had a running back accomplish that feat in the past two seasons alone. Previously, ASU had not had a running back reach the mark since Rachaad White in 2021 and had done so just four times TOTAL between 2012 to 2023 (Eno Benjamin 2x in 2018, Rachaad White 1x in 2020 and 2021). The last time before Benjamin’s first in 2018 was Cam Marshall in November of 2011.

CHAMON-ENAL 

  • Chamon Metayer’s four touchdowns this season are tied for 18th among FBS tight ends.
  • Quarterbacks had a 121.0 NFL QBR when targeting Metayer this year, good for 16th among FBS tight ends.
  • Metayer had a 75.3 run blocking grade in the month of November, which was the third-best among any FBS tight end with 75+ run block snaps
  • He became the first tight end to have a touchdown reception in three-straight games for the Sun Devils since Kody Kohl in 2014.
  • Metayer is 20th among FBS tight ends with 20 receiving first downs this season.
  • His 375 yards were top 40 among FBS tight ends and his 222 yards after the catch were 17th among FBS tight ends. His seven missed tackles forced were 10th.
  • He is only the fourth Sun Devil tight end since 1996 to have two seasons with 30 or more catches. He is joined by Jalin Conyers, Zach Miller (3x), and Todd Heap on the list
  • Metayer’s nine touchdowns as a Sun Devil were tied for the fourth most for an ASU tight end since 1996 (Chris Coyle).

ABNEY ROAD 

  • Keith Abney was exceptional this season for the Sun Devil secondary. The junior was the second-highest graded corner on overall defense for the season in the Big 12 (86.2) and 11th-highest graded corner in the FBS. His 85.6 grade in coverage was first among Big 12 corners and 15th among FBS corners. His 87.6 tackling grade was seventh among all FBS corners.
  • Despite being the nation’s most targeted corner (82 targets), Abney has allowed just a 40.2 completion percentage this season overall, lowest among Big 12 corners and ninth-lowest in the FBS (min. 300 pass coverage snaps).
  • Abney allowed just 4.2 yards per TARGET this season (not reception), which was ninth-lowest among FBS corners and tops in the Big 12 (min. 300 coverage snaps).
  • Abney was one of just 26 FBS corners with 300+ snaps (188 total) played in coverage and no touchdowns credited against him. His 458 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown were the most in the country among corners without giving up a score.
  • Only 17.1 percent of targets against Abney resulted in a first down or touchdown - the fifth-lowest total among FBS corners.
  •  Opponents had just at 42.8 NFL QBR when targeting Abney, 11th-lowest among all FBS corners.
  • His 14 passes defended this season (12 PBUs, 2 INTs) were sixth-most among all FBS players. Abney’s 12 forced incompletions last season (according to PFF) were the 13th-most among alll Big 12 players.
  • The sure-handed tackler has allowed just 79 yards after the catch this year, the 33rd-lowest tally among all FBS corners (min. 300 snaps in coverage). Abney excelled in man coverage this season. Among Big 12 corners with at least 75 snaps in man coverage, Abney is holding opponents to just a 28.0 percent completion rate (third in the league) and a 42.9 NFL QBR when targeted in man (second in Big 12).
  • His 72.5 grade in man coverage was third among Big 12 corners.

ASSORTED OTHER NOTES ON PLAYERS NOT PLAYING

  • Keith Abney and Javan Robinson were each credited with just two missed tackle on a pass play this season - tied for the 16th-lowest total among all FBS corners with 250+ coverage snaps played.
  • Prior to missing a game after being injured against WVU - among FBS corners with at least 100 snaps played in coverage, redshirt freshman Rodney Bimage’s 4.4 yards allowed per reception were third-lowest in the country. Only 35.7 percent of opponent’s passes in Bimage’s direction resulted in a reception (on 107 snaps) - the 11th-lowest tally nationally.
  • Bimage had allowed just .21 yards per coverage snap this season, the second-lowest total among FBS corners with at least 100 coverage snaps, as were his 1.6 yards allowed per coverage target. His 7.1 1D/TD percentage when targeted was third-lowest in the FBS.
  •  Bimage also paced the team with seven special teams tackles, good for seventh-most in the Big 12.
  •  Boogie Wilson was very quietly been a rock on the back end of ASU’s defense after filling in for starter X Alford in Week 3. Wilson was fourth among all Big 12 secondary with just 10 receptions allowed (min. 250 coverage snaps) this season.
  • Opponents threw Wilson’s way just 18 times, the third-lowest total among Big 12 secondary players.
  • Clayton Smith was 13th among Big 12 linemen with 30 quarterback pressures.
  • Max Iheanachor (14) ranked 18th among right tackles in the FBS in fewest pressures allowed. Iheanachor’s 80.6 pass blocking grade this season was eighth among all FBS right tackles (min. 300 pass block snaps). His 98.6 pass block efficiency rating was fifth among all FBS right tackles.
  • He has not been credited sole credit for a sack allowed this season, one of just 13 right tackles in the FBS to lay such a claim.
  • Keyshaun Elliott’s 8.2 tackles per game were 50th in the FBS and sixth in the Big 12.