5 Bold Predictions For Arizona State vs. Duke In Sun Bowl
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona State Sun Devils may still have an adrenaline rush since only weeks removed from the playoff hunt. Only time will tell as they face off against Duke and its productive secondary defense at the Sun Bowl. The Blue Devils have been on the hunt for a bowl win since 1961, when they beat Arkansas 7-6 in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Here are five key factors that could make a huge difference in the outcome.
5. Duke’s Defensive Secondary Will Slow Down Arizona's Offensive Attack
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
5. Duke’s Defensive Secondary Will Slow Down Arizona's Offensive Attack
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Duke’s defense is ranked 21st in the nation for a reason. LB David Helton, who has recorded 125 tackles this season, will help slowdown Arizona State RB D.J. Foster’s explosive running game. Blue Devils safety Devon Edwards will pose a major threat against the long-pass. Duke CB Breon Borders and safety Jeremy Cash could potentially snag a pick or two – they already have five interceptions between the both of them.
4. Arizona RB D.J. Foster Will Be Held To Under 60 Yards Rushing
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
4. Arizona RB D.J. Foster Will Be Held To Under 60 Yards Rushing
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
The Sun Devils’ star running back D.J. Foster has had some impressive running games this season – his test against the Duke defense will not be one of them. Foster has rushed for less than 60 yards against tough defenses all season; he ran for 59 yards against Stanford, 53 against Utah and 34 against Arizona. In order to maintain his effectiveness, the Sun Devils will likely keep Foster active in the passing game.
3. Duke QB Anthony Boone Will Build On His Momentum
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
3. Duke QB Anthony Boone Will Build On His Momentum
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Duke QB Anthony Boone will definitely be a player to watch. The Blue Devils’ history of bowl wins has been dismal thus far. Now Boone has a chance to turn the tide in the right direction for the Durham football program. He recently had a great performance against the Wake Forest defense. As long as he keeps the interceptions to a minimum, the senior should be able to keep the momentum going.
2. Jaelen Strong Is Going To Get His Anyway
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jaelen Strong Is Going To Get His Anyway
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sun Devils WR Jaelen Strong is one of the best receivers in the country. Duke will definitely need to contain him if they want any chance at winning. Despite their efforts, Strong will still make big plays downfield. He has 75 receptions, 1,062 yards and 10 TDs – all against defensive schemes that attempted to suppress his ability. It’s not an easy task by far.
1. Jeremy Cash Will Be The Difference-Maker Against The Pass
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jeremy Cash Will Be The Difference-Maker Against The Pass
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
I expect safety Jeremy Cash to be the difference-maker against the Arizona State passing game. Cash leads the league with 103 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. This will likely be his last game as a Blue Devil, considering the 2015 NFL Draft is right up ahead.
Mark Boone is a sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarkBoone99, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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