ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Graham, Devils prepare for triple option

Dec 10, 2012, 9:09 PM | Updated: 9:22 pm

Head coach Todd Graham and the Arizona State Sun Devils are preparing for an offense unlike anything they have ever seen.

When they take on Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, the Devils will be trying to find a way to stop the Midshipmen’s potent triple option attack.

“Their offense is one that is very difficult to get TFLs (tackles for loss) on because very few negative yardage plays because you are quick hitting, dives, the triple option inside,” Graham said.

The Arizona State defense has done a good job pressuring the quarterback and stopping the pass this season, but that won’t help too much against the run-heavy Navy attack.

“Their strength is a challenge for us because if there is anything that we probably haven’t done as well against and where we need to make the most improvement is in our run defense,” Graham said.

If Graham’s Devils expect to slow down the sixth-ranked rushing attack in the country, they will need to stop true freshman quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who leads the team with 10 rushing touchdowns.

According to Graham, the scout team has been trying to simulate Reynolds and the triple option attack with freshman wide receiver Parker Rasmusson and other athletes manning the quarterback position.

“The problem is that their quarterback can throw it and do all that, it’s tough to simulate. I think he is the key to their offense,” Graham said. “I have been very impressed.”

Despite ASU’s lack of success stopping the run this season and their lack of experience against the triple option, Graham said he doesn’t plan on adjusting his usual game plan much.

“We are going to do what we do,” Graham said. “It boils down to fundamentals, blocking, tackling and being sound in what you’re doing.”

Arizona State Football

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college footb...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham talks Jaden Rashada injury, revamped roster ahead of spring ball

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed quarterback Jaden Rashada's injury, revamped roster and NIL ahead of start of spring ball

6 days ago

Jaden Rashada on the football field...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Jaden Rashada dealing with thumb injury, will miss spring ball

ASU's Jaden Rashada won't be a full participant in spring ball due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand suffered earlier in the year.

7 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

13 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

13 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

14 days ago

ASU QB Drew Pyne...

Arizona Sports

Former ASU starting QB Drew Pyne headed to Missouri

After playing in just two games in his ASU football career, quarterback Drew Pyne is moving on to the Missouri Tigers.

18 days ago

Graham, Devils prepare for triple option