Mississippi State plays its first home game of the season this Saturday against No. 12 Arizona State.
To preview the matchup and gather an understanding of MSU’s opponent, The Dispatch exchanged questions with Michelle Gardner, the ASU beat writer for the Arizona Republic.
The Dispatch: What is the expectation of ASU this year after winning the Big 12 and making the CFP?
Michelle Gardner: It’s safe to say expectations have not been this high in probably decades. It isn’t just the historic run last season, but the fact that the team returned 16 starters and one specialist. Kenny Dillingham really has energized a program that, to be honest, was a dumpster fire when he inherited it. One thing people forget is that the Sun Devils did what they did last year, still handcuffed by sanctions courtesy of the Herm Edwards regime. This is actually the first year there are no limitations as far as that goes. It’s a very odd dynamic, though, because part of the fan base is still skeptical.
That stems from the fact that this program historically has always succeeded when expectations were low and faltered when they were high. So we’ll see how that plays out. It is tough to repeat, so it is hard to say what a “successful” season would look like. I think winning 9-10 games, being in the hunt for a title at the end, would be what is expected.
The Dispatch: What did the Sun Devils show in their season opener against NAU? What do they need to work on?
Gardner: The biggest issue was the penalty problem. The 12 penalties are the most the team has had in a game in the Dillingham tenure. One negated a 75-yard TD play, and then one right after that negated a 65-yard gain. If they only have those, the outcome/final score looks more like what was expected. NAU also scored in the closing seconds on the third-team defense, so it really wasn’t as close as it looked. ASU needs to do better in the trenches, both sides of the ball. The offensive line did not have a great game,e and that was disappointing because there are four starters back, although one changed positions.
The Dispatch: Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson are well-known returners on this team, but is there another player you think could make a name for themselves this year?
Gardner: I will go with running back Kyson Brown, a native of Tupelo who gets to play close to home. Everybody is focused on the departure of Skattebo, but Kyson is a guy who has waited his turn, worked on his game. He could be the breakout star. He is a great young man too, so it has been nice watching him blossom, given a more prominent role in the offense.
The Dispatch: What has to happen for Arizona State to win this game?
Gardner: It has to clean up the penalties and do a better job at the line of scrimmage. It would also help if it got off to a good start, being that it is a road game in a tough environment.
The Dispatch: What has to happen for Arizona State to lose?
Gardner: It has always done a good job when it comes to takeaways, and that always looms large in a road game in hostile territory. If it gets beat at the line of scrimmage, that will make it difficult for the running game and for Sam Leavitt.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
