Offensive tweaks
In the offseason, Anderson and Faulkner made “tweaks” to their runpass-option offense they said will result in a more vertical run and pass game.
The offense gives ASU the option to pass or run on the same play, and the Red Wolves already had run a version of the scheme last season.
“We just are probably doing a little more than we did a year ago,” Faulkner said. “I think the biggest [reason we changed] is the type of offensive line we have. Last year, we were athletic, light, could reach and have more of an outside perimeter run game. This year, it’s more of a vertical run game. It gets the ball downhill faster, and we’ll have less negative plays.”
ASU lost 393 yards rushing last season, which negated 18 percent from the total yards gained (2,177). Opponents’ lost yardage negated 19 percent from their totals, and the ASU defense led the nation in tackles for loss (9.6 per game).
Hansen and senior wide receiver Dijon Paschal said the tweaks also include more deep passes. In seven games last season, ASU had at least one reception that totaled more than 40 yards.
“We’re taking more shots down the field,” Paschal said. “We have way more opportunities. That’s a big thing. I feel like that’s more where our offense is going to now: Taking bigger shots and being able to get off the field.”
The wide receivers are buttressed by 6-5, 220-pound Kendrick Edwards, who sat out last season after transferring from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. As a Razorback, Edwards had four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.
“Don’t want to crown him yet,” Anderson said. “He’s got the potential to be as good as anybody in the country. He just needs to be more consistent. If he plays to his ability, he can be a dominant receiver.”