Arizona St., Fresno St. on rise for showdown
LAS VEGAS — Fresno State finds itself in the Las Vegas Bowl as the champion of the Mountain West Conference in coach Jeff Tedford's second season, less than two years removed from a 1-11 record.
Arizona State, in its first season under coach Herm Edwards, hopes to use its trip to the postseason as a launching pad to similar success.
The Sun Devils and No. 19 Bulldogs each find themselves on the ascent heading into their Las Vegas Bowl matchup today.
Fresno State (11-2) can set a school record for wins in a season, which would be the latest accomplishment for a team that has already won the conference title, picked up its first-ever win on the blue turf of Mountain West standard-bearer Boise State and defeated a Power 5 team.
“I think, myself, if we went and get12 wins we'll probably be considered the best Fresno State team ever, so that's my goal right now, to get that 12th win,” safety Mike Bell said.
Edwards was hired to propel Arizona State (7-5) to the top of the Pac-12 and he hopes to use the Las Vegas Bowl as a launching pad. Edwards placed an emphasis on skill development in practices leading up to the bowl game and plans to use a significant number of players still eligible to redshirt this season.
The Sun Devils found plenty of significant contributors on defense from Edward's first recruiting class, but he will be looking for young options to emerge in the passing game against Fresno State as wide receiver N'Keal Harry is not playing after declaring for the NFL draft. Harry had 73 receptions for 1,088 yards receiving as a junior and caught nine of quarterback Manny Wilkins' 19 touchdown passes.
“There will be some young guys that haven't played a lot of football that will get an opportunity to play in this game,” Edwards said. “And I think it's important because you're looking at next year as well and you want to see them in live action all of a sudden.”
Fresno State will start 11 seniors, led by quarterback Marcus McMaryion, and Tedford had limited opportunities to work with less experienced players in preparation for the bowl game. Fresno State had six practices focused on Arizona State after defeating Boise State 19-16 in overtime in the Mountain West title game on Dec. 1.
Here are some things to know when Arizona State and Fresno State play for the first time since 1941:
DOWN ANOTHER DEVIL: Harry isn't the only star player Arizona State will be missing. Freshman linebacker Merlin Robertson has not been with the team this week because of a family situation. Robertson leads the team in tackles (77), tackles for loss (81⁄ and sacks (5). Redshirt junior Khaylan Kearse-Thomas is expected to start in place of Robertson.
MASTER MARCUS: McMaryion has thrown for 3,453 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. What stands out to Tedford is the three interceptions McMaryion has thrown, with his selfless nature key in avoiding turnovers. “Marcus understands when to get rid of the football. If it's not there, he's not the ego guy that is going to try to force things for his stats,” Tedford said.
BRILLIANT BENJAMIN: Arizona State has never had a player lead what is now the Pac-12 in rushing since joining the conference in1978. That is about to change because of sophomore running back Eno Benjamin, who has 1,524 yards rushing and 15 rushing touchdowns going into the bowl game. Benjamin leads Washington senior Myles Gaskin, the next-closest Pac-12 running back who will play in a bowl game, by 448 yards. Matchup: Where: Time: Favorite: The Buzz: Matchup: Utah State (10-2) vs. North Texas (9-3)
Where: Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque Time: 2 p.m. TV: ESPN
Favorite: Utah State by 7.5 points
The Buzz: The New Mexico Bowl is known for offensive fireworks and wild finishes. The trend could continue this year with two high-powered offenses led by Utah State QB Jordan Love and North Texas QB Mason Fine.
Matchup:
Where: Time: Favorite: The Buzz: Matchup: Georgia Southern (9-3) vs. Eastern Michigan (7-5)
Where: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Ala. Time: 5:30 p.m. TV: ESPN
Favorite: Georgia Southern by 2
The Buzz: After a few rough seasons, former FCS power Georgia Southern has gotten back on track with a formidable run game powered by RB Wesley Fields and QB Shai Werts, and has turned the ball over just five times all season. Matchup: Middle Tennessee (8-5) vs. Appalachian State (10-2)
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
Time: 9 p.m. TV: ESPN
Favorite: Appalachian State by 6.5 points The Buzz: Two strong Group of 5 programs face off in this game, with interim coach Mark Ivey eager to score a win for his alma mater after head coach Scott Satterfield took the Louisville job.