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By MAURICIO CASILLAS
Cronkite News
TEMPE – The Arizona State defense endured two triple-option offenses in a row, but against No. 19 Southern California on Saturday it will likely go up against its toughest running attack yet.
ASU coach Todd Graham said the Trojans’ running back trio of Tre Madden, Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis is the most dynamic his team will face.
“These are very, very explosive running backs, probably the best – no doubt the best – running backs that we’ll play I think all year long.”
The Sun Devil defense has allowed opponents an average of 215 rushing yards per game, 106th nationally.
“I think it’ll be a great test,” defensive coordinator Keith Patterson said. “They have great skill at running back. So you can’t allow them to set up the play-action pass by establishing the run. Obviously we have to be able to control those backs, be great tacklers and be physical and dominate the line of scrimmage.”
Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler is one of two quarterbacks who has thrown for 10 touchdowns and no interceptions this season.
“You can’t let him just set his feet,” Patterson said. “We’ve got to do a good job of disrupting receiver timing, impeding vertical releases and things like that. And also making him move his feet and throw the ball on the run.”
Patterson said the team’s biggest strength on defense has been at the line of scrimmage.
“I like the way we’re playing up front. We’ve been very solid at linebacker, and again I think we’re sound at both corner positions,” Patterson said. “You’ve just got to pick and choose. You have to vary your coverages and techniques and things like that and keep them off balance.”
BALLAGE IS BACK: After missing the first three games of the season with mononucleosis, running back Kalen Ballage has been cleared for the game.
In the portion of Wednesday’s practice open to media, Ballage was in a green no-contact jersey. Ballage went through individual running back drills and was part of the kick-blocking unit in the tempo portion of practice.
“With Kalen it’s just about getting the timing. That’s the biggest thing, being out for a couple weeks,” offensive coordinator Mike Norvell said. “I’m excited about having him back. I’m excited about seeing what his role can be this week.”
Wide receiver Devin Lucien and De’Chavon Hayes are coming off injuries but are likely to play.
“Right now, you know, we’re working guys in, trying to see exactly what their availability’s going to be,” Norvell said. “I know they’ve been putting a lot of time in the training room making sure they’re ready to go. So we’ll see on game day.”
Arizona State head coach Todd Graham instructs one of his players during a drill for the defensive backs on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Tempe. (Photo by Mauricio Casillas/Cronkite News)