The Herm Edwards era has begun.
The new head coach led Arizona State to a 49-7 victory over the University of Texas at San Antonio on Saturday night. Many have been questioning his coaching ability, as he’s been out of the job for nearly 10 years, but he couldn’t have had a better start.
The Sun Devils held the Roadrunners to 220 yards and Manny Wilkins threw for four touchdowns in a dominating performance in front of their home crowd. The Roadrunners were just simply outmatched on all sides of the ball.
Saturday night’s game marks twenty straight home opener wins for Arizona State.
WR N’Keal Harry
Week 1 Stats vs. UTSA: 140 YDS, 2 TD
The first touchdown of the season belongs to N’Keal Harry. Catching a screen pass from Wilkins, he ran it for 58 yards. Harry is, arguably, one of the best wide receivers in the Pac-12, maybe even College Football and you can see why after watching his performance from Saturday night.
He got his second touchdown of the night in the third quarter. Harry put the Sun Devils up 42-0 with a 31-yard pass from Wilkins. UTSA’s defense was no competition for Harry. If this game is any indication of how the rest of his will go, defenses should be worried.
Grade vs. UTSA: A+
Draft Stock: First Round
QB Manny Wilkins
Week 1 Stats vs. UTSA: 16/24, 237 YDS, 4 TD
Behind a strong offensive line that didn’t allow a sack the whole night, Wilkins had a thrilling game. He’s entering his last season with the Sun Devils and is working to prove how dominant he can be if he remains healthy, something he’s struggled with in his time in Tempe.
Wilkins connected with Harry, Eno Benjamin, and Terrell Chatman for a total of four touchdowns on the night. He tacked on 28 rushing yards and was able to sit out the fourth quarter with his team at ease against the Roadrunners.
Grade vs. UTSA: A
Draft Stock: 6th – 7th Round
DB Chase Lucas
Week 1 Stats vs. UTSA: 5 TOT, 5 SOLO, 1 SACK
LB Koron Crump
Week 1 Stats vs. UTSA: 1 TOT, 1 SOLO
Crump has been spending the offseason recovering from an ACL injury he sustained last September. He’s been limited in practice and that carried over to the season opener. Crump entered the game, but only on special teams.
Grade vs. UTSA: B – ACL injuries deserve leniency.
Draft Stock: 6th – 7th Round
LB Jay Jay Wilson
Week 1 Stats vs. UTSA
Under suspension for UTSA game, the suspension is uplifted for this week’s game against Michigan State.
Grade vs. UTSA: N/A
Draft Stock: N/A
RB Eno Benjamin
Week 1 Stats vs. UTSA: 146 YDS FROM SCRIMMAGE, 1 RUSH TD, 1 REC TD