Air and Ground: Kansas to test Sun Devils defensive front with versatile attack
When the Sun Devils and Jayhawks take to the field on Saturday morning from Wembley Stadium, Andy Kotelnicki’s offense will attempt to do what the Texas A&M offense had limited success in doing: Break through against Brian Ward’s defense.
The Sun Devils will be facing a Pro Spread style offense for the second straight week, this time with a more run-focused strategy. Kansas calls for runs about 60-65% of the time, led by dual threat quarterback Isaiah Marshall. Taking over the starting job as a redshirt sophomore after making only one start in 2025, the aim is to take advantage of his mobility while developing his progression as a passer. That level of mobility has not yet been seen this season, rushing for 49 yards in a blowout win against LIU in Week 1 then being held to 23 yards in the Week 2 loss against Missouri. It will be a tall order, but the Jayhawks hope that he will be able to stretch the edges against a front four that held Texas A&M to less than 100 rushing yards last week.
Marshall will be joined in the running attack by a rotation of backs, led by the versatile Dylan Edwards. The primary speed element of the offense, Edwards has been called on out of the backfield or slotted out wide as a receiver. Much like Terry Bussey last week, this is designed to maximize Edwards’ game-breaking ability in space to catch defenses off guard. Yasin Willis is used as the ground and pound back, with a rotation behind them of Jalen Dupree and Kory Amachree.
On the occasions that a pass is called, Nik McMillan is the primary target on the outside. He combines his elite ball tracking skills with strong route running, producing solid YAC upside, reflected by his 182 yards and 22.8 YPC through two games. Outside of McMillan, however, the pickings are slim. Senior Cam Pickett is typically the receiver underneath on high probability slant routes, but has been limited with injuries, only recording 2 catches for 6 yards in his season debut against Missouri. Nahzae Cox and Keaton Kubecka step in to larger roles in his absense, Cox on the boundary opposite McMillan and Kubecka in a physical role across the middle.
At the tight end position, redshirt sophomore Carson Bruhn has emeged as the primary option, taking advantage of increased playing time in 2025 due to injuries. The only tight end to catch a pass so far this season, he is far from the only option available. Old Dominion transfer Jailen Butler brings a high level of athleticism and raw physicality to the room, leading a potential rotational depth that also consists of Leyton Cure and Carter Moses. For the most part, however, Kansas' tight ends are used mostly in blocking and decoy schemes, which should allow the Sun Devil defense to focus on the boundary threats.
Center Bryce Foster leads the offensive line,coming off a 2025 season in which he earned All-Big 12 honors. A key piece of the inside zone push, he is joined by fellow All-Big 12 honoree Kobe Banes at right guard. Enrique Cruz Jr. rounds out the experience on the right side of the line, sealing off edge to create space for Dylan Edwards to burst out to the open. The left side of the line is in for a test against the Sun Devils' defensive front, with Calvin Clements at left tackle and Amir Herring at left guard. The Sun Devils do have a decided edge against an offensive line that allows a pressure rate over 45%, worst among Power 4 teams.
If Brian Ward's defense can replicate the performance from early in the game against Texas A&M, the Sun Devils should be able to contain Isaiah Marshall and make for a difficult day for the Jawhawks offense across the pond.
Kickoff from Wembley Stadium is set for 9am Arizona time on Saturday, airing on FS1.
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