Dynamic speed attack will test the endurance for Arizona State's defense
It doesn't need to be said, but here it is anyway: Texas A&M will test Arizona State in ways that Morgan State never could.
Under the leadership of newly promoted offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, the Aggies will bring their pro-spread style offense to the gridiron at Kyle Field, led by dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed.
Containment will be a major key for the Sun Devils defense. Reed has the ability, and more importantly the trust from his coaches to make direct decisions with the expanded run-pass option catalog that Wiggins has implemented. Already an accomplished passer, Reed rushed for 493 yards in his 13 games in 2025, finding the end zone 6 times on the ground. While his explosive abilities weren't on full display in the 50-0 win over Missouri State last weekend, the challenge comes to the defensive front to bring consistent pressure without being overly aggressive in the box, and prevent him from bouncing outside to extend the play.
Reed is not a run-first quarterback, but will cause damage without breaking a sweat if left without containment. His ability to work his progressions and find receivers down the field puts added strain on a secondary that is already being put to the test by the faster tempo offensive style. The "Big Three" wide receivers in Mario Craver, Isaiah Horton, and Ashton Bethel-Roman will launch themselves deep in the secondary with a blend of physicality and speed. Add in Terry Bussey, technically a wide receiver but more in the mold of Deebo Samuel in his designed runs, this offense can find the end zone in dozens of different ways.
In the backfield, Rueben Owens II handles the majority of the carries with his physical zone-running attack, while Jamarion Morrow has found his role in the RPO as well as screen passes. While not as punishing as the air game is, the physical nature of Owens' play is designed to wear down the defensive front to open up the passing game for Reed.
While the Aggies run heavily on 11 personnel packages (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers) in an attempt to push the spread coverage of opposing defenses, their tight ends are largely limited to blocking schemes, or used as deep secondary options in the passing game. That offers reinforcement to a revamped offensive line that is anchored by the lone returning lineman, center Mark Nabou Jr., but also narrows the true scope of receiving threats for the Sun Devils defense to account for. The key for the defense will be resisting the urge to be aggressive and overpursue, while containing the legs of Reed to prevent him from extending plays.
Kickoff between the Sun Devils and Aggies will be at 9am Arizona time on Saturday from Kyle Field, airing on ABC.
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