As Arizona State prepares for their Peach Bowl clash against Texas in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, a significant part of their success this season can be attributed to their offense. Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, a coach with a strong offensive background, Arizona State has turned into one of the most dynamic offensive units in the nation. However, while Dillingham plays a pivotal role in the team’s overall philosophy, he does not call plays.
After a rough start to his tenure with his first offensive coordinator, Dillingham made a crucial decision by hiring Marcus Arroyo for the role. Arroyo, a seasoned coach with experience under legendary figures like Jeff Tedford and Todd Monken, had previously been an offensive coordinator at Oregon and served as the head coach at UNLV. Despite a difficult stint in Las Vegas, Arroyo arrived in Tempe with a reputation for building efficient offenses. His challenge was to mold an attack around standout running back Cam Skattebo and freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer who showed promise from the outset.
While there were some bumps along the way early in the season, Arroyo found his rhythm as the season progressed. Skattebo has emerged as one of the top rushers in the country, and Leavitt, who has impressed in his first year, looks set to be a Heisman contender next season. However, the Sun Devils now face a serious test: Texas’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, is regarded as one of the most formidable in college football.
Texas Defense: A Dominant Force
Kwiatkowski, a highly respected defensive mind, has built Texas’ defense into a juggernaut. The Longhorns’ defense finished the regular season ranked third in yards allowed, second in points allowed, and fourth in takeaways — a rare feat that no other defense in the nation has accomplished. Kwiatkowski has quietly earned his place among the top defensive coordinators in college football. A former Boise State player and long-time defensive coach, Kwiatkowski has made stops at Snow College, Eastern Washington, and Montana State before returning to Boise State and following head coach Chris Petersen to Washington.
In 2021, Kwiatkowski took his talents to Texas, and in just a few seasons, he transformed the Longhorns into a defensive powerhouse. Texas has seen eight defenders selected in the NFL Draft during Kwiatkowski’s tenure, with more likely to follow. Kwiatkowski’s defensive philosophy revolves around a 2-4-5 alignment, which features two down linemen, four linebackers (two edge rushers and two off-ball), and five defensive backs. This approach emphasizes stunts, twists, and simulated pressures rather than relying heavily on blitzing.
Adapting Coverage to SEC Challenges
With Texas preparing to enter the SEC, Kwiatkowski knew he had to adapt to face more run-heavy offenses. This led to the hiring of Johnny Nansen, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Arizona. Nansen’s background with defensive schemes like Cover 1 and Cover 3, which are designed to clog the middle of the field and stop the run, complemented Kwiatkowski’s approach. This partnership has resulted in a hybrid defensive system that uses a mix of Cover 3 (39.7% of snaps) and Cover 4 (25.7% of snaps), with Cover 1 (15%) and Cover 2 (8.4%) used less frequently.
For Arizona State, facing this defense will be a daunting challenge. The Sun Devils will need to stretch the field vertically to exploit the open spaces in both Cover 3 and Cover 4. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has been effective in targeting the middle of the field, with over 55% of his passes going between the numbers. However, with top receiver Jordyn Tyson sidelined, Arizona State will rely on Xavier Guillory, whose vertical capabilities were showcased in the Big 12 title game, and tight end Chamon Metayer, who will play a crucial role in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
A Wild Card in Raleek Brown
One potential game-changer for Arizona State is running back Raleek Brown, who missed much of the season due to injury but has returned to full participation in bowl practices. Brown, a speedy and agile threat, could be a key contributor both in the backfield and as a slot receiver, adding a new element to the Sun Devils’ offense. However, with limited film on Brown, it’s unclear how much impact he will have in this high-stakes matchup.
The Skattebo Showdown
Despite the challenges, the key to Arizona State’s offense remains running back Cam Skattebo. Texas has proven to be formidable against the run, ranking 11th in rushing yards allowed and 12th in yards per carry. However, Skattebo is one of the most talented backs the Longhorns will face this season. Even when opponents have loaded the box to stop him, Skattebo has found ways to break free. If Texas can contain Skattebo, it will go a long way toward disrupting Arizona State’s offensive flow. If not, the Sun Devils may have a chance to make some noise in the Peach Bowl.
In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, Arizona State’s offense, led by Arroyo, Leavitt, and Skattebo, will have to execute at a high level to overcome Texas’ elite defense, guided by the brilliance of Kwiatkowski and Nansen. The Peach Bowl will be a true test of whether Arizona State can rise to the occasion or if Texas’ defense will prove too tough to crack.
