Arizona State Football: 3 takeaways from ugly win over Sacramento State
1. The run game might be in trouble
This is one area that wasn’t supposed to be an issue for Arizona State entering the season, but after rushing for just 91 yards on 39 carries against an FCS team, there’s reason for concern.
The Sun Devils did account for 171 yards on 46 carries against Kent State in the opener, but that was a low-level MAC team. Still, maybe the Sacramento State showing was just a bad night for Eno Benjamin and the run game. Either way, there’s major reason for concern heading into Week 3.
Why? Well, because Michigan State has the No. 1 run defense in the nation, dating all the way back to last season. In case you don’t recall, Benjamin was held in check the entire game against the Spartans and as he comes off his worst game in quite some time, there could be a confidence issue brewing heading into his toughest matchup of the season.
Benjamin had a tough time finding holes all night as Sacramento State was on him quickly, but he still managed 69 yards on 24 carries and broke off a 33-yarder. But he’ll need to figure things out, along with the offensive line, as Michigan State held its first opponent, Tulsa, to negative-73 rushing yards.
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It might be time to be concerned about the run game heading into that Week 3 matchup with the stingy Spartans.