Compiling information for my preview that will be published in a day or two, found some figures of note:
- As many know, this will be the first of back-to-back triple option offenses as both Cal Poly and New Mexico run the antiquated system.
- Cal Poly isn't much for kicking. The Mustangs only attempted TWO field goals in 2014, though they did attempt three alone last week against Montana -- and won the game on a 49-yarder.
- The previous note makes sense considering in 2014 Cal Poly attempted 35 fourth down conversions (converting 23). The Mustangs were 4-of-6 on fourth downs last week. I'd assume in a game like this, Cal Poly will go for broke.
- ASU has excruciatingly faced many top flight punt returners recently. Not so much the case when it comes to Cal Poly. Last week, the Mustangs totaled one yard on two returns and in all of 2014 they had 36 yards on 6 punt returns -- 17 of which on the long return of the year.
- ASU will once again be tested by a mobile QB as it was when Kyler Murray was in the game. Last year, Cal Poly QB Chris Brown rushed for 1,265 yards and had 130 last week.
- Look out for tiny WR Roland Jackson. The 5-10, 150-pounder had 47 yards on two catches last week and in 2014 averaged nearly THIRTY yards per reception (415 on 14 catches). Though Cal Poly won't throw much, he can make you pay.
- On paper, Cal Poly appears to be working to replace two of its top defenders from 2014, a duo that totaled 275 tackles last year -- one of which surpassed 160 tackles.
