Kansas football at Arizona State: Five things to know about Jayhawks’ next Big 12 game
After four straight defeats, Kansas football looks to end its losing skid on the road in Tempe, Arizona.
The Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2 Big 12) lost 38-27 to TCU at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.
KU will face Big 12 newcomer Arizona State this coming weekend. The Sun Devils are coming off a bye week.
Here’s more about this week’s game:
KU football at ASU game details
Kickoff: 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Tempe, Arizona; Mountain American Field
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City; Wichita 92.3
Early betting line: KU is a 3-point underdog.
Five things to know
1. This game will be the first-ever meeting between Kansas and Arizona State. Arizona State joined the conference in July after being part of the Pac-12. It will be the Sun Devils’ first-ever Big 12 home game.
2. Expectations for Arizona State were low coming into the season. In fact, Big 12 media members picked them to finish dead last. The Sun Devils (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) are off to a good start, as ASU won all of its nonconference games. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks were picked to finish fourth in the conference but have lost their first two conference games to TCU and West Virginia.
3. The Sun Devils are averaging 32.8 points per game and 409.3 yards of offense. Transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has completed 65 of 110 passes (59.1%) for 855 yards and three touchdowns through four games. He also has rushed 39 times for 180 yards and four scores.
4. ASU’s defense has done a great job limiting opponents’ run game. Teams have averaged only 82.3 rushing yards per game against the Sun Devils. On top of that, ASU has only surrendered two rushing touchdowns this season.
5. Safety Myles Rowser leads the Sun Devils with 37 tackles. He has 12 solo tackles and even a sack. Rowser has also deflected three passes. The defensive back from Detroit has the nickname “Ghost,” according to his ASU Athletics page.