PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Joshua Kelley’s string of 100-plus-yard rushing performances ended at four when, on Oct. 26, Utah held him to 90. But Kelley returned to form last week against Oregon, rolling up 161 yards on 26 carries. He should see a steady workload against an Arizona State defense that has been inconsistent against the run. The Sun Devils are holding opponents to 3.9 yards per carry for the season, but have also allowed 4.5 per in four different contests.
–TE Devin Asiasi continued to click as a pass-catcher, having emerged with Wilton Speight’s return to the lineup. Both are Michigan transfers. Asiasi scored his first touchdown of the season on Oct. 20 against Arizona, and he tallied 51 yards on three receptions last week at Oregon.
–CB Darnay Holmes may draw the most important assignment this coming week in Arizona State WR N’Keal Harry. Sun Devils offensive coordinator Rob Likens moved Harry to the slot two weeks ago against USC, and the shift paid dividends, putting the 6-foot-4 Harry primarily against undersized cornerbacks. Holmes will have to play above his 5-foot-10 frame when he draws Harry in the slot.
–DT Osa Odighizuwa will have a central role in trying to slow Arizona State RB Eno Benjamin. An outstanding through-the-tackles rusher, Benjamin has accrued 1,113 yards at a healthy 5.8-per carry clip. Odighizuwa’s role will key the Bruins’ efforts to close gaps up the middle and force Benjamin to the perimeter.
SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads the all-time series with Arizona State, 20-13-1. The Bruins’ 44-37 win last November at the Rose Bowl snapped a two-game losing skid against the Sun Devils.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You definitely look back at the mistakes you made, and they’re really minute, but at the same time, they’re big. A lot of coaches emphasize that the little things matter, and it definitely holds true. We’ve seen in these last two games that we lost, the little details (matter).” — WR Christian Pabico