Amanda: Cutter Boley has won the job. He beat out Pauly Keene and freshman Jake Fette. Now, he is under center for the first time in a Big 12 season opener against Morgan State on Saturday night. This is not just a warm-up; this is the moment of truth for Kenny Dillingham’s fourth year.
Paul: It feels like we have been talking about this quarterback competition for weeks. But now that it is settled, the pressure shifts entirely to Boley. He needs to show poise immediately against a team that will be looking to make a statement.
Amanda: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I am Amanda, and with me is Paul. We are your daily source for Arizona State Sun Devils football. If you are new here, you are in the right place. We break down every snap, every roster move, and every storyline.
Paul: And I am Paul. Today, we are looking at the biggest question mark heading into kickoff: can our offensive line protect Cutter Boley? We also have updates on the running back committee and what to expect from the wide receiver corps.
Amanda: Here is what we are covering today. First, we break down the matchup angles between ASU and Morgan State. Second, we look at the key players who need to step up, specifically focusing on the skill positions. And third, we give you our keys to victory and a bold prediction for the game.
Paul: We know the record is 0-0. We know ASU is ranked first in the Big 12 by some metrics. But rankings do not matter until the ball is snapped. Let us get into it.
Amanda: Let’s start with the big picture. Morgan State is coming in as an FCS opponent. Historically, these are supposed to be tune-up games. But last week, we talked about how dangerous it is to underestimate anyone in Week 1. What is your read on the Ducks' mindset going into this one?
Paul: The mindset has to be professional. You cannot let your guard down. The headline said 'Arizona State kicks off coach Kenny Dillingham's fourth season at home.' That is a big deal. The fanbase is energized. But Morgan State will come out fast because they want to prove something.
Amanda: Right. And remember, this is a Saturday night game. 10 p.m. ET. The crowd is going to be loud. How does that impact the offense, especially with a rookie starting quarterback in Cutter Boley?
Paul: It impacts communication. Boley needs to hear the calls. If the noise gets too high, he might have to use silent counts or rely heavily on his pre-snap reads. That is where his preparation matters. Did he win the job because he was the loudest voice in the room? Probably not. It was likely his decision-making.
Amanda: Exactly. And that brings us to the other storylines. The headlines mentioned 'Lane vs. Dabo' and 'Paul Norvell vs. the hot seat.' Obviously, those are SEC stories, but they set the tone for the conference. In the Big 12, it is all about momentum. Does a win over Morgan State set the table for the rest of the season?
Paul: Absolutely. If Boley looks comfortable, if the offensive line holds up, you build confidence. If he struggles, you spend the next two weeks answering questions instead of practicing. The stakes feel higher than they usually do for an FCS matchup because of the QB uncertainty.
Amanda: So, no turnovers early. Clean execution. That is the goal. But we also have to talk about the defense. Last episode, Paul, you predicted a turnover in the first quarter against Morgan State. Are you still standing by that?
Paul: I am. FCS teams often try to establish the run early to test the front seven. If ASU’s defensive linemen can penetrate the A-gaps, they can force a fumble or hurry a bad throw. I still think we see a takeaway in the first twelve minutes.
Amanda: Bold. I like it. So, we have the offensive line question, the QB debut, and the defensive turnover prediction. That is the landscape. Before we dive into the specific players, I want to take a quick breath.
Amanda: We need your help to keep this show free and daily. Your support pays for the research and editing that makes these breakdowns possible. Please check the link in the episode description to chip in. It keeps the feed running and helps us bring you closer to the action.
Paul: Thanks, Amanda. Let’s get into the talent. We have Cutter Boley at quarterback. But who is he throwing to? The wide receiver group is deep. Chance Ables, Cory Butler Jr., Derek Eusebio, Jaren Hamilton. Who is Boley leaning on first?
Amanda: Good question. In practice reports, Harry Hassmann and Omarion Miller have been getting buzz. But look at the roster. You have Reed Harris, Uriah Neloms, and even Jalen Moss. It is a crowded room. Boley needs to find a rhythm with someone quickly.
Paul: I would watch Jason Brown Jr. in the running back field. He is part of a committee with David Avit, Kyson Brown, Marquis Gillis, and Cardae Mack. The coaching staff loves using multiple backs to keep defenses guessing. Against Morgan State, they might lean on Brown for his physicality.
Amanda: And what about the offensive line? We listed Tana Alo-Tupuola, Luke Baklenko, Desean Bryant Jr., Brent Helton, Wade Helton. That is a lot of names. Is there continuity there?
Paul: That is the concern. When you have that many tackles and guards listed, it suggests battles throughout the week. For Boley to succeed, five guys need to move as one unit. If there is any miscommunication on pass protection, Boley is in trouble. He needs time to read the coverage.
Amanda: So, protection is key. And tight ends? Khamari Anderson, James Giggey, AJ Ia. Are they involved in the passing game?
Paul: They should be. FCS defenses sometimes play softer against the run, which opens up seam routes for tight ends. If Boley can hit Khamari Anderson on a crossing route, that moves the chains. It takes the pressure off the wide receivers to go deep every single down.
Amanda: Makes sense. Short, efficient throws to start. Get Boley comfortable. Then open it up. Any injury concerns we need to watch for? The brief doesn't list any current injuries, but is anyone questionable?
Paul: No reported injuries in the data. Everyone is available. That is huge. It means Boley has his full cast of weapons. No excuses. He goes out there with Chance Ables, Jason Brown Jr., and the whole OL. Full strength.
Amanda: Okay, so we have the players identified. Boley, the RB committee, the OL stability question. Now, let’s talk keys to the game. What does ASU need to do to win comfortably?
Paul: First, establish the run early. If they can get Jason Brown Jr. or David Avit going, it sets up play-action. And play-action is your best friend when you have a young quarterback. It slows down the defense and gives Boley more time.
Amanda: Second key? Defense stops them on third down. If the D can get three-and-outs, Boley stays fresh. He doesn’t need to carry the whole load. Just manage the game. Keep the chains moving. Avoid turnovers.
Paul: Agreed. And third? Special teams. Field position matters. If the punter and kicker are solid, you pin them deep. It gives the defense a chance to create that turnover I predicted earlier.
Amanda: Alright, Paul. Bold prediction time. We already did the first-quarter turnover. What is another call? How does this game end?
Paul: I predict ASU wins by at least twenty points. And Cutter Boley throws for over two hundred yards. Not because he is a superstar yet, but because the game script will be positive. They will be ahead, so they can throw with confidence.
Amanda: Two hundred yards. I like that. It shows he earned the job. He didn't just win the practice squad spot; he performed in Week 1. We will see if we are right.
Paul: Remember, we also predicted 9 to 11 wins for the season. This game is the foundation. If they handle Morgan State, the rest of the Big 12 starts to look different.
Amanda: That is our preview. Boley starts. The offense needs to click early. The defense needs to force a turnover. And the fans need to be ready for a Saturday night showdown.
Paul: If you enjoyed this breakdown, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app. Share this with a fellow Sun Devil fan. It helps the show grow.
Amanda: Thank you for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. We will be back tomorrow with more Arizona State news. Go Sun Devils!