Sonny Dykes warns the Horned Frogs will face “one of the top quarterbacks in the country” and a physical Arizona State team.
TCU’s Sonny Dykes praises Arizona State’s balance ahead of tonight’s showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News
TCU (3–0) is set to face Arizona State (3–1) in a primetime battle on FOX, and Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes made it clear that the Sun Devils bring one of the most complete challenges his team has faced so far.
“We’ve had such a strange season this year with a Monday night game, an open date, and now a Friday night game,” Dykes said. “We’re trying to get our players into a routine the best we can. Felt like the guys got settled in.”
Dykes praised the energy and physicality he sees on film from Arizona State.
“They don’t have a lot of weaknesses,” he said. “One of the top quarterbacks in the country, probably arguably the top receiver in the country, a veteran offensive line, good running backs, one of the best defensive fronts we’ll play against this year, linebackers that can run, and a lot of athleticism on the back end, and a kicker that’s nine out of 10 on the year. Just a really good football team that plays hard, plays physical, and plays together.”
Arizona State’s sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt has been at the center of that early-season success, totaling 748 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Dykes said the Frogs must be disciplined in keeping him contained.
“When you play against a mobile quarterback, it does help you a little bit,” he explained. “You have to control your rush. You’ve got to layer the rush in some cases where you try to keep the quarterback in the pocket. The worst thing that can happen is you let this quarterback out of the pocket. He likes to run. He’s very effective, very fast, very elusive, and he does a good job getting down before you get a chance to tackle him.”
Dykes also credited third-year ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham for building a culture that emphasizes toughness and energy.
“He’s been around really successful people. That’s how young coaches learn and that’s how guys are fast risers,” Dykes said. “He’s got a lot of energy and connects with the players well. He’s obviously a really good football coach.”
The Horned Frogs enter the matchup on the heels of a defensive performance that held rival SMU to just 94 rushing yards. “That was probably the most substantial thing that we did that gave us a chance to win the game,” Dykes said.
For TCU, the trip to Phoenix also carries a personal connection for its head coach.
“Excited to get back to Arizona,” Dykes said. “I coached at U of A for a while and lived down there. I’m sure we’ll see some friends and some people come over maybe to the game [tonight.]”
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