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Ranking Arizona Football’s Opponents from Worst to Best

By Eric Townsend

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: The Arizona Wildcats take the field prior to the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Arizona Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: The Arizona Wildcats take the field prior to the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Arizona Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Kyle Williams #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is congratulated by teammates after catching a 18 yard touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Kyle Williams #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is congratulated by teammates after catching a 18 yard touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 8 Arizona State Sun Devils

2017 Record: 7-6 (6-3)

I suppose they could be higher on the list strictly based on the rivalry aspect, but just from an objective look, ASU has a lot of unsettled positions and questions heading into 2018.

First off, the Sun Devils lose Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage in the backfield, which is quite a bit of their production! However, they do return Manny Wilkins at quarterback and more importantly N’Keal Harry, who will arguably be the best receiver in the Pac-12 in 2018.

The biggest questions they have though will be on defense.

As a unit, it’s not secret they struggled mightily, ranking 108th overall according to NCAA.com. That same unit also loses a number of starters from that group.

While a new coach could be the difference maker in making a huge step forward, it is tough to say if that will indeed happen at this point.

Overall, I don’t see their defense being improved enough that would significantly make them better in 2018. Even more challenging for ASU is their tough schedule could knock them out bowl eligibility early on in the year.

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