Herm Edwards had an impressive first season as Arizona State head coach. How will the Sun Devils fare in their second season under Edwards?
When Herm Edwards was hired by the Arizona State Sun Devils, the hiring was met with confusion and some backlash. The first year under Edwards ended up being a success and reignited a program.
The Sun Devils started the season with a win over UTSA and followed that up with the signature win at home over Michigan State as time expired. The Devils quick 2-0 start would become 2-2 with losses to San Diego State and Washington on the road, but both were competitive losses.
Senior quarterback Manny Wilkins was a tough out for most defenses and eventual first-round draft pick N’Keal Harry was one of the most exciting players in the country. They had some disappointing losses like the one at Colorado, but they made up for it with wins against USC and Utah.
The Territorial Cup is the game that will stand out most to Sun Devils fans. Down 40-21 late to the Wildcats, Arizona State came all the way back for the 41-40 victory. It was the final stamp of approval on a season that surpassed expectations.
Arizona State fell in the Las Vegas Bowl to Fresno State but it doesn’t take away from what Edwards is starting to build. He won’t have Wilkins or Harry, but he has Dillon Sterling-Cole at quarterback now and a superstar running back in Eno Benjamin. A steady diet of feeding Benjamin the ball and perhaps dynamic freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels taking over could pave the way for an exciting Arizona State season. How will the Sun Devils finish in 2019?