Arizona State’s 8-5 season, capped by a 42-39 loss to Duke, highlights a stingy run defense but a banged-up secondary. Betting implication: punters might favor opponent rushing-under props and back the Sun Devils against the spread vs. run-heavy foes; passing-total markets are riskier until the secondary’s health is clear.
Sun Devils Close 2025 at 8-5 After Heartbreaking Loss to Duke
Arizona State’s 2025 campaign ended in a 42-39 defeat to Duke, capping an uneven 8-5 season that included a Peach Bowl loss to Texas. The final record masks a defense that repeatedly showed its identity — dominant up front against the run — while personnel problems in the secondary created instability in key moments.
Defense: Run-Stopper Identity
The Sun Devils ranked third in the Big 12 in rush defense (124.0 yards allowed per game), a number that underlines the unit’s gap integrity and physical play at the line of scrimmage. Defensive linemen such as C.J. Fite and Jacob Rich Kongaika were critical in setting the tone, frequently stuffing runs at the point of attack and allowing linebackers to clean up in pursuit. That consistency has turned Arizona State into a premier destination for defensive linemen.
Secondary: Injuries, Depth and Bright Spots
Injuries shaped the secondary narrative. Safety Xavion Alford missed all but two games, forcing others into extended duty. Myles Rowser and transfer Adrian Wilson provided steady play in starting roles, while cornerback Keith Abney II emerged as a bona fide playmaker — turning in an All‑American caliber season that helped the secondary outperform its aggregate numbers. Still, the absence of key pieces at times left the pass defense vulnerable, explaining the mixed yardage metrics.
Coaching and Staff Takeaways
Defensive coordinator Brian Ward navigated matchup and injury challenges and drew praise for extracting production from a shorthanded unit. Head coach Kenny Dillingham’s public support of the defensive staff signals stability within the program and bodes well for continuity heading into offseason recruiting and development.
Looking Ahead: Team Outlook
Arizona State enters the offseason with a clear identity: a physical, run-first defense that can control tempo when healthy. The challenge will be restoring depth in the secondary and keeping playmakers on the field. If the staff rebuilds availability and maintains the defensive line’s production, the Sun Devils should be in position to improve in 2026.
Betting Implications
The team’s run defense suggests value in opponent rushing-under props and in backing Arizona State against the spread when facing run-heavy opponents. Conversely, passing-total markets and over/under totals could be volatile while the secondary’s health is uncertain; monitor injury reports closely before wagering on moneylines or team/pass totals.
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Brian Ward did another exceptional job leading the Sun Devils in 2025.
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