Arizona State vs. Baylor: Three Keys for the Sun Devils to Win in Waco

When Arizona State travels to Waco on September 20, 2025, to face the Baylor Bears, it won’t just be another non-conference game—it will be a test of toughness, discipline, and execution against a Big 12 opponent that plays a physical brand of football. For the Sun Devils, coming off an up-and-down stretch, this matchup provides a golden opportunity to prove they can handle the grind and set the tone for the rest of their season.

If ASU wants to walk out of McLane Stadium with a win, there are three keys that stand out above the rest: controlling the line of scrimmage, creating consistent pressure, and forcing turnovers.

1. Control the Line of Scrimmage

Everything starts in the trenches. Baylor will want to leverage a power run game and their offensive line to wear down ASU’s defense. If the Sun Devils’ defensive front can’t hold its ground, the Bears will dominate clock and control momentum.

For Arizona State, this means guys like C.J. Fite (defensive tackle) must win their interior matchups, plug running lanes, and demand double teams to free up others. Meanwhile, edge defenders like Clayton Smith and Prince Dorbah must be physical and get off blocks at the point of attack.

On offense, the Sun Devils have to match that physicality. The offensive line, anchored by Max Iheanachor and Ben Coleman, with Josh Atkins at left tackle, needs to open up holes for the running backs—most notably Kanye Udoh, the bruising Army transfer—and protect quarterback Sam Leavitt in the pocket. If the run game is effective early, it forces Baylor to respect multiple threats and keeps their defense off balance.

The bottom line: whichever ASU unit wins the line of scrimmage likely controls the flow of this game.

2. Create Pressure

Baylor’s offense becomes much less dangerous when they are off-schedule. ASU needs consistent pressure on the quarterback—via both the interior and edges—to force hurried decisions.

On the interior, C.J. Fite will play a huge role in collapsing the pocket. Outside, Clayton Smith (RDE) and Prince Dorbah (LDE) must use their length, speed, and power to generate pressure off the edge.

Expect linebackers like Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook to be used creatively in blitz packages. Disguised pressure could force Baylor into throwing into coverage or rushing their reads—exactly the type of mistakes ASU must capitalize on.

Meanwhile, protecting Sam Leavitt is just as important on the offensive side. If the Sun Devils’ line can neutralize Baylor’s pass rush, playmakers like Jordyn Tyson and Jalen Moss can stretch the field vertically.

3. Force Turnovers

Turnovers are always game-changers, especially on the road. With veteran safety Xavion Alford sidelined due to injury, the responsibility of anchoring the secondary shifts to Adrian “Boogie” Wilson.

Wilson, stepping into the starting safety role, will need to be a steady voice in the back end—calling coverages, ensuring proper alignment, and being the reliable last line of defense. His ability to stay disciplined while still playing aggressively could be critical.

Cornerback Keith Abney II, who has developed into one of ASU’s top defensive backs, is another player who can swing momentum with his ball skills. Meanwhile, linebackers like Jordan Crook must stay active in pursuit and look to punch balls loose in traffic. A strip sack from Clayton Smith or an interception by Wilson or Abney could tilt the field in ASU’s favor.

Special teams can also play a role—field position swings or a timely takeaway could flip momentum in an instant.

Final Thoughts

Arizona State isn’t walking into an easy environment in Waco. Baylor will be physical, disciplined, and determined to defend home turf. But the formula for a Sun Devil victory is clear:

1. Win the trenches with Fite, Smith, Dorbah on defense and Iheanachor, Coleman, Atkins on offense.

2. Generate pressure through both defensive line play and creative linebacker blitzes.

3. Force turnovers, with Wilson stepping into a leadership role in the secondary and Abney II providing playmaking on the outside.

If ASU executes on those three keys, they’ll not only have a chance to beat Baylor—they’ll have the chance to make a defining statement for the 2025 season.