Arizona State football: Defense ranks as one of the best in the nation

TEMPE, Ariz. — The 2023 Arizona State football season hasn’t gone like many wanted, especially after an underwhelming offensive performance on Saturday against Oklahoma State. However, one of the bright spots has been the defense. The Sun Devil defense led by new defensive coordinator Brian Ward, has been one of the best in the Pac-12, and near the top of the nation.

The defense has impressed for Arizona State football

Arizona State’s total defense has only given up 265 yards per game. That number is good enough for third in the conference, and 25th in FBS. Anytime you’re ranked in the top 25 of all FBS schools, that’s a good sign.

The strongest aspect of the defense has been its pass defense, as the Sun Devil secondary has only given up 165 yards per game. That’s the second-best in the Pac-12.

A huge part of the defense’s success can be credited to Brian Ward.

Ward was the defensive coordinator at Washington State prior to coming to Tempe. At Washington State last season, the Cougars had one of their best defenses in program history. Washington State was tied for third in the Pac-12 in points allowed and ranked 33rd in the FBS. The Cougars allowed just 22.4 points per game.

Those numbers don’t jump off a page until you remember it’s Washington State. WSU hadn’t finished in the top 40 in points allowed for nearly two decades. In fact, the Cougars finished 90th or worse in six seasons since 2009.

Arizona State’s toughest offensive opponents lie ahead, especially with how good the Pac-12 is this season. ASU will face off against Heisman contenders like Caleb Williams and Shadeur Sanders. There are going to be a lot of tests for the Arizona State defense this season.