LONDON – The Sun Devils have travelled across the pond to face off against Kansas on September 19th in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium. 

 

Both teams have a 1-1 record and losses to SEC opponents. This is also the Big 12 opener for both schools. 

 

This will be the second meeting of the Sun Devils and Jayhawks. The teams first met head-to-head in 2024, when ASU won 35-21 after Jordyn Tyson scored the winning touchdown with 16 seconds remaining.

 

The Sun Devils gave Texas A&M a run for their money last week until the third quarter, and ultimately lost 48-20. What cost them the game was four turnovers, including two fourth-quarter pick-sixes and nine penalties for 62 yards. 

 

“Try to play a cleaner game,” Head coach Kenny Dillingham said on his goals this week. “Try to play the best football game we can.”

 

Kansas QB Threat

 

This game will test the defense.

 

Kansas redshirt sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall has thrown for 414 yards and four touchdowns through his first two career starts. 

 

“There are times he throws absolutely unbelievable throws,” Dillingham said. “I mean, did y’all see the play he jumped and 360-ed and threw the ball for completion?”

 

Marshall is able to make plays in the air and on the ground, but has had some accuracy issues early on.

 

“We have to make sure we capture him, and we don’t let him get loose,” Dillingham said.

 

The Sun Devils have kept opponents to only 25% conversion on third downs, which ranks 22nd nationally. They have also only allowed 97 rushing yards per game.

 

Under defensive coordinator Brian Ward, this trend will likely continue, as ASU finished third in the Big 12 in rushing defense last season. 

 

Dynamic Duo

 

With the dynamic duo of junior quarterback Cutter Boley and senior wide receiver Reed Harris on offense, the Jayhawks will have to put up a fight. 

 

“Reed (Harris) is a guy that’s really reliable, and a guy that we trust with the ball in his hands,” Boley said. 

 

Boley has constantly looked for Harris downfield. Against Texas A&M one week ago, Harris reeled in just under 75% of ASU’s recieving yardage, including a 58-yard touchdown. 

 

“It’s not just the talent,” Dillingham said. “It’s his mindset and how he approaches every single day that is why he is having that success.” 

 

This game will test the water, or, as a Londoner would say, this game will test the pond.