The Sports Brewery

Previewing the Pac in 10 days – #9 Arizona State Sun Devils

Posted on 24. Aug, 2010 at 5:00 am by bbryan in Beer + Stuff, NCAA Football, PAC-10 Football

Over the last 10 work days leading up to the start of the season we will be previewing the Pac-10 in reverse predicted order of finish. Previous reviews can be found here: 10

Last Year: 2-7, 9th place

The Good - The Defense is their strength.  Led by stud middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict the Sun Devils only allowed 300 ypg last year.  Only the leagues two best offenses got into the 30′s (Standford put up 33, Oregon put up 44).  The line is anchored by tackles Lawrence Guy and Saia Falahola, both who could be seeing playing time on Sundays in the future.  Cornerback Omar Bolden is a very good cornerback, when healthy.  It’s hard to get much offense going against the Devils and if the they can keep the games below 20 they have a good chance to win.

The Bad - The entire offense was horrible last year and only 3 of them return.  None of which were any good last year.  According to coach Dennis Erickson the Devils have two good quarterbacks in Brock Osweiler and Steven Threet.  Erickson goes as far to claim that Osweiler is “as talented as I’ve had at the position.” Pure coach speak.  If he was as talented of a QB as Erickson has ever had he wouldn’t be in a battle with a Michigan reject.  While the defense is their strength the secondary could be a big liability.  The Devils need to replace both safeties and the health of Bolden is always a concern.  If Bolden is unable to stay on the field the strength of their front seven could be come neutralized due to a weak secondary.

The Skinny - For whatever reason .023 Erickson has met his match in Tempe.  Many, including myself, thought he would find great success at Arizona State.  However it hasn’t happened and the future doesn’t look promising.  Without any reliable play makers it’s hard to envision the Devils having much success in a conference that demands efficiency on offense. You only get to play the Huskies once a year.

Prediction: 2-7 and Erickson gets fired steps down.

Tags: Arizona State Sun Devils Football, Pac-10 Preview