#13 Arizona State Preview

#13 Arizona State Preview

The Sun Devils had their best season since 1996 under first year Head Coach Dennis Erickson. The success of the 2007 Sun Devils breathed new life into a team that fell short of a BCS bid. Does ASU have what it takes this season to get a BCS bid? Jeffrey Gearhart looks at the Sun Devils andgives us his take.

ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
HEAD COACH-Dennis Erickson
2007 Record: 10-3

2007 REVIEW
The Sun Devils had their best season since 1996 under first year Head Coach Dennis Erickson. The success of the Sun Devils breathed new life into a team that fell short of a BCS bid. After starting the season 8-0, the Sun Devils had two disappointing losses to Oregon and USC and saw their chance at a BCS berth slip away. After finishing the season at 10-3, Arizona State came up short in the Holiday Bowl losing to Texas 52-34.

TEAM MVP
If quarterback Rudy Carpenter can improve on last season's success, he is sure to be the team MVP, as well as on the national spotlight. Despite the repeated sacks by opposing defenses, Carpenter held things together amassing over 3,000 yards passing and 25 touchdowns. Although Carpenter is most likely a long shot for the Heisman, you can expect to see him in the hunt for the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien Award's lists.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK
Rudy Carpenter is the sure thing for the Sun Devils. Expectations remain high for Carpenter to solidify himself as one of the nation's premier quarterbacks. Sitting at the number two slot is Danny Sullivan who has grown and matured, not only on the field, but physically as well. Redshirt freshmen Chasen Stangel and Samson Szakacsy will look to develop their skills under Carpenter and Sullivan. True freshman Jack Elway, the son of Hall of Fame Quarterback John Elway, migrates south from Colorado to join the Sun Devils, but will most likely redshirt.

RUNNING BACK
The Arizona State backfield will feature the potent talent of Keegan Herring and Dimitri Nance. Herring and Nance start the season as the most accomplished ground crew in the conference. The Sun Devils will employ depth to add to the running game. Juniors Shaun DeWitty and Jarrell Woods have exceptional skills and size to help in short-yardage efforts. With Cole Ptacek and Avory Battle on the depth chart, the Sun devils will have plenty to choose from.

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END
Arizona State plans to use several four- and five- receiver sets this season, and will have plenty of talent to do so. Chris McGaha, Michael Jones, and Kyle Williams are explosive threats that will be the top three receivers for the Sun Devils. All three on the field at the same time, coupled with back-ups Kerry Taylor and Nate Kimbrough will most definitely give secondary's problems this season. Arizona State will implement a multiple tight end formation anchored by powerful Andrew Pettes. After serving in a reserve roll, Pettes will sit atop the depth chart followed by the athletic Jovon Williams.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Senior Paul Fanaika and sophomore Shawn Lauvao return at the guard positions, and the challenge to replace the others lies with young, hungry, and athletic players willing to take the place of the departed. Richard Tuitu'u is the top candidate to start at right tackle, while converted defensive tackle Jon Hargis is the favorite to start at the other tackle spot. Although Hargis is the favorite, he will be contended by Tom Njunge and Mike Marcisz.The biggest hole to fill is at center, but Thomas Altieri and Garth Gerhart will be in tight competition to earn the starting nod. Adam Tello and Matt Husted will add to the depth and look for their share of playing time up front.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE
Arizona State is hoping for more blitzing and an increased emphasis in establishing the pass rush. As the potentially sturdiest position of the line, defensive ends Luis Vasquez and Dexter Davis will look to lead that charge. Up front at tackle, David Smith is a tough player with an excellent work ethic and he hopes that keeps him up front. Jonathon English and Saia Falahola are the main competitors for the remaining spot up front. Paul 'Unga, Bo Moos, and Dave Bertrand provide depth at tackle for Arizona State, while the physical and aggressive Jamarr Robinson, highly intriguing prospect James Brooks, and Eric Turner bolster the end position.

LINEBACKER
The Sun Devils group of linebackers has the potential to be the one of the most deep and dangerous units in the conference, that is loaded with competitive performers. Junior Travis Goethel, the teams leading returning tackler, has steadily progressed over the last few years and sits atop the depth chart on the strong side. Goethel will have plenty of depth behind him with Derrall Anderson and Jeff Bereuter. Gerald Munns' high-level effort has earned him the top at the middle linebacker. If Munns doesn't perform however, Mike Nixon, Morris Wooten, and Chad Lindsey are waiting to prove their worth. The weak side isn't set, but Ryan McFoy is on the radar to start. His speed, tenacity, and mental skills make him the ideal choice, but Oliver Aaron, who is emerging as a top threat, is waiting for his chance to excel. Colin Parker and Anthony Reyes provide additional depth.

SECONDARY
At the corner position, Omar Bolden has solidified himself as a lockdown presence in the secondary. Travis Smith and Terell Carr are the most likely candidates expected to compete opposite Bolden. Carr, a versatile and fast defensive back, has put up a substantial push for the starting nod. Providing depth at the corners, Grant Crunkleton, Pierre Singfield, and Cameron Harkey will battle for playing time in the secondary. With a wealth of experience, the Sun Devils have an army of talent at the safety position led by Troy Nolan. Nolan has a showcase for his playmaking skills and is a sensational back that is sure not to disappoint. The strong safety position will probably be the most heated competition on the team. Both Rodney Cox and Jarrell Holman have extensive playing time, and are viable candidates to assume the starting role. Max Tabach and Jonathan Clark have shown the potential to make a significant impact in the secondary.

SPECAIL TEAMS
Placekicker Thomas Weber, winner of the 2007 Lou Groza award, returns to handle the kicking duties once again. Weber, after taking over mid-season last year, will most likely handle the punting duties as well. If it proves too much for Weber, Zach Richards could step in to punt. Lurking in the rear is Kevin Ivkovich who will compete for time as punter. Return duties could see an assortment of players, lead by Kyle Williams. Williams could assume the role of returning all kicks and punts, but McGaha is likely to take some of those.

2008 OUTLOOK
After sharing the Pac-10 Championship with USC, the Sun Devils are poised to make another run to the top. This season they want to stand alone at the top. It won't be easy, but Dennis Erickson has the ability to make it happen, especially after last season. Although Arizona State lost some key players from last year, there are plenty of worthwhile and talented replacements to take over. The test for the Sun Devils will come early in the season, when the Georgia Bulldogs travel to Sun Devil stadium September 20. Their next test comes against conference rival USC on October 11 in Los Angeles. If Arizona State can get past those two, the likelihood of a BCS berth in very promising.

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