Nov 17, 2012 - 08:28 pm - By Jeff Alba for DieHardDevil.com The Sun Devil seniors stepped up big time in their last game at Sun Devil Stadium.  Keelan Johnson had two interceptions, Brandon Magee had a sack, Rashad Ross scored twice and Josh Hubner was booming punts inside the ten yard line.  On Senior Day in Tempe, the Sun Devils dominated their inferior opponent and cruised to a victory over Washington State 46-7.  It felt good to get back in the win column after the Sun Devils have ended up as the inferior opponent in the last four games.  The win also gives ASU bowl eligibility and some positive momentum as they prepare this coming week for the big game against their bitter rival. The Sun Devils took control early in this one and never looked back.  With Washington State unable to get anything going with a non-existent running game, the Sun Devil defense stepped up and shut down the Wazzu rushing attack.  More importantly, the secondary was able to keep the Cougars conference leading passing offense in check.  As a result, the Wazzu punter spent a lot of time on the field today. When ASU had the football, they wanted to attack early and often.  Tight end Chris Coyle, who scored two touchdowns in the game said, “We tried to come out fast and speed up the tempo early.”  And that’s exactly what they did.  In the first quarter, Taylor Kelly hit Ross for a 15 yard score and Coyle for an 18 yard score to set the tone.  The ASU passing attack kept rolling in the second quarter as Kelly connected with Marion Grice for a 17 yard score.  Grice made an exciting run after the catch evading multiple Cougar defenders to get in the end zone.  To end the second half, Michael Eubank, who saw more playing time today, showed off his strong arm and hit Coyle for a 29 yard touchdown strike.  The Sun Devils took a 32-0 lead into the locker room at halftime. The ASU defense continued to play solid and the scoring pace slowed down considerably for the Sun Devils in the second half.  Eubank had a one yard scoring run and Kelly connected with Ross one more time near the end of the third quarter.  ASU didn’t score in the fourth quarter and the Cougars finally got on the board with a minute left in the game to avoid the shut out. Along with the much needed win for the Sun Devils, the day was the perfect send off for the seniors on the roster.  Framed jerseys were presented to each senior player before the game and their families were in attendance to greet each player on the sideline.  After kick off and throughout the day, it was good to see the seniors step up and have a great game and enjoy their moment.  True freshman DJ Foster said it best, “We dedicate this win to the seniors.”  Good to hear that kind of respect from the future of Sun Devil football.  At the end of the day, the seniors should be proud and content with their effort and performance in their last game at Sun Devil Stadium. Let’s all secretly hope that this wasn’t Will Sutton’s final game at Sun Devil Stadium also.

Nov 17, 2012 - 09:44 am - By James Romo for DieHardDevil.com After a four game losing streak, the Sun Devils need this one bad.  ASU will step on the field today for what all of Sun Devil Nation is hoping isn't another game in a late season collapse.  We can easily point to a 2012 schedule that was back loaded with the most talented teams in the conference.  That part is true.  But when you're playing the worse team in the conference (at least conference record-wise), this is when it's time to get back to blowing people out and sending them back to their campus for a long ride home.  After ten games, most of us still trying to determine the identity of this ASU football team.  Do they have character?  Yes, absolutely.  Do they have talent?  At some positions, yes they do.  Do they have the heart and fire to fight adversity, and finish the season on a strong note?   You tell me.  We're about to find out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Tempe today.  To add to the game day atmosphere, it's Senior Day and DieHard Sun Devils like Brandon Magee, Cam Marshall, Keelan Johnson, Deveron Carr and James Morrison are scheduled to play their last game in Sun Devil Stadium.  One can only imagine that the underclassmen have enough reverence for these team leaders to play their hearts out to send them off of Frank Kush Field for the last time with a victory. We can continue to break down what the relative strengths and weaknesses of each team are every week.  That's the easy part...Just watch film and it'll jump out at you and hit you in the face.  At this point in the season, it comes down to what the psyche is for each respective team is coming into this game.  The two teams have combined for an 0-11 record over the past several weeks.  ASU started the season 5-1 with big hopes of winning the Pac-12 South Division, but have lost 4 straight and are no longer in contention.  The Cougars haven't won in the past 9 weeks.  Here's the big difference...Wazzu is playing with house money and have nothing to lose at this point in the season.  I would expect that they'd all prefer to have the focus on upsetting ASU versus continuing to talk about their distractions off the field.  ASU is trying to salvage what was, at one point, an extremely ambitious start to the season after facing so many question marks all over the field in fall camp.  WSU is facing a myriad of distractions after all-time leading Cougar receiver Marquess Wilson abruptly walked out of a work-out, officially left the team, and wrote a scathing letter about the state of the team under new Head Coach Mike Leach.  Now both the Pac-12 and NCAA have stated their intent to investigate the allegations by Wilson, which can't help the focus of a team.  If I'm a Cougar player, I'm looking to upset ASU just to get the focus off the negativity that's surrounded my team for the better part of the season. Washington State Offense On offense, the "Air Raid" attack that the "Pirate" (Coach Leach) employs is currently the #1 ranked passing offense in the Pac-12, averaging 360.1 yards/game.  Conversely, ASU is still the best pass defense, allowing only 176.3 yards/game.  Here's the thing, ASU has given up "explosive" plays over the past several weeks that they hadn't early on in the season.  Big plays are a very distinct possibility this weekend.  For ASU, the game plan should be pretty easy...Drop into nickel or dime defensive coverage shells and force Wazzu to beat you on the ground.  Trouble is, ASU doesn't have a true nickel or dime back that that can play the majority of snaps to take away all that down field space.  Not likely, but I really hope they've developed one in the past week.  What I see happening for ASU is that they will create as much pressure with their front four to disrupt that Wazzu aerial attack.  WSU definitely has guys who can make plays.  Even without their top receiver, guys like Brett Bartolone, Dominique Williams, and Gabe Marks will torch an unprepared secondary and linebacker core if you give them space.  The ASU secondary will have their hands full defending and trying to catch their breath covering the track meet that is the “air-raid” offense.  Wazzu has an almost non-existent running game which should allow the ASU front four to pin their ears back and bring the noise with a relentless pass rush.  RB Teondray Caldwell is the Cougar leading rusher with only 249 total yards rushing.  But make no mistake, Coach Leach hasn't won as many games over an impressive career without being able to take what the defense gives him.  I predict a shoot-out.  If I was a betting man, I'd bet the over on this game whatever Vegas thinks it should be. Washington State Defense On defense, the Cougars are allowing 428.1 yards/game.  That should be exactly what the doctor ordered for an ASU offense that has struggled to extend drives and put up points against the better teams in the conference.  And again, most fans already know that ASU has an inept receiving core who has yet to show that they can even shake single coverage for big gains.  As a result, it will be imperative to get the rushing attack going to open up the rest of what has been a limited play book for the past four weeks.  The Cougar defense lines up in a 3-4 front and has done a nice job of getting off the field after putting some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  Another thing to watch today...Can ASU sustain drives and keep them off balance using a fast tempo offense.  The limited touches that RB Marion Grice and slot receiver DJ Foster have gotten recently has been a head-scratcher.  Opening up the horizontal game in the flat to Grice and Foster will go a long way in creating 2nd and 3rd and short yardage situations.  At the end of the day, the offensive line and receiving core has got to improve their play this week.  And finding a way to get the ball into the hands of the play makers on offense is going to be imperative.  One more thing, Taylor Kelly should never be the leading rusher on a team who has such a deep backfield. Vegas has ASU as a 22 point favorite and those guys are pretty good at what they do. However, this game will be determined by the level of intensity and focus that each team shows up with.  With that in mind, this Sun Devil team has something to play for. Not only a 7-5 record and a decent bowl game that is still within reach, but also to respect and honor the seniors during their last game at Sun Devil Stadium.   Getting there starts today by taking care of business against a clearly inferior opponent.  Look for the Sun Devils to get back in the win column today against Washington State, and gain some much needed momentum to end the season.  Coach Graham, the players, the seniors and all the fans in Sun Devil Nation all need this one bad.

Nov 15, 2012 - 06:03 pm - By Jeff Alba for DieHardDevil.com Magee, Marshall, Miles, Hubner, Carr, Ross, Sampson, Ayers, Schwab, Johnson, Adams, Morrison, Pickens, Tuitea, Beatty and Auberry.  That is the list of senior ASU football players that will protect Frank Kush Field with the name on the back of their Sun Devil jerseys one last time on Saturday afternoon.  Some have had a bigger impact than others, some have contributed in different ways besides on the field and some were hindered by injuries.  Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain for every player on the list…they will all be part of the Sun Devil family for the rest of their lives.  Emotions always run high on Senior Day for both the seniors and all the other current players that want to send their guys out with a victory in their last home game.  Parents will be on hand and the senior players will reflect on their time at ASU and soak it all in as they charge out of Tillman Tunnel for the last time. Brandon Magee got choked up earlier this week when he was asked about his last game at Sun Devil Stadium.  He is one special player that has been through a lot during his time in Tempe.  Last year, he was somewhat lost in the shadows during media day when all the attention was directed at fellow linebacker and close friend Vontaze Burfict.  After his season ending Achilles injury before the 2011 season, Magee returned this year to lead by example and inspire everyone else around him.  Maybe certain things happen for a reason.   He was also a huge help during the coaching transition with the new staff.  I promise you, Coach Graham is very thankful for guys like Brandon Magee.  He will forever be one of the great character guys to ever put on a Sun Devil football uniform. Then there is Cameron Marshall.   Heading into the game this weekend, Cam is currently #12 on the all-time ASU rushing list with 2,131 yards and #4 on the all-time rushing touchdowns list with 29.  After tying the single season touchdown record last year with 18 scores, he has been grinding it out in 2012 trying to find his place in the new offense.  One thing will tell you everything you need to know about Marshall…Never once has he complained about his lack of carries this year and has been the consummate team player helping all the younger running backs on the roster.  There is no doubt he has set the tone for DJ Foster and Marion Grice. Josh Hubner will be missed for his powerful leg and more powerful personality.  Jamal Miles brought us many moments of excitement with his punt returns and swing passes out of the back field.  Sampson and Schwab did the dirty work in the trenches opening holes for running backs and protecting the quarterbacks.  Rashad Ross worked hard and had some moments in the sun.  The other seniors on the roster were all committed to working hard every day to help the team any way possible. And finally, there is Corey Adams.  A highly ranked local recruit out of Saguaro High School, his ASU career has been limited by persistent back issues.  It’s unfortunate, because nobody wanted to be on the field more and help his team more than Adams.  He battled these injury issues throughout his Sun Devil career, but never gave up.  He kept fighting every day with the hope of getting back on the field to help his team.  It never happened this year, but it doesn’t make him any less an Arizona State Sun Devil.  We salute your hard work and determination Corey. Sun Devil Seniors, thank you for the blood, sweat, tears and your commitment to the ASU football program.  And remember, you will always be part of the Sun Devil Family…for life.   New layer...

Nov 17, 2011 - 10:52 am - By Juan Roque for DieHardDevil.com   This one hurt to the core of Sun Devil Nation.  In a matter of two weeks, the perspective has changed dramatically for the future of Dennis Erickson and the ASU football program.  Before the 2011 season began, Arizona State was picked by many experts to be the favorite team in the new Pac-12 South Division.  They were supposed to finally dominate on defense, produce on offense and cruise into the Pac-12 Championship Game.  For the first eight games of the season, even though there were two losses at Illinois and Oregon, the Sun Devils looked poised to realize those predictions.  Later in the season coming off a bye week, they destroyed a Colorado team at home and headed to UCLA needing to only win two out of four to win the south title.  UCLA spoiled those plans at the Rose Bowl beating ASU 29-28.  While the let down was heartbreaking and unexpected, all was not lost for the Sun Devils.  They were still in position to achieve their goal by running the table and hoping for a UCLA loss.  Saturday afternoon, the Utah Utes gave the Sun Devils a gift when they dominated the Bruins in Salt Lake City 31-6.  ASU was again in position to run the table and clinch the South.  All they had to do was beat a 3-6 Washington State team that had lost five straight and was 1-6 in Pac-12 play. With the temperature in the 30’s and with snow flurries falling onto the Martin Stadium turf, 27,213 were watching as the Cougars lined up for the kickoff.  The Sun Devils, clad in the “classic” road look of gold/white/gold, lined up to receive.  The kick went right into the hands of Jamal Miles who sliced through the Cougars’ coverage and darted 95 yards for the touchdown.  ASU looked poised for the rout leading 7-0 with barely 13 seconds ticking off the clock.  After trading punts for two series and neither offense moving the ball, Washington State coach Paul Wulff made an unexpected change at quarterback.  Marshall Loebbestael was benched and seldom used redshirt freshman Connor Halliday took over the offense.  At the time, there was no rhyme or reason for the change.   But as the game wore on, it turned out to be the pivotal moment of the night and quite possibly Wulff’s career as the Washington State head coach. That decision alone started the nightmare and unexpectedly doomed ASU. Halliday broke out against an underperforming ASU secondary that was coming off its worse game last week and torched the Sun Devils.  On his very first pass, and with some help from a broken coverage in the ASU secondary, he hit a wide open Marquees Wilson deep for a surprising 85 yard touchdown.  Halliday was a one man wrecking crew and made huge plays throughout the game.  He was protected well, given ample time to pick apart what looked to be an overmatched and unprepared ASU secondary.  The Sun Devils had no answer for the Cougars’ passing attack.  Halliday threw the ball at will and his receivers helped him by hauling in every pass that was in their vicinity.  On the night, Halliday dominated ASU completing 27 of 36 passes for a staggering 75% completion rate, 494 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.  It looks like Wazzu has found the next Drew Bledsoe. Despite the horrific defensive effort, ASU was still in a position to win the game.  They led at halftime 20-16 and went into the fourth quarter leading 27-23 with a chance to pull ahead by two scores.  At that pivotal point in the game, ASU was in the red zone with four downs to score and take control of the game.  ASU went for it on fourth down and the determined Cougars stopped the Sun Devils in their tracks.  Halliday then led his offense down the field with ease in a 9 play 89 yard touchdown drive that put the Cougars up 30-27.  Brock Osweiler responded leading the Sun Devils down the field to the Cougar five yard line.  Again the Cougar defense held, and in Shakespearean fashion, ASU lined up for a field goal from the four yard line which Alex Garoutte missed wide left.  The Cougars would not allow the Sun Devils another chance by scoring on their next drive pulling ahead 37-37 and then forcing a Jamal Miles fumble on the ensuing kickoff. ASU left the frozen Palouse dazed and confused, with an overall record of 6-4. Grading the Game Quarterback   Brock Osweiler was slow out of the gate and started the game out of synch.  One of the key matchups for this game was his ability to run the offense in the elements he was playing in.  This was the case during the early parts of the game.  At first Osweiler looked uncomfortable, was erratic with his throws and looked to be a bit antsy in the pocket.  At first glance, it appeared the weather was bothering him.  As the game wore on, he finally settled down and completed 28 of 44 passes for 351 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.  His receivers did not help him on many of those incomplete passes due to catchable balls that were dropped.  None more important than the George Bell touchdown drop on the Sun Devils final drive.  The failed quarterback sneak attempt in the fourth quarter was due to a predictable play call and poor blocking.  Overall, Brock did his job and enough to win the game.   Grade: B-   Receivers   Dropped passes plagued this unit especially Mike Willie, Aaron Pflugrad and George Bell.  The cold weather had an impact as the ball feels different and receivers have to make athletic plays, like Wazzu did.  The bright spot was Gerell Robinson, who dominated the Cougar secondary when he was targeted by Osweiler.  Robinson caught eight passes for 158 yards and touchdown.  Despite a couple of drops, Aaron Pflugrad chipped in after being quiet the week before by hauling in four passes for 53 yards.  Mike Willie also redeemed some early drops and caught four passes for 52 yards.  Kevin Ozier is starting to be more involved and caught two passes for 42 yards.  George Bell dropped a crucial potential score at the end of the game and caught one pass on the night.   Grade: B-   Running Backs   The pass happy play calling and poor line play in the run game cost this group not only yards and production, but a better grade.  Cameron Marshall carried 16 times for 45 yards with a 2.3 yard per carry average.  Not a solid performance, but in his defense, he didn’t have many carries in the first half and left the game in the third quarter due to injury.  He did return later in the game, but short yardage plays affected his average.  Kyle Middlebrooks filled in admirably for Marshall when called upon, rushing five times for 17 yards, but like Marshall he was a victim of short yardage blunders by the line.  Jamal Miles is a marked man and is not able to get the yards he did at one time catching seven passes for 29 yards.  Several times he was hit behind the line on the typical swing pass route.   Grade: C-   Offensive Line   If all ASU did was throw the football this group would get an “A.”  Wazzu had some decent pass rushers and they only managed one sack of Osweiler.  For the most part, he had plenty of time to throw the ball.  However, run blocking was another story on Saturday.  Short yardage plays failed miserably, and when ASU was inside the 5 yard line when it’s all about having an attitude and knocking someone on their backs they were the ones being knocked around.  This unit not only blocked poorly but was a major reason why ASU failed to score twice in the Red Zone.  ASU, subtracting Osweiler’s runs, averaged 2.85 yards per carry against a defense that was allowing almost double that.  It is a mystery why Aderious Simmons isn’t playing.   Grade: D+   Defensive Line   This was supposed to be a game where this group took over and dominated.  The Cougars only have two linemen that are quality with the rest being mediocre at best.  It did not turn out as expected, but there were some mentionable efforts in the game.  Bo Moos and Will Sutton had four tackles each.  Sutton had the team’s only sack.  The key matchup this week was Junior Onyeali, Jamar Jarrett and Davon Coleman against the Wazzu tackles.  Jarrett had a good outing with six tackles but Onyeali and Coleman each had only one stop.  While Wazzu only managed 2.7 yards per carry when they ran the ball, the pass rush was ineffective as Halliday was given too much time which allowed him to torch the secondary.   Grade: C-   Linebackers   The ASU linebackers played an average game but there were no glaring breakdowns.  Vontaze Burfict was frequently blocked by linemen and had trouble shedding blocks.  He was also provoked several times by them after the play, which is nothing new.  They would push him, gouge him and on one play it looked like a Wazzu lineman kicked him.  Give Burfict credit for keeping his cool and not retaliating.  He led the linebackers in tackles with five and recovered a fumble.  Aaron Oliver played extensively for the first time in a while and had four tackles.  Shelly Lyons and Colin Parker each had three tackles.  While their stats are not impressive they were instrumental in limiting the Cougars to a 2.7 yards per carry average.   Grade: C   Secondary   A complete failure mentally and their on the field execution.  When an inexperienced redshirt freshman quarterback passes for 494 yards and averages over 13 yards per completion, it falls directly on this group.  After several weeks where they were almost super human, the defensive backs have been relegated to mortal status the past two weeks.  They look unprepared, are blowing coverages and are being dominated on the perimeter.  On top of that, the middle of the field was not being properly protected and tackling was atrocious.  Saturday had to be the worst performance of the season for a group that seemed to be emerging as a strength.  The good news is there is nowhere to go but up from this abysmal performance.  Stats are irrelevant here this week.   Grade: F   Spacial Teams   Jamal Miles’ opening kickoff return for a touchdown was beautiful and a great way to start the game.  Jamal Miles’ fumble at the end of the game was ugly.  Vontaze Burfict jumped offsides on the PAT.  Josh Hubner again was steady averaging 40.5 yards per punt.  Shaky and inconsistent kicker Alex Garoutte was 2 for 3, but missed the most important field goal of the game…again.   Grade: C- (only because of the TD otherwise…..well you know)     Coaching   Players play the game on the field and the coaches coach.  Typically, I stay away from this because I never feel that it’s my place to criticize or comment on this area.  However, after what happened Saturday it’s only fair to discuss this part of the team.  It was clear that ASU was flat, unprepared and not ready to play.  At the end of the day, this falls on the head coach.  That’s his job is to make sure his team is focused and ready to roll.  Defensive Coordinator Craig Bray’s job is to make adjustments to his defense that allows his players to make plays.  Both coaches did not get it done Saturday.  What makes it worse is that it seemed as if the team was uninspired and  just going through the motions.  That is a failure on the part of the coaching staff.   Grade: F   Many critical questions need to be answered after this very disappointing loss.  These questions include everything from how the players are preparing for games along with how the coaches are leading and motivating the team.  But despite this miserable failure in Pullman, the Sun Devils are still alive in the hunt for the Pac-12 South.  Due to UCLA’s loss at Utah and USC not being eligible, the Sun Devils will need to win out and hope for UCLA to lose a game.  The last two weeks of the season are now critical and desperation needs to be bleed into this team.  They need to regroup, have a great week of practice and get ready for the all important Duel in the Desert.  While 6-4 is extremely disappointing at this stage of the season, the only way to redeem what is now considered one of the biggest let downs in school history is to finish the season with two wins.  All of the sudden, everything is at stake and it has to start this week.

Nov 12, 2011 - 03:58 pm - By Juan Roque for DieHardDevil.com A week ago today, Arizona State was riding high as they traveled into Pasadena to face UCLA favored to win the game and take control of the Pac-12 south. Unfortunately for ASU, mistakes on defense, special teams miscues and poor clock management cost them the game 28-29. Fast forward to a week later.  With these new and unexpected issues circling them, the Sun Devils hit the road again and head to Pullman, Washington for their game against the Washington State Cougars (“Wazzu”).  The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the thirties with possible snow showers for what will be a rare 8:30 pm (MST) night game this time of year in Pullman.  Although the Sun Devils aren’t used to playing in these type of conditions, they will have to overcome whatever impact it will have on their performance.  Once again, mind over matter.  ASU will face a Wazzu team that has struggled in 2011, losing five in a row and are 1-6 overall.  For the Sun Devils, this game comes at a perfect time.  ASU still has a big impact on its own destiny in the conference and while the loss at the Rose Bowl hurt, it didn’t kill their chances at attaining their goals which is to win the South, participate in the championship game and play in a bowl game for the first time since 2007. The Cougars themselves are a team that has been unable to get traction in a league that has left them behind in the last decade. Not since 2003 have the Cougars been competitive in a conference where power has shifted several times in the past five years. Since former head coach Mike Price left the program in 2002, the Cougars have not been able to get it done save for two years of success early in the last decade. After a Rose Bowl appearance in 2003 and a Holiday Bowl later that same year the Palouse Posse, as they call themselves, have done very little. Paul Wulff, the Cougar’s embattled head coach, has managed a paltry 6-32 in Pullman.  After being wooed from Eastern Washington where he was 53-40 with three FCS Playoff appearances, it has been a slow go in Pullman, and this is more than likely his last year with the program.  This can be a dangerous  scenario for ASU because a team that is playing for pride and their coach can sometimes do things they would not typically not... consider UCLA.  So while on paper the Cougars appear overmatched, they will come out at home and give the Sun Devils everything they have. They have an advantage playing in the frigid conditions expected on Saturday. Meet the Wazzu Offense The Cougars employ a variety of formations that range from the classic Pro-Style to going four wide receivers in spread formations. Unfortunately for Wazzu, they are not very proficient in any of them. They just simply are not a talented group that makes very many big plays.  They have found themselves behind in every game, having to scrap the running game and rely on the pass, causing defenses to tee off on them with the blitz.  Wazzu quarterback Marshall Lobbenstael is a veteran who has the physical tools to be an excellent quarterback, but the 6’3” 215 pound senior is a victim of circumstance.  With a lack of talent behind him, he has not been able to get many wins in Pullman.  His numbers are respectable completing 178 passes on 296 attempts for a 60.1% average 2,231 yards 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions.  In a better program, he would more than likely be much more productive. At the skill positions, the Cougars are thin but have some playmakers. Running back Rickey Galvin is their top rusher with 487 yards on 79 attempts, 6.1 yard rush average and five touchdowns.  Galvin doesn't get as many opportunities as the Cougars frequently lean on the passing game to catch up on the scoreboard. Wide receiver Marquess Wilson is a player.  On the year, Wilson has caught 59 passes for 974 yards, six touchdowns and averages 108.2 yards per game. Isiah Barton is another receiver who can be a factor with 42 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns on the year. On the offensive line, the player to watch is left tackle David Gonzales.  Gonzales is tall, lean and athletic.  The 6’6” 286 pound senior plays with a mean streak and finishes plays well in the run and pass.  Senior right guard B.J. Guerra plays like he has a personal vendetta against his opponent.  He is the most physical of the Wazzu lineman and has the size at 6’3” 321 to dominate his opponents.  The rest of the line is a bit questionable. How ASU matches up For the SUN DEVIL D, this Game is a chance to put last week’s abysmal second half behind them. The ASU defensive line needs to dominate the Cougars up front.  The Cougars have trouble blocking speed and are susceptible to blitzes over the right tackle position.  Davon Coleman, Junior Onyeali and Jamar Jarrett should have a big night in Pullman. Will Sutton should dominate the left side.  ASU linebackers have a chance to redeem themselves by consistently stuffing the run.  The weather will make this an old school ground game; therefore, the ASU front seven has a chance to play a complete game and get some momentum heading into next week.  The secondary will be tested with Wazzu’s two noted receivers, but it’s nothing they haven’t already faced.  They just need to keep plays in front of them and make sure they keep their footing on the unpredictable turf. Key Matchup: Wazzu Offensive Tackles versus Onyeali, Jarrett and Coleman Meet the Wazzu defense This unit is much maligned giving up game averages of 31.8 points, 166 yards on the ground and 246.1 yards through the air.  Like the offense, they lack overall speed and talent.  Middle linebacker C.J. Mizell is an up and coming all-star.  The true sophomore is third on the team in tackles with 50, has two sacks and three tackles for loss and has two forced fumbles. Linebacker Hoffman-Ellis is a true gutsy player that leads the team in tackles with 66, and he has two sacks and an interception. In the secondary, strong safety Deone Bucannon could start anywhere in the conference.  The true sophomore is second on the team in tackles with 55, has forced a fumble, intercepted three passes and has broken up three others.  Free safety Tyree Toomer plays the deep pass very well and has 43 tackles on the year.  Damonte Horton is their best cover corner and is a ball hawk with four picks this season. Up front for the Cougars, the star is defensive end Travis Long.  The 6’4” 256 pound true junior has 32 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss and swatted down three passes. Because of his team’s record, he is the most underrated defensive lineman in the league.  Defensive tackle Brandon Rankin is also a player to watch.  The 6’5” 286 pound senior will give the interior all they can handle. How ASU matches up Due to the weather forecast, it’s tough to envision Noel Mazzone throwing the ball as much as usual.  This means that on a cold, frozen and snowy field, Cameron Marshall will put on the hard hat in Pullman.  ASU’s offensive line played well last week against UCLA, and this week they must neutralize that right side of the Cougar defensive line. In freezing conditions, the passing game slows down a touch so the Hell Hogs need to give extra effort and protection on each pass play.  This is not going to be an air out game for Brock Osweiller. Disciplined ball protection is essential because the unfriendly weather in Pullman is cause for mistakes in the passing game. He needs to be patient, let the routes develop as the receivers may be a step slower in the cold and deliver the ball with extra accuracy on shorter routes.  Freezing air does strange things to the football, but hopefully, his experience playing high school ball in chilly Montana will come in handy. Receivers are going to be run blocking more than they’re used to, but when they are called on they need to stay disciplined in their routes and make strong, physical catches due to the weather, something that Robinson and Willie should do. Key Matchup: Brock Osweiler versus the weather   Summary This will be an unusual treat for ASU fans watching our beloved Sun Devils in unique weather conditions.  Maybe not so much for the players on the field. Last year the Sun Devils were victorious as they showed determination and character on a cold and rainy night at the University of Washington.  While the weather in Pullman will more severe, it shouldn’t slow down the Sun Devils or provide a significant disadvantage.  This is an opponent that has a decent cast of players, but competing with ASU till the end will be a challenge. Earning a victory Saturday is what counts, but how Arizona State plays is as important as earning a Win. They can prove to themselves and their Fans that this team has within them, strong character & resiliency after a tough week in Pasadena.