Skinny - Dennis Erickson was loved two years ago, but than out of no where Arizona State struggled mightily last season on route to a 5-7 record and no bowl game. The Rudy Carpenter era is over and it ended without a bang like many expected, since Carpenter was good enough to kick Sam Keller out of town. Dimitri Nance was technically the leading rusher last season, but he was nothing special. Shaun DeWitty should get some snaps from the backfield, but neither him or the offensive line are anything to get excited about. The receivers are average, but the quarterback situation won't be pretty. The defense will be the bright spot on the team. The linebackers are near the top in the league and the defensive line will be all right. Arizona State won't be much better than they were last season if they even are. The talent is not as good as it was last season, but that team struggled to meet expectations and it should be interesting how the team responds not facing much respect this season.
Strength - Linebackers
Mike Nixon returns on the outside and led the team with 5 interceptions and 90 tackles last season. He's a first team member of the All-Pac 10 team. Travis Goethel led the team in TFL last season with 7.5, had 71 tackles, and 2 picks last season. The last linebacker spot will go to a new starter. Vontaze Burfict is the darkhorse to win the job as a true freshman and if he lives up to his potential quickly as a top recruit, this unit could be scary. Burfict is huge as a freshman at 6'3" 245 pounds and can pack a punch. The defensive line is strong in addition to the linebackers led by DE Dexter Davis and the pass rush should be incredible between the two units. Davis had 11 sacks last season and Lawerence Guy will be solid at the tackle position again.
Weakness - Quarterback
The options at quarterback are bleak. Danny Sullivan was the back up last season and struggled mightily in relief appearances last season. Samson Szakacsy is a more mobile option at quarterback, but is only a sophomore and didn't play any football last season. Brock Osweiler is an interesting option at 6"8" as a freshman and would tower over his own lineman, as the Sun Devils offensive line is not particulary tall. Rudy Carpenter was a multi-year starter and a tough act to follow. Michael Jones is gone as the top receiver, but Chris McGaha is backs, as is Kerry Taylor and Kyle Williams. The offense will probably struggle this season and it goes back to quarterback play.
Key Game - 11/28/09 Arizona
In a rivalry game, either team could win despite the talent gap. Arizona State and Arizona aren't too different in situations this year. Arizona will have the better offense with the return of Grigsby, but Arizona State may end up with the better defense. Both teams lose veteran quarterbacks in Tuitama and Carpenter. Arizona State should go 2-1 in the non-conference and win games against Washington and Washington State without too much of a problem. Stanford and Arizona will be potential wins, and Arizona State will need both wins if they want to return to postseason play.
Key Player - Vontaze Burfict
The key to the season is having a quarterback step up, but it is yet to be seen what quarterback is going to fill that role, if one even is able to. Burfict is a physical specimen at 245 and being a true freshman linebacker. He could eventually grow into a defensive end, but for now his impact needs to be felt at the middle linebacker position. The other two linebacker spots are on lock down by two proven vets, but the other spot is wide open. The middle of the defense will be strong with a good middle backer and Burfict has the chance at being a four year strong hold and starter.
Impact Freshman - Vontaze Burfict
Predicted Pac 10 finish - 7th
Top 5 Players
1. DE Dexter Davis
2. LB Mike Nixon
3. LB Travis Goethel
4. DT Lawrence Guy
5. K/P Thomas Weber
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