2012-13 Football Previews – (Pac 12) – ASU Sun Devils
Todd Graham didn’t make any friends during his 11 month stay at Pittsburgh. Graham bolted from Pittsburgh in the blink of an eye last December to take the job at Arizona State.
He believed it would be a better fit for him and his family.
PAC 12 Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Arizona State Sun Devils
Head Coach: Todd Graham
2011 Record: 6-7
Arizona State Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win BCS Championship: +40,000
Arizona State Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win PAC 12 Conference: +5,500
ASU Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
Dennis Erickson didn’t do a bad job at Arizona State, but the program is looking for even more. Will their new coach take them to a higher finish in the PAC 12?
Arizona State was 6-2 in late October of 2011, and it appeared the team was headed for an impressive finish. Instead, the team lost five straight to finish the season. The team shot itself in the foot more times than you could count. In the past four seasons, Arizona State has been the most penalized team in the nation twice. Todd Graham will now try to change the culture in Tempe.
Team Strengths:
Cameron Marshall has struggled with injury problems, but when he is healthy is a star at the running back position. Despite battling ankle injuries last year, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards. James Morrison has impressed Graham through the Spring, and he’ll be an able backup. The Sun Devils are very talented in the backfield.
Arizona State has a lot of size and strength on the defensive line. Will Sutton may be the best defensive tackle in the PAC 12. Sutton has a great motor, and I expect a big season from him. Corey Adams has been out with injuries much of his career, but he is a beast of a player when healthy. Adams and Sutton will be tough for the opposing offenses to deal with in the middle of the defensive front. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
Arizona State must fill some big shoes at the linebacker positions. The Sun Devils lost their leading tackler (Colin Parker) from a year ago as well as their most talented player in Vontaze Burfict. Brandon Magee is the only proven player in this group, but he is coming off a major injury.
The Sun Devils were torched through the air last season. Arizona State allowed 273 passing yards per game. The team returns both corners, but the major question marks come at the two safety spots. These guys need to do a better job of keeping the game in front of them.
Arizona State suffered a major loss when Brock Osweiler elected to go pro. Graham would have loved to have him in this fast paced offense. Instead, the Sun Devils must go with its fifth starting quarterback in five years. Who will step up here?
2012-2013 Arizona State Sun Devils Football Prediction: 5-7
If Osweiler had stayed, the team would be in good hands right now. Graham will try to implement his style of play right away, but it might be tough with an inexperienced signal caller. Road games at Missouri, Cal, USC, and Oregon State make this year’s schedule a tough one. I think the Sun Devils take a little bit of a step back in 2012.
2012 Schedule
9/1/12 TBD NARI
9/8/12 10:30 PM ET ILL
9/15/12 TBD @MISOU
9/22/12 TBD UTAH
9/29/12 TBD @CAL
10/11/12 9:00 PM ET @COL
10/18/12 9:00 PM ET ORE
10/27/12 TBD UCLA
11/3/12 TBD @OREST
11/10/12 TBD @USC
11/17/12 TBD WSHST
11/23/12 10:00 PM ET @ARZ
