Pac-10 Week 6 Notes and Observations: Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State Sun Devils 3-2 Overall (1-1 Conference)
This Week’s Score: Arizona State 27 – Washington State 14
Next Week’s Opponent: Washington
Having a great day offensively against one of the worst defenses in college football in the Washington State Cougars wouldn’t have magically fixed all of the Sun Devils’ problems on offense; but it could have at least provided a step in the right direction.
Instead, the Sun Devils had a disastrous day on the offensive side of the ball, turning the ball over six times on three fumbles and three Danny Sullivan interceptions. On top of the six turnovers, the Sun Devils were also a woeful 3 for 12 on third down conversions.
The production of Dimitri Nance and Kyle Williams is bittersweet; obviously it’s great to see Nance rush for 113 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries and Williams pick up 126 receiving yards and a touchdown on 13 catches (as well as a huge 53 yard run), but both players, like Sullivan, are seniors. In a game like this, you’d like to see some younger players contribute, especially when the present looks so bleak on offense.
Defensively all systems are still go for the Sun Devils. With the exception of one bad play (ASU obviously didn’t think Jeff Tuel would be throwing long from inside his endzone) that saw Johnny Forzani get behind everyone for a 99-yard touchdown reception, the defense was virtually flawless.
The D racked up 12 sacks, skewing WSU’s rushing total to negative 54 yards, while also forcing two interceptions and two fumbles. Dexter Davis led the way with a sack and an interception, and his unit was impenetrable on Saturday. Taking away the one big play, Arizona State only allowed 82 yards of total offense. That’s just crazy.
Something’s gotta give; either the offense needs to step up and feed off of the defense’s incredible energy, or the offense will continue to sleepwalk and turn the ball over and it will eventually take its toll on the defense. Washington coming to town this week is a big gut check. Riding on the offense’s shoulders is this team’s bowl fate; and quite possibly the fate of Coach Dennis Erickson, too.
And speaking of Erickson, how long before he makes a change at quarterback? What Danny Sullivan lacked in talent he was supposed to make up for with veteran poise and not turning the ball over; but with four interceptions in the last two games, that certainly hasn’t been the case. It may not only be ASU’s season on the line next week, but Sullivan’s starting job as well.
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