Sunday Morning Hangover: ASU-NAU Edition
Here are three things we think we think after ASU’s 30-13 win over NAU last night. What did you take away from the game?
(Photo from East Valley Tribune)
The Offensive Line is Frighteningly Shallow
The first-team offensive line did a decent job of protecting Rudy albeit against an undermanned opponent. But there weren’t a lot of holes for the running game (hurry back, Keegan!) and once the starters left the game in the second half, the line looked very shaky—just as we feared it would prior to camp. An injury or two along the offensive front could severely damage the Sun Devils’ prospects this season.
Rudy Carpenter is Poised for a Big Season
Actually, we already believed this prior to the season (as our preseason assessment of his legacy attests). But last night affirmed our suspicions. Rudy dodged pressure, got rid of the ball in time and even channeled Jake the Snake on a handful of plays. USC’s linebackers will be a bit faster than NAU’s, but it’s a start.
Mike Jones is Very Hard to Cover
With that leaping ability and 6-foot-4 frame, Jones is going to be a difficult assignment for most defensive backs. For NAU’s secondary, he was impossible to hold down. It’ll be fun to watch Rudy breaking out of the pocket and hurling jump-balls deep to Jones all season.
What’s Your Take, Sun Devils?
We want to know what you learned from the game. Post three things you’re taking away from last night in the comments below.
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Welcome to the site! While you’re here, be sure to check out:
Our salute to the overlooked, under-appreciated Keegan Herring.
Our debate on Tempe’s top five bars.
Our assessment of the divisive Rudy Carpenter’s legacy.
Gut reaction from Game 1.
Erickson knows how to prepare a team. The era of “keeping the playbook underwraps” in week one is long gone. Make a plan…execute the plan…pull away in the first half.
Rudy was absolutely on the money. Sure, it was NAU. But come on, he dissected that team.
The defense showed just enough to know that they need to improve. They have time, but so far so good.
We’ll see Keegan soon enough! Go Devils!
ASU’s special teams are among the best in the country. We already know Thomas Weber is the best kicker in the nation, but his offseason work has given him the ability to be a top tier punter as well. His leg looked much stronger as was evident by his booming 60-yard punt.
Kyle Williams is one of the top 5 returners in the country. He’s no Devin Hester, but he does have the ability to break one on nearly every touch. The only problem is that he has the ability to break one on nearly every touch. He seemed to be pressing a little bit and could get himself into trouble by trying to do too much too often.
I was a little disappointed in McGaha. He seemed to be a little rusty this game. Surprising because he made some phenominal plays last year.
You’re right, McGaha really didn’t do much. After the game I asked if he had even played much. He was on the field, but I think he may have been a little slow with that injury that’s bothered him most of the preseason.
I’m sure he’ll bring more to the table next week when we really need him!