Sunday Morning Hangover: ASU-Oregon
Ouch. Here are three things we think we think after ASU’s 54-20 loss to Oregon on Saturday. What did you take away from the game?
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1. The Bye Week was a Waste
On a pair of key plays early in the game, the Sun Devils looked ill-prepared. On fourth and short, Rudy Carpenter tripped over an offensive lineman’s foot. Series over. On third and short, Rudy and Keegan Herring collided. Series over. That’s inexcusable for a team playing at home after two straight weeks of practice.
2. Troy Nolan Did What He Could
We were very impressed with safety Troy Nolan blasting Oregon’s punt returner then sprinting across the field in hopes of lighting a fire under his teammates. The hit caused a fumble so his defensive teammates didn’t end up on the field. Still, in the days ahead much will be said about our team giving up or not having heart. We challenge anyone to question Nolan’s heart.
3. The Band Needs a Copy of Who’s Next
The marching band broke out its performance of several songs by The Who. We’re not exactly educated music critics, but we’re pretty sure Behind Blue Eyes shouldn’t sound like that. We’re dropping Peal Jam’s take on Reign O’er Me as Covering The Who 101 below. Yes, the season has come to this. We’re critiquing the band.
What’s Your Take, Sun Devils?
Post three things you’re taking away from the game – or just blow off some steam – in the comments below.
Pathetic. I don’t know what else to say. The defense couldn’t tackle and they quit on plays, the offense couldn’t move the ball. It’s really sad when the biggest gain of the game was on a fumble recovery that was called back.
1. I feel worse for our defense than I ever thought I would. They missed more tackles tonight than in any other game, I believe, but:
a. Oregon’s run-game is built on that type of shiftiness, and…
b. They were on the field an awful lot early in the game.
There were more than a few big, exciting hits, key third-down stops and nice individual plays on defense. A few frustrating gaffes, but it’s hard to hunker down when your offense does NOTHING to bail you out. Which leads me to my second point:
2. Our offense is terrible. In ’06, when our pass game went to shite, at least our run-game was serviceable. This season, they’ve both vanished. And it’s not just bad play-calling. Sloppiness has fully supplanted ineffectiveness. Rudy looked like a bumbling fool out there, tripping and bumping into backs. It was more sad, than anything.
3. I hate to say it, and I’ve bit my tongue until this point, but….
This is a rebuilding year. 50 some-odd freshman, and big ?’s at many positions in terms of next year. Who’s going to step up and claim starting spots next year? On the OL, RB, QB, in the secondary (losing Troy Nolan is going to suck). Considering the expectations coming into the season, it certainly hates to admit the truth. But I DO take solace in the fact that this painful rebuilding humiliation has been the reality for that school down south for the better part of a decade.
There is a family that comes to all the games and they sit two rows in front of me. They have a five-year-old little girl who was decked out in her ASU t-shirt and maroon and gold beads. She cheered for her Sundevils and with some help from her mom, she could make a pitchfork with her fingers.
At the end of the first half she looked up at her mom and said, “Mom, why aren’t there any fireworks at this game?”
All this little girl wanted to see was some fireworks. So did I.
I just think that this year just needs to be over with. It was embarassing seeing half the stadium leave before the 4th quarter even started. I’ve always loved ASU football, but this year…I’m kind of embarassed to BE a fan. I hate to say it…but we just might lose the Territorial Cup this year. Sorry Devils…it’s gonna happen.
It was so bad, the vendors in my section were selling bottled water, lemonade and blindfolds.
I am ashamed to say that his is the lowest point I have ever seen the football program at Arizona State be at.
I am appalled by the lack heart being displayed on the field, no leadership or pride on a football squad is not a recipe for success. Witnessing these performances (or lack thereof) in the stands is gut-wrenching. I have tickets for sale, any takers?
That’s a sad story about the fireworks. This team is defintely short on offensive punch — and entertainment value. Los, I feel your pain.