Arizona State (2009 Statistics)
- Dennis Erickson is in his 4th season as the Head Coach of the Sun Devils and coming off of a 4-8 season.
- Their offensive numbers have been down the past two seasons, but at least last year they had the excuse of needing to replace Quarterback Rudy Carpenter, whose 43 consecutive starts were an FBS record. They started three different quarterbacks in 2009 and even though two of them return (Samson Szakacsy and Brock Osweiler), Michigan transfer Steven Threet (started 8 in 2008) may have the job this year.
- This offense is very inexperienced with new running backs, new wide receivers and a potentially new quarterback. The Offensive Line loses three of five starters as well. To counter the issues and injuries the OL had last year, Arizona State used two Tight End formations. By using an additional Tight End it puts another player on offense to assist with blocking. The Wide Receiver or Running Back he replaces may have assisted with blocking but not to the same extent and effectiveness as the Tight End will as this is part of his primary job function.
- In order to be successful this team needs to improve on offense. This is because statistically the defense was not the issue in 2009. They led the Pac-10 in Pass Defense, Rush Defense and Total Defense. This year they lose significant personnel at linebacker and defensive back and will be relatively inexperienced. While the Defensive Line should be fine, the area that took the hardest hit is Defensive Back and the Sun Devils could really struggle against the pass this year.
- One area this team needs to focus on is pressuring the Quarterback. Arizona State only had 23 sacks last year and 12 of them came in one game against Washington State (the second worst team in the nation protecting the QB last year).
