Players love being written off. They don’t necessarily love it when it’s their own fans that do some of the writing, but, in the end, it always motivates them the same.

Luckily, the ASU football team isn’t banking on motivation for Saturday’s matchup with Georgia.

ASU is capable of beating the No. 3 team in the nation. That’s the blunt truth.

The Sun Devils have the talent, strength, coaching.

Plus, we know there’s one thing Georgia won’t have: home field.

Too many people are still stuck in mud over the UNLV game. Chalk it up to coach Dennis Erickson’s questionable play selection, injuries, or a rigged Las Vegas set up (my personal vote).

No matter the reason. It’s over with.

In order to beat Georgia, ASU will need a lot to go its way:

Respect the pass, establish the run

Erickson knows in order to beat Georgia, he’ll have to run effectively – which is why he tired to run the ball so much against UNLV.

The Sun Devils must keep the Bulldogs’ linebackers honest in order to open up some passing lanes for the Pac-10 Conference’s best quarterback in Rudy Carpenter.

By the same token, Georgia coach Mark Richt knows this.

Thus begins the ultimate of chess games.

Injuries

The most important aspect of the game: ASU senior running back Keegan Herring.

Erickson doesn’t seem to like talking about Herring’s hamstring to the press, suggesting either Herring is healthy – and who needs to know – or he’ll remain sidelined.

If it’s the latter, enjoy the tailgater, because the Sun Devils are in a world of hurt without Herring.

Let’s face it: Junior Dimitri Nance hasn’t quite carried the load in his first three games this season. Herring has the ability to break for huge gains and change the momentum of the game. Without Herring, ASU does not establish the run. Like dominoes, everything else would fall afterwards.

Limit the Run

Georgia isn’t all about the pass, and ASU should be thankful for that. The Sun Devils aren’t so thankful for Moreno however, who currently averages an unreal 6.7 yards per carry.

If ASU’s defensive line can somehow limit Moreno’s damage, the secondary will be able to focus more on defending the pass and junior quarterback Matthew Stafford.

RU-DY, RU-DY, RU-DY

Has everyone forgotten about ASU’s biggest strength? It’s the passing and catching of the ol’ pigskin.

The team’s pass efficiency is tops in the conference and one of the best nationwide. This is exactly why the running game is so important.

If Carpenter is able to get an extra second or two in the pocket, so he can move around and search for McGaha, Taylor, Jones or Williams, ASU will give the Bulldogs a serious problem.

Don’t underestimate Carpenter. ASU needs to establish the run to have a chance and dominate through the air to win.

Carpenter wanted the ball in his hands against UNLV. He’ll get it against Georgia.

Reach the reporter at joshua.spivack@asu.edu.