Quarterbacks
The Wildcats finally seem to have settled on a quarterback with true freshman Kris Heavner, who has shown poise in his first year out of high school. But he has completed only 48.8 percent of his passes for 1,249 yards in eight games. ASU head coach Dirk Koetter said ASU junior Andrew Walter has had a better year than his record-setting season last year, despite his lower numbers. Walter has thrown 205-for-395 for 2,763 yards and 21 touchdowns. Edge: ASU.
Running backs
ASU redshirt freshman Loren Wade has had an impressive first year, rushing for 653 yards, but a concussion has slowed him in the last few weeks. Sophomore Hakim Hill (452 yards) likely will miss the game with a sprained knee. UA sophomore Mike Bell has caught fire as of late and has momentum heading into the game. He already has rushed for 825 yards and six touchdowns this season. Edge: UA.
Receivers
The Wildcats' core has been unimpressive to say the least. Sophomore Brian Ealy and junior Ricky Williams have caught for 577 and 508 yards respectively. ASU sophomore Derek Hagan (921 yards) and senior Skyler Fulton (795 yards) have put up more solid numbers. Edge: ASU.
Offensive line:
UA has given up only 17 sacks this season. As a team, UA has 1,373 yards rushing on the season and starts one senior, two juniors and two sophomores. ASU has allowed 24 sacks this season and has rushed for 1,205 yards as a team. The Sun Devils start two seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a redshirt freshman. Edge: Even.
Defensive line
The Wildcats' front four has gained only five sacks in the season, led by sophomore end Marcus Smith with four. Backup end Matt Molina also has four sacks. Sophomore end Bryan Copeland leads the unit with 28 tackles. The Sun Devils' front four has registered 11 sacks. Senior defensive tackle Shane Jones leads the unit with 47 tackles while junior end Jimmy Verdon has 42. Edge: ASU.
Linebackers
Recently, UA has played just two linebackers, with converted senior strong safety Clay Hardt now playing rover back. Senior 'backer Joe Siofele leads the team with 78 tackles while juniors Patrick Howard and Kirk Johnson split time at the other spot and have 45 and 48 tackles, respectively. ASU junior Justin Burks has 69 tackles while sophomore Jamar Williams has 62. Edge: Even.
Secondary
The Wildcats' secondary has allowed opponents to pass for 3,070 yards this season while the Sun Devils' has allowed 2,697 yards. UA's starters have snagged only five interceptions on the season. They do have a big-time player in senior Michael Jolivette, who has two picks and 57 tackles at cornerback. Hardt has 77 tackles. ASU junior free safety Jason Shivers is the best free safety in the conference with 93 tackles. An extra two weeks off also gave the team's ailing cornerbacks time to heal. But without junior strong safety Riccardo Stewart, who is out with a neck injury, the playing field is close in this area. Edge: ASU.
Overall
The Wildcats, who were picked to finish last in the Pac-10, have nothing to lose after a season of adversity that included firing their coach. The Sun Devils have everything to lose after being picked second in the conference. They must defend their home field with their backs against the wall. Edge: ASU.
Compiled by Christopher Drexel.
