Don't be fooled about the supposed quarterback controversy surrounding the ASU football team as it approaches the 2006 season.
Local media would like you to buy into their angle that senior Sam Keller and sophomore Rudy Carpenter are in a virtual dead heat for the starting spot. But I'm not buying it, and I don't think coach Dirk Koetter is either.
You know what happened last year. Keller put up staggering numbers in half a season before mangling the thumb on his throwing hand. Then Carpenter entered the mix to put up similar numbers and lead the NCAA in passing efficiency. Sounds close, but it's really not.
Truth is, Keller led ASU in the toughest games on the Sun Devils' schedule -- USC, Oregon, and his staggering 461-yard performance against defensive juggernaut LSU is as good a performance as you'll find this side of Andrew Walter.
Keller is an expert on Koetter's offense, and he has the presence and poise to take ASU where it needs to go. In short, he can make his teammates run through a wall. They know it, and soon enough fans will know it too.
Carpenter has a bright future in Tempe, but make no mistake. This fall, Sam is the man.