The Good: In a word, defense. Colorado's offense looked meek and helpless, as it was held to 6 three-and-outs. Part of that was the Buffaloes' ineptitude, but there is no arguing with a defensive effort that allows just three points on the road, even if Colorado ends up having its worst season in program history.
After three losses in which ASU scored at least 31 points in 2005, Saturday's performance should give the defense confidence as it heads into Pac-10 play. Also encouraging was the play of Sun Devil special teams. ASU enjoyed a 48-yard punt return, blocked a punt and recovered a fumble on one of its own punts.
The Bad: In a word, offense. The Sun Devils played one of their most mistake-ridden games in recent memory. Sophomore quarterback Rudy Carpenter threw two picks and fumbled once, while sophomore tailback Shaun DeWitty also fumbled on his only carry of the game. Penalties killed ASU, as the team committed 11 infractions totaling 73 yards in losses.
The Ugly: The pregame winds that tossed around spectators hours before kickoff at Folsom Field were enough to make anyone cringe. Gusts in the area rumored to reach 40 mph, giving folks some interesting hairdos and chilling those that were inappropriately dressed to the bone. Luckily the wind stopped right about the time the game commenced, and ASU still attempted 37 passes.
The Turning Point: After Carpenter fumbled into Colorado's end zone, resulting in a touchback, momentum could have shifted the Buffaloes' way. Instead it swung back in the Sun Devils' favor. The Buffaloes could not capitalize on the turn of events, when on its next series, Colorado committed a false start, was held to two short runs, then was sacked. Needless to say, the Buffs didn't score the rest of the game.
ASU MVP: Senior Jordan Hill led a monster effort by the Sun Devils' defensive line, which terrorized Colorado quarterback Bernard Jackson and allowed ASU's linebackers and safeties to roam free. Hill finished with two tackles, a 7-yard sack and a 26-yard interception return.
Colorado MVP: Buffalo junior Hugh Charles was the only reason ASU didn't have a record-setting night defensively. The tailback rushed the ball 20 times for 109 yards, a 5.4 average. He also was Colorado's leading receiver, catching two passes for 30 yards.
Injury Report: No new injuries reported.
Up Next: The Sun Devils open Pac-10 play with a game at California Saturday.
Reach the reporter at drex1_phx@hotmail.com
