Big plays create optimism.
That’s reason numero uno to be excited about this year’s ASU football team.
The scores and opponents weren’t much different from 2009 to 2010.
ASU beat Idaho State 50-3 in its first game last season but only scored four offensive touchdowns.
That means 22 points scored in that game came from field goals or defensive scores … against Idaho State.
Now, return to 2010 with a 54-9 victory over Portland State.
First, it was the most points scored under Dennis Erickson.
Second, ASU scored seven offensive touchdowns, which is nice, but four of those scores went for 25 yards or more, which is very nice.
The Sun Devils did what they were supposed to do to a team like Portland State.
That’s a good sign. Here are the lottery numbers: 50, 38, 28 and 62.
The first two were touchdown runs (in yards) from Cameron Marshall and the second two were touchdown receptions from Deantre Lewis.
To put this in perspective, the ASU offense scored only nine touchdowns from 20 yards or more last season, and they scored four Saturday night.
That’s the difference.
That’s the difference between four wins and eight.
Big play ability made rare appearances in 2009, but with the help of players like Marshall, Lewis and Jamal Miles, highlight reels should be in large supply.
I mean, Marshall averaged 26 yards per carry against the Vikings.
This game should ignite the fans a bit.
Again, this wasn’t much of a test, and NAU won’t be much of one either, but I’m not too worried about Wisconsin any more. Any questions about the defense were answered.
As obnoxious as Vontaze Burfict can be, the guy helped lead a devastating attack full of strength and speed.
Wisconsin’s Jon Clay is big—6-foot-1-inch and 255 pounds big, but he won’t run all over this defensive group.
They won’t let him.
Now, return to the offensive side of the ball and realize what was missing.
This first game didn’t even show off what I believe to be the Sun Devils deepest receiving corps in years.
That darn Lewis kept taking their catches and scoring touchdowns.
There were a couple flashes (Kerry Taylor’s 37-yard-catch down the sideline and Mike Willie’s touchdown taken away due to penalty) that made me giddy inside.
I know this isn’t a Dirk Koetter offense but I’m happy that it can move down the field again.
Did you see that quick pitch as the slot receiver cut through the pocket?
That’s some fun college football, and it’s ASU bringing the fun this year.
The quarterbacks are athletic and the running backs bring the big play ability. ASU had neither of those last season.
Of course, stay humble.
It’s easy to get excited, but for now, enjoy it.
Have big expectations this year.
The team has ability that has been vacant for two years at Frank Kush field.
After everyone started holding their breath after the Sun Devils first possession, I felt a sigh of relief.
A big sigh of relief for ASU football in 2010.
