Check out photos from Saturday's game against OSU in this slideshow.
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Were you in the stands at the ASU v OSU game? See if you can find yourself or your friends in this fan slideshow.
The ASU football team has already accomplished a variety of impressive feats this season.From defeating then-No. 21 Missouri on national television to ending an 11-year losing streak against Southern California, to beating Oregon State for the first time in three years, there’s been plenty to be proud of for the No. 22 Sun Devils (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12).
One of the few things ASU has yet to do in 2011 is win a road game. The Sun Devils fell 17-14 to Illinois in their only away contest of the season.
ASU now receives a prime opportunity to claim a much-needed road victory this Saturday when it faces off against Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Heading into Saturday, junior quarterback Brock Osweiler is confident that his team is close to winning its first game away from Tempe this season.
“I felt like we are,” Osweiler said. “Obviously we got to go out and play all four quarters, and see what happens. I’m very excited about this opportunity. I know the team is because we have struggled on the road.
“I’m just really looking forward to another opportunity, changing those things and hopefully getting a win on the road.”
Osweiler and his teammates are well aware of the circumstances and importance a win over the Utes could have on the Pac-12 South.
“The coaches have pretty much explained the scenarios and the situation that we’re going into,” Osweiler said. “By the sounds of it, it’s a pretty big football game. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to get a win on the road against a very quality opponent.”
Osweiler not concerned about offensive line
Redshirt freshman lineman Tyler Sulka and sophomore center Kody Koebensky could play pivotal roles in Saturday’s matchup in Salt Lake City.
Both senior center Garth Gerhart and sophomore tackle Evan Finkenberg have battled injuries of late. Gerhart suffered an extreme ankle sprain in last week’s game against Oregon State while Finkenberg tore his meniscus and underwent surgery earlier this week.
Sulka and Koebensky have practiced well this week, and have the support of Osweiler and the offense.
“I’m not concerned at all,” Osweiler said. “Kody stepped in last week early in the game and played tremendous all game. Tyler got some playing time against UC Davis when he was in there he played great. They’re two young kids with a lot of talent. They’re smart kids. I have the utmost confidence in the both of them.”
Tello reveals reason for return to team
Adam Tello has been through a lot in recent months. The senior guard underwent a pair of back surgeries and did not participate in any of ASU’s fall training camp.
With the pain not subsiding, Tello decided to retire from football in late September. But now just days after walking away, he’s back in uniform for the Sun Devils.
“It’s not for me,” Tello said. “It’s for the team because Garth and Evan Finkenberg being out that’s a big loss right there. I talked to the coaches and said if they needed me I’ll be there for the team. They said they did so I’m here trying to help out.”
Tello said that some teammates concerned for his health upon his return to the team. If another surgery is required, it will be a fusion. Yet, all of that is irrelevant to Tello as he tries to help his offensive line teammates this week and beyond.
“To be honest, my back hasn’t gotten any better,” Tello said. “Honestly, I’m just putting my problems aside for my guys. I know we need this win to win the South and if I can contribute any way, I’ll do it.”
Reach the reporter at greg.dillard@asu.edu
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