Freshman running back D.J. Foster runs out of the backfield during the Sun Devils' 51-17 win over Colorado on Oct. 11. (Photo by Kyle Newman)The Colorado Buffaloes will be able to look across the field on Saturday, and it will be like looking into a mirror in a way.
The Buffaloes start nine freshmen and sophomores on defense, similar to ASU, which starts eight, and nine new starters, overall. Even Colorado coach Mike McIntyre admits the Sun Devil defense is more talented, but that doesn't stop him from seeing the potential in his.
"We're so young on defense," McIntyre said. "I think we're starting to grow up a little bit."
It doesn't help a young defense to face an offense that scored 103 combined points in the first two weeks of the season. ASU's young defense, on the other hand, will go against an offense that put up 58 in the first two weeks — not shabby, but it includes a loss to Colorado State and a narrow three-point win over Massachusetts.
That same offense that has scored 103 combined points? Yeah, it also has redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly, redshirt junior receiver Jaelen Strong and junior running back D.J. Foster.
"I really, really, really like Taylor Kelly," McIntyre said. "(ASU's) receiver are so big, especially Jaelen Strong. He's a beast. He kind of reminds you of the big guys that play in the NFL."
The Sun Devils like to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents, and coach Todd Graham sees a big one.
"Obviously, where we've got the big advantage is our offense versus their defense," Graham said.
McIntyre hopes to use the game as yet another opportunity for his defense to grow and mature. The goal for the Buffaloes is to just "match up and compete, and make it a football game," McIntyre said.
Colorado's defense is so young because it lost a couple of major contributors after last season, namely linebacker Derrick Webb.
Webb made 99 tackles last season, including 12 for loss. The only player with more was then-freshman Addison Gillam, who returns for his sophomore season, expected to anchor the Buffs' defense.
Colorado also lost its top pass rusher, defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe. It only took four sacks, but he did lead the team, in addition to making 46 tackles.
Replacing Uzo-Diribe and Webb are one true freshman and one sophomore: freshman Christian Saver at right defensive end and sophomore Kenneth Olugbode at Will linebacker.
With that much youth, there's bound to be learning curves, but there's also the reward in seeing underclassmen improve. On Saturday, it's likely to be more of the former than the latter.
"We're concerned about a lot of things," McIntyre said. "We've got to tackle better in space. ... But they're growing, and growing up."
2014 season in photos
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Reach the reporter at ewebeck@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @EvanWebeck
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