The kool aid is strong right now, but I am having a hard time understanding why we won't blow ASU out of the water.
The three things that concern me most are: DJ Foster - dynamic playmaker; our rush defense against their 230 lb RBs and senior interior OL; and Spavital.
1) They don't appear to have any other proven WRs. Lucien had about 300 yards receiving last year. Ellis Jefferson (6'5'') had 144 receiving yards last year. A supposedly great athlete JUCO transfer in White didn't win the starting job (unlike Reynolds last year).
Foster doesn't know how to play WR yet, so he won't be an adept route runner and be able to get separation. If he's in the slot, either one of our nickels should be able to jam him and run with him. If he's out wide, BWill can keep up with him.
2) They have some big RBs and seniors in the interior OL. Can they be productive at 3-5 yards per carry and then play action us? This is arguably the biggest area of defensive concern considering our previous performance. However, this year we go 7 deep at DT with some good talent. Chavis allowed about an average of 100 yds / game against Arkie and Bama last year. I doubt they get more than 125 rushing yards.
3) Spavital (Sumlin) vs Graham. Does Spav try to outthink himself vs a good and disciplined coach? Does he try to get cute? They have a history of doing very well when having plenty of time to prepare. We crushed USC last year and we beat WVU pretty well after a slow start.
Thoughts?
The three things that concern me most are: DJ Foster - dynamic playmaker; our rush defense against their 230 lb RBs and senior interior OL; and Spavital.
1) They don't appear to have any other proven WRs. Lucien had about 300 yards receiving last year. Ellis Jefferson (6'5'') had 144 receiving yards last year. A supposedly great athlete JUCO transfer in White didn't win the starting job (unlike Reynolds last year).
Foster doesn't know how to play WR yet, so he won't be an adept route runner and be able to get separation. If he's in the slot, either one of our nickels should be able to jam him and run with him. If he's out wide, BWill can keep up with him.
2) They have some big RBs and seniors in the interior OL. Can they be productive at 3-5 yards per carry and then play action us? This is arguably the biggest area of defensive concern considering our previous performance. However, this year we go 7 deep at DT with some good talent. Chavis allowed about an average of 100 yds / game against Arkie and Bama last year. I doubt they get more than 125 rushing yards.
3) Spavital (Sumlin) vs Graham. Does Spav try to outthink himself vs a good and disciplined coach? Does he try to get cute? They have a history of doing very well when having plenty of time to prepare. We crushed USC last year and we beat WVU pretty well after a slow start.
Thoughts?
