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Sun Devils vs. Aggies
- Thread starter ajcardfan
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9 sacks. 14 tackles for loss. Yeah, we suck. Definitely not ready for prime time.
Stupid to schedule a huge opponent week one, IMHO. Would have been nice to have a week to knock the rust off and see what we have before facing a tough team.
Meh.
Stupid to schedule a huge opponent week one, IMHO. Would have been nice to have a week to knock the rust off and see what we have before facing a tough team.
Meh.
Zobaczcie suki
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Not good! Not good at all! Plenty to work on for the next games. Hopefully, we can get it together by the time of conference play
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What a joke.
Zobaczcie suki
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With all the pre-game hype, a big slice of humble pie should be good for ASU in the long run.
I didn't see the game, but have now reviewed highlights and some of the recaps. So I am going to throw out some "positives", and then you all can come along and rip them apart:
1. We battled back from a 14-0 deficit. After all the mistakes and miscues, the score was 24-17 with 4:16 left in the game. So the game was close for much of the game and very much in reach.
2. Kalen Ballage, who was supposed to be a big force in our running game, and be used to rush the passer on D, didn't play. He was sent home sick before the game. As a result, we didn't have a big back to counter A&M's speed. Gump Hayes tried to step up, but A&M's team speed neutralized him. So we had a pretty anemic running game, which didn't take any pressure off of Berco
3. #15 Myles Garrett was a beast, as advertised. I would be surprised if he doesn't make All American. Our "new" tackles were nowhere near ready for this level of D, we gave up 9 sacks. This D led by their new top notch coordinator Chavis could be the best we play all year.
4. We didn't get to see a typical Berco passing stat game because he was under so much pressure. That was ridiculous. I like to think things will get better from here in terms of pass protection and Berco production. If they don't, then Manny better get ready to play because Berco will not last a full season.
5. Jordan Simone was out with cramps on some key plays by A&M. He is too important to our D to be off the field.
6. This was essentially a road game in a hostile environment. Great experience in getting ready for PAC12 play;
7. Being the first game of the season, we saw some real bone headed plays that will not be repeated as the season progresses. Gephart taking out the A&M punter and the resulting penalty was the biggest example. That was horrible, I mean he made a great effort, but was at totally the wrong angle so not sure what was going on there. Our new special teams coach clearly has a lot of coaching to do still.
8. A&M's strengths really exposed our weaknesses early in the season which will make us a better team in the long run. Yes, our D played very tough for much of the game, but other areas were clearly exposed which highlights those areas that we need to dramatically improve very early in the season. This will help us focus on and improve our weaknesses. Had we played a patsy team like, oh lets say UTSA, we would not benefit in this same way.
It will be interesting to compare this game to how ASU performs against USC and UCLA later in the year. I think this is still going to be a great year.
I didn't see the game, but have now reviewed highlights and some of the recaps. So I am going to throw out some "positives", and then you all can come along and rip them apart:
1. We battled back from a 14-0 deficit. After all the mistakes and miscues, the score was 24-17 with 4:16 left in the game. So the game was close for much of the game and very much in reach.
2. Kalen Ballage, who was supposed to be a big force in our running game, and be used to rush the passer on D, didn't play. He was sent home sick before the game. As a result, we didn't have a big back to counter A&M's speed. Gump Hayes tried to step up, but A&M's team speed neutralized him. So we had a pretty anemic running game, which didn't take any pressure off of Berco
3. #15 Myles Garrett was a beast, as advertised. I would be surprised if he doesn't make All American. Our "new" tackles were nowhere near ready for this level of D, we gave up 9 sacks. This D led by their new top notch coordinator Chavis could be the best we play all year.
4. We didn't get to see a typical Berco passing stat game because he was under so much pressure. That was ridiculous. I like to think things will get better from here in terms of pass protection and Berco production. If they don't, then Manny better get ready to play because Berco will not last a full season.
5. Jordan Simone was out with cramps on some key plays by A&M. He is too important to our D to be off the field.
6. This was essentially a road game in a hostile environment. Great experience in getting ready for PAC12 play;
7. Being the first game of the season, we saw some real bone headed plays that will not be repeated as the season progresses. Gephart taking out the A&M punter and the resulting penalty was the biggest example. That was horrible, I mean he made a great effort, but was at totally the wrong angle so not sure what was going on there. Our new special teams coach clearly has a lot of coaching to do still.
8. A&M's strengths really exposed our weaknesses early in the season which will make us a better team in the long run. Yes, our D played very tough for much of the game, but other areas were clearly exposed which highlights those areas that we need to dramatically improve very early in the season. This will help us focus on and improve our weaknesses. Had we played a patsy team like, oh lets say UTSA, we would not benefit in this same way.
It will be interesting to compare this game to how ASU performs against USC and UCLA later in the year. I think this is still going to be a great year.
Jay Cardinal
Die Hard Cardinals Fan
What a frustrating game to watch. I was impressed with ASU's defense. I saw more more pressure without the sellout blitz that was so common last year. Laiu, Cherry, and Sam all looked good out there. Offense was just brutal to watch. The pressure from TAMU's defensive ends dictated the offensive playcalling. I would have loved to see them throw the ball downfield, but Norvell couldn't call anything that went longer than a 3-5 step drop. Losing Ballage (possibly to Mono) could really affect the run game this season. If he can't go this year, we will likely need to burn Jason Lewis' redshirt. This team needs a big-RB to complement Richard, DJ and Gump.
Kirk was as electric as expected. He reminds me a ton of Percy Harvin. I have a feeling Myles Garrett is going to go off like that on several teams. He might be the quickest DE I have seen at the college level. I was disappointed by some of the penalties (hitting the punter and the sliding QB) -- very un-Todd Graham-like.
Kirk was as electric as expected. He reminds me a ton of Percy Harvin. I have a feeling Myles Garrett is going to go off like that on several teams. He might be the quickest DE I have seen at the college level. I was disappointed by some of the penalties (hitting the punter and the sliding QB) -- very un-Todd Graham-like.
Jay Cardinal
Die Hard Cardinals Fan
The comparison is out of conference schedules (you know the part the college has a say in scheduling). ASU has chosen to play Notre Dame x 2 and Texas A & M in the last 3 years. UA has gone with UTSA, Nevada, and NAU.
Do you really feel UA is scheduling tougher out-of-conference opponents than ASU?
Do you really feel UA is scheduling tougher out-of-conference opponents than ASU?
Jay Cardinal
Die Hard Cardinals Fan
I'll admit lots of good teams started out poorly this year. Only 3 PAC-12 team looked good (Utah, UCLA, and USC). Both Arizona schools looked especially bad in their first game.
Rich Rod's videos are universally laughed at and not in a good way. Read the forums on wildwestsports and Scout.com for additional insight into what other schools' fanbases think of him. Feel free to scan the forums and then tell me who is talking out of their ass....
MaoTosiFanClub
The problem
No, but we're also playing statistically comparable or better schedules every year so what's the difference? Also A&M and ND haven't been that good recently by the way. Big names, but borderline top 30 teams so don't pretend you're walking into Tuscaloosa to face Saban's Bama. You didn't even play any of those teams on their home field.
MaoTosiFanClub
The problem
And for the record, both NAU and UTSA are on your schedule next season.
MaoTosiFanClub
The problem
All the hyperbole (the videos, written statements from players, bold predictions from coaches) is stupid. Both local programs are notorious for it. Just shut up and win I've always felt.
82CardsGrad
7 x 70
I'm not here to defend the pathetic looking Devils - but, ND was ranked #10 when we spanked them in Tempe last year...
82CardsGrad
7 x 70
Ballage being out was definitely an issue. However, I saw no players on the Devils side of the ball that were anywhere close to the best players on A&M. Talent wise, the separation was startling.
I'm amazed that people have been extolling the recruiting over the past two seasons by Graham.
Further, I think what this game also exposed is the fallacy of relying on JuCo transfers to represent a significant portion of your recruiting class...
For me, the Devils have a TON to prove. I don't know what the point spread will be vs Cal Poly, but the Devils better approach that game with the mindset of doubling whatever the spread is. AND, if they don't do the same to New Mexico the following week - at home, this team will definitely be in trouble the rest of the way...
MaoTosiFanClub
The problem
Which has nothing to go with them being a good football team. Rankings only matter at the end of the season.
OP
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All right guys, just got back and will post my thoughts......
1. Good Lord, Houston was one sweaty pit. Outside before the game was miserable. It was as bad as ANY game I've EVER been to at SDS or UofP stadium.
2. My seat was AMAZING. 45 yard line on ASU side, about 20 rows up. Thanks Dad!
3. Houston stadium was nice to watch the game. Two video boards with GREAT picture, and very vertical stands which made it feel like the crowd was on top of the action. Outside the field, not as good as UofP. The field inside is not grass and the parking lot is frigging HORRIBLE!!!
3. ASU fans showed very well I thought as far as turn out. My guess? Around 10 to 12K. The flight over was packed with fans. The stadium gave 50/50 on the video screen to both teams, and even showed the video they show at ASU home games with Sparky crushing the A&M bus. Guys, this was NOT like a game at Kyle Field, not even close. Yes, A&M had the numbers and noise advantage but it was not very much like a game in College Station.
4. In the second half, I got very embarrassed by the behavior of some ASU fans. My nephews, and my sister and brother-in-law, also both Aggies, were sitting with us. Middle of the 3rd quarter, a guy two rows in front of us decided to start sticking two middle fingers in the air every time an Aggie fanwas shown on the screen. On the second penalty for hitting the punter, the one where it was clear the kid actually got hurt, several started booing and calling the kid names. I was on the aisle. Directly across from me was an ASU fan about 6'5" and 280 who was repeatedly screaming the kid was a "female genitalia" and had a "broken heart". An Aggie fan, a blonde woman about 5'2" and 100 lbs, directly behind me, walked straight over to him, got right in front of him, stuck her finger at his chest, and said, loudly, "Shut the BLANK up! This is Texas and this is not how we behave at football games!" The shocked look on his face was amazing. When Aggie fans were all politely clapping for Simone who limped off the field later, he seemed embarrassed and never even stood up the rest of the game until he left early.
As to the football game....
1. The best player on the field was clearly Garrett. He's a top 5 NFL pick, take it to the bank.
2. I see a comment by Graham about how fast A&M was off the line. Well, I started telling my dad before the first quarter was over we HAVE to change up the snap count. Guys, I did not chart every play, but I paid attention to the snap a lot, and I NEVER noticed a different timing. It was make the motion, one second, snap.
3. Ok, so you can't change the snap for some reason. Well, how about helping out the OTs with chips by the RBs or TEs? Even when our line wasn't beaten off the snap we struggled with their athletic DEs the entire night. Again, it might have happened that we chipped, but I never saw it.
4. WRs were not involved until late, when A&M's rush was picking up intensity and not dropping off. Don't believe the analysis I've read here about how Berco could not go downfield in the 1st half. Guys, we didn't TRY. It made it too easy for the Aggie defense when they were not very worried about guys running past them. You have to at LEAST plant a seed you will go deep. For all the raving about our speed this year, we were not faster than A&M.
5. Liked the look of the Jefferson kid. I think he will have a big year, too bad it took so late to get him involved.
6. The defense played extremely hard and well, especially up the middle. My Aggie family members were not happy with how the Aggies ran the ball, said they will struggle in the SEC unless their oline gets better push than that.
7. Christian Kirk. What can you say? The kid showed why he's special. It DID come down to A&M and ASU for him, and it HAD to sting Graham seeing him do so well. Especially since he is going head-to-head against the Aggies for the two top prospects in the state THIS year, Byron Murphy (Saguaro) and N'Keal Harry (Chandler). Of course, Allen did well and the kid #9 on the Aggies defensive line was from Chandler Hamilton and HE played well rotating in for Garrett and Hall (got at least one sack). For two programs playing one game EVER, this has quickly become a very intense and personal battle between these two coaches.
8. Bercovici's girlfriend was probably the hottest girl in the whole stadium, and it was seriously loaded with hotties. So, ASU won that at least. At least, that is if my assumption that the smoking hot blonde wearing the "Berco's Babe" tank top is his girlfriend is correct.
Enough for now, ask questions if you want.
1. Good Lord, Houston was one sweaty pit. Outside before the game was miserable. It was as bad as ANY game I've EVER been to at SDS or UofP stadium.
2. My seat was AMAZING. 45 yard line on ASU side, about 20 rows up. Thanks Dad!
3. Houston stadium was nice to watch the game. Two video boards with GREAT picture, and very vertical stands which made it feel like the crowd was on top of the action. Outside the field, not as good as UofP. The field inside is not grass and the parking lot is frigging HORRIBLE!!!
3. ASU fans showed very well I thought as far as turn out. My guess? Around 10 to 12K. The flight over was packed with fans. The stadium gave 50/50 on the video screen to both teams, and even showed the video they show at ASU home games with Sparky crushing the A&M bus. Guys, this was NOT like a game at Kyle Field, not even close. Yes, A&M had the numbers and noise advantage but it was not very much like a game in College Station.
4. In the second half, I got very embarrassed by the behavior of some ASU fans. My nephews, and my sister and brother-in-law, also both Aggies, were sitting with us. Middle of the 3rd quarter, a guy two rows in front of us decided to start sticking two middle fingers in the air every time an Aggie fanwas shown on the screen. On the second penalty for hitting the punter, the one where it was clear the kid actually got hurt, several started booing and calling the kid names. I was on the aisle. Directly across from me was an ASU fan about 6'5" and 280 who was repeatedly screaming the kid was a "female genitalia" and had a "broken heart". An Aggie fan, a blonde woman about 5'2" and 100 lbs, directly behind me, walked straight over to him, got right in front of him, stuck her finger at his chest, and said, loudly, "Shut the BLANK up! This is Texas and this is not how we behave at football games!" The shocked look on his face was amazing. When Aggie fans were all politely clapping for Simone who limped off the field later, he seemed embarrassed and never even stood up the rest of the game until he left early.
As to the football game....
1. The best player on the field was clearly Garrett. He's a top 5 NFL pick, take it to the bank.
2. I see a comment by Graham about how fast A&M was off the line. Well, I started telling my dad before the first quarter was over we HAVE to change up the snap count. Guys, I did not chart every play, but I paid attention to the snap a lot, and I NEVER noticed a different timing. It was make the motion, one second, snap.
3. Ok, so you can't change the snap for some reason. Well, how about helping out the OTs with chips by the RBs or TEs? Even when our line wasn't beaten off the snap we struggled with their athletic DEs the entire night. Again, it might have happened that we chipped, but I never saw it.
4. WRs were not involved until late, when A&M's rush was picking up intensity and not dropping off. Don't believe the analysis I've read here about how Berco could not go downfield in the 1st half. Guys, we didn't TRY. It made it too easy for the Aggie defense when they were not very worried about guys running past them. You have to at LEAST plant a seed you will go deep. For all the raving about our speed this year, we were not faster than A&M.
5. Liked the look of the Jefferson kid. I think he will have a big year, too bad it took so late to get him involved.
6. The defense played extremely hard and well, especially up the middle. My Aggie family members were not happy with how the Aggies ran the ball, said they will struggle in the SEC unless their oline gets better push than that.
7. Christian Kirk. What can you say? The kid showed why he's special. It DID come down to A&M and ASU for him, and it HAD to sting Graham seeing him do so well. Especially since he is going head-to-head against the Aggies for the two top prospects in the state THIS year, Byron Murphy (Saguaro) and N'Keal Harry (Chandler). Of course, Allen did well and the kid #9 on the Aggies defensive line was from Chandler Hamilton and HE played well rotating in for Garrett and Hall (got at least one sack). For two programs playing one game EVER, this has quickly become a very intense and personal battle between these two coaches.
8. Bercovici's girlfriend was probably the hottest girl in the whole stadium, and it was seriously loaded with hotties. So, ASU won that at least. At least, that is if my assumption that the smoking hot blonde wearing the "Berco's Babe" tank top is his girlfriend is correct.
Enough for now, ask questions if you want.
Last edited:
82CardsGrad
7 x 70
No questions... Just a bummer. I again point to the massive differential in top-tier talent. Seriously, whoever you might pick as the most talented (NFL potential) player on the Devils, he wouldn't be in the same zip code as Kirk, Garrett and Hall. I'm simply stunned by the lack of talent on the Devils...
Zobaczcie suki
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Thanks for your insights, on and off the field.
On the snapcounts, do you think that ASU was overly concerned about the crowd noise, adopting a simple cadence to prevent our own players from jumping off? There's got to be a better way.
Seems like the defense is light years ahead of the offense. I also continue to wonder about the playcalling. It seems like we get stuck in the same stupid plan again and again without a lot of flexibility or adjustments.
And I am really questioning the read option with Berco. Yes he had a nice TD run, but that seemed improvised. It seems like teams are just going not respect the idea of Berco keeping the ball and running. Am I wrong there?
Zeno
Ancient
To me it appeared they are running Taylor Kelly's offense with Berco, that isn't going to work. He is a much better passer but does not have the feet Kelly did.
They have to adjust the scheme and playcalls to the talent available. The play calling was awful and pitifully predictable.
They have to adjust the scheme and playcalls to the talent available. The play calling was awful and pitifully predictable.
82CardsGrad
7 x 70
Great point...
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