NFL Tickets
This past weekend against the USC Trojans was unfortunately the same ‘ol tune as the weeks prior for the Arizona State Sun Devils. But unlike Cal Poly and New Mexico, the Trojans brought along fierce competition and immense talent to seal the deal. It was the exact same story as Week 1 against Texas A&M with one added feature: even the defense looked bad on their home field.
This year’s football team came into the season nationally ranked and widely discussed to enter as a top four team in the second edition of the College Football Playoff. Senior quarterback Mike Bercovici was in preseason Heisman discussions and offensive coordinator Mike Norvell was a top name in the country. As quick as these ideas populated, they evaporated even quicker.
In all honesty, the Sun Devils have played four of the most predictable games in recent memory. Once only, Bercovici got under center against the Trojans. Funny enough, it was for a one-yard touchdown completion. But still, that’s gimmick football. Norvell and Co. are afraid to run it down the gut. They’ve abandoned football principles for a QB read/option offense that clearly doesn’t work when the three main pieces from last season aren’t in the picture (QB Taylor Kelly — graduation, Jaelen Strong — NFL, and D.J. Foster — moved to wideout). Instead, there are fumbled handoffs or rushed quick passes, followed usually by a QB read attempt on third and long and a punt. It doesn’t help when they’re rushing nine players on defense every play either.
Oh, and one of those main pieces mentioned above (Foster) is one the best players to ever put on maroon and gold , and this year’s offensive scheme has made him invisible. When he does get the ball it’s electric, but then he’s a ghost. The only positive from last weekend’s beatdown was the reemergence of running back Kalen Ballage, who missed the first three games from illness. He looked the bruiser he always has been and even barreled his way into the endzone for the second (and final) score for the Devils.
Sure, the Sun Devils only have one PAC-12 loss, so in a positive light, a PAC-12 South title isn’t out of the question. Unfortunately we all know from watching this team’s first four games is highly unlikely unless something drastic changes. And it better change quick. In just five days they make the toughest road trip of the year to Pasadena to play a redhot UCLA Bruins team that just dismantled a pretty good University of Arizona Wildcats team in Tucson. At this point of the Sun Devils’ season, even the Colorado Buffaloes will be a worthy opponent, and let’s not forget traveling to battle the Utah Utes that just embarrassed the dynasty Oregon Ducks like they were an FCS school.
I know it’s frustrating for the players as much as it is the fans, probably even more so. It must be devastating seeing the scoreboard implode and your fans leave all around you. I want to be clear, it isn’t their fault. Sure they’ve made costly errors on special teams, missed key tackles and dropped important first downs, but where’s the accountability from the coaching staff? Where’s the adjustments? So far there hasn’t been anything to back up the coach’s outrageous claims of greatness that obviously inflated the team and fanbase to a point where they couldn’t recover.
Things must change. There’s no arguing that. It’s time to abandon the cutesy handoffs and weak flat passes and get under center and embrace Bercovici’s arm and the receiver’s route running. Let the bruisers in the backfield pound the ball up the middle like they are built to do and get the ball to DJ Foster. Hopefully Norvell and head coach Todd Graham had a big reality check Sunday, because they are going to need it before this season gets really out of hand.
Share 
