The Arizona State Sun Devils will be joined by five other teams to make up the Pac-12 South Division during the 2011 campaign. The program was one of the most better-friendly teams in the nation, posting an 8-2-2 ATS mark.
Head coach Dennis Erickson returns for his fifth year in Tempe and has led the school to a 25-24 SU record and 24-19-2 ATS mark.
One of the reasons for the team’s recent success in Vegas is a rush defense that has led the conference each of the last two seasons. The 2010 unit allowed only 120.2 yards per game, which was good for 16th-best in the nation.
Getting into the opposing backfield is the goal for a linebacking core that returns all three starts, finishing 2010 with 143 plays that went for negative or no yards, totaling 307 yards lost for the offense. Leading the group is junior Vontaze Burfict, who led the squad with 90 tackles.
Arizona State brings back a group with all 11 players having starting experience, led by quarterback Brock Osweiler, who completed 56.9 percent of his passes last year. He was instrumental in leading the team to 85 points over the last two weeks of the season, throwing for five touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
One of the many strengths for this team that will threaten for the conference title is the running game, rushing for 19 touchdowns in 2010 after tallying just 14 in 2009. The running back duo of Cameron Marshall and Deantre Lewis is likely to challenge the boys in Eugene for the distinction of the league’s best backfield.
Entering the 2011 season, ASU returns a receiving core that combined for 224 receptions and 2,729 yards last year. Leading the group will be Mike Willie, who caught 36 passes for 442 yards and six touchdowns.
All five starters are back for an offensive line that is experienced and talented, led by senior center Garth Gerhart. In case of injuries, the front has incredible depth and players that can play multiple positions.
Major questions marks are found in the kicking game, with the departures of Thomas Weber and Trevor Hankins. Weber’s loss will be nearly impossible to fill, as he was a first-team All-American and Lou Groza Award winner.
Arizona State is an extremely dangerous team with a quality offensive line and strong defense, which will make it a key team to wager on for the entire season. The Sun Devils have tallied a 9-1 ATS record at home against FBS competition over the last two years.