Three years ago sounds like a long time to a lot of people, and to some Arizona State fans it may seem like an eternity compare to the last two seasons. In 2007, the Sun Devils managed a share of the Pac 10 title, and every thing looked promising for the boys from Tempe. That was until a 5-7 season in 2008 and a 4-8 season in 2009. The Sun Devils are hoping that 2007 wasn't just a abberation. The following two seasons may have proven that it was, but a solid start in 2010 could perhaps bring back the glory days of just a few years ago to Tempe.
With two cupcakes in the first two of games of the season (sorry Portland State and Northern Arizona) the Sun Devils should enter week three in Madison 2-0. Unfortunately the unbeaten season should be lost at the Camp.
Perhaps the strongest part of this season's Sun Devil squad will be the pass rush. Not much of an advantage when Wisconsin will most likely force them to defend the run on a regular basis with John Clay. The major difference in this game will most likely be who puts the best defense out on the field. Score one for Bucky.
When comparing the Wisconsin offense to the Arizona State offense the Badgers actually have an edge against a FBS team for the first time in what seems to be a while. At least when you consider total offensive power.
The Sun Devils enter this season only returning one running back with experience on the field at this level. Sophomore Cameron Marshall ran for only 280 yards last season in 11 games (including one start) and punched it in twice. Marshall has many upsides as a running back, but with Wisconsin's strong front seven standing in front of him should make it a long day. The offensive line also plays a major role in how the running game operates against Wisconsin.
Following last season the Sun Devils lost a total of three members of their offensive line from last season. During spring practice Arizona State suffered another loss on the line when senior Jon Hargis went down with an ACL injury that has taken him out for the season. The just yesterday starting guard Zach Schlink went down with a season ending injury. So needless to say the Sun Devils have a lot of questions to answer in the first two weeks of the season up front.
Another big question regarding the Sun Devils coming into this season is who will take the snaps. After last season with Scott Tolzien we're not putting to much wieght into this one but it is always an important decision. But one of the names that could possibly be under center may seem all but familiar to Badger fans...Steven Threet. Yes, that Steven Threet.
Every Badger fan certainly still remembers the comeback Michigan put together against Wisconsin in 2008. Some may remember the starting quarterback for the Wolverines that day was Steven Threet. Following Rich Rodriguez's first season in Ann Arbor Threet transfered to Arizona State. But while he may have the most experience against the Badgers he still has plenty of competition taking the snaps in Tempe. One would expect Brock Oswieler to be under center in Madison, but don't be suprised if it is Street or Samson Szakacsy taking the snaps either.
The final advantage for Wisconsin is none other than Camp Randall itself. Since the 2007 season the Sun Devils have only managed to win two games out of ten on the road. Those two games coming against Washington and Washington State two teams that only combined to win eight games in the last two seasons.
So will this be an easy game for Wisconsin. Probably not as easy as the first two...but easy none the less. Expect the Badgers to pound the football and play solid defense against the Sun Devils. On the plus side for Arizona State they do have a pretty good kicker.
Boyton's Badgers Prediction: Wisconsin 28 Arizona State 10
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