First look: Northern Arizona
August 26th, 2008, 11:18 am · Post a Comment · posted by Dan Zeiger
For starters, my apologies for the inactivity here over the last week or so. The Tribune’s blog system is receiving some maintenance/upgrade work that is taking a little longer than anticipated, but I have been told I can post for the time being.
The ball gets rolling again with something I plan to do on a regular basis during football season, an early-week examination of Arizona State’s upcoming opponent.
Northern Arizona at Arizona State
7 p.m. Saturday; Sun Devil Stadium
Jerome Souers
The last two times that NAU played at ASU, it achieved the three main goals that a championship subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) team has when it faces one of the big boys: Don’t get humiliated, don’t suffer too many injuries, and by gosh, don’t forget to collect the fat guarantee check.
And while coach Jerome Souers believes his Lumberjacks are capable of giving the Sun Devils another good game — the teams were tied, 14-14, at the end of three quarters in their 2006 meeting — his primary designs are on NAU’s Big Sky Conference foes. And for good reason, as Souers’ team possesses the talent and depth to push for its first FCS playoff appearance since 2003.
“The last couple of years, we got into some trouble because of the schedule we played,” Souers said. “This year, we open with a tough one, but the other games are against teams that are more comparable to us. We have some quality experience returning, and we have a chance to be a quality team.”
Two years ago, NAU visited Utah the week after facing ASU. In 2007, it played games at Arizona and Appalachian State, slayer of Michigan and winner of three straight FCS national titles. This year’s overall slate is more forgiving, but November games against Big Sky powers Montana and Eastern Washington are on the road.
BURNING ISSUE: Who will play quarterback? Returning starter Lance Kriesen, who threw for 1,897 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, has battled Corey Slater and Mississippi transfer Michael Herrick since the start of camp. Souers — who as of Tuesday morning had not announced a starter — said that all three have improved. However, he added that it “would be premature” to say that more than one QB would play on Saturday.
Skyler Moore
OFFENSIVE SNAPSHOT: Whoever the quarterback is will be surrounded by playmakers at the skill positions. Running back Alex Henderson has rushed for 1,913 yards in two seasons. Shaun Fitzpatrick is one of the top tight ends in the FCS, and receiver Skyler Moore, who missed much of last season with a broken ankle, is a big-play threat.
DEFENSIVE SNAPSHOT: NAU’s unorthodox base formation consisting of three down linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs gave the Sun Devil offense some problems two years ago. The unit’s engine is in the secondary, headed by All-Americans K.J. Gerard at cornerback and Cyrus Igono at safety. The Lumberjacks are excited about their depth at linebacker, where Stevon Thomas and Cody Dowd head what Souers called a “committee” whose ability to rotate frequently could be vital against ASU.
UNSUNG HERO: Robby Dehaze is a valuable two-way kicker, making 40-of-54 field-goal attempts the last three seasons. He took over the punting chores in 2007 and averaged 43.3 yards on 55 attempts, planting 23 inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
FURTHER READING: