Blogging with the Devils

The Emerald Bowl, which is played at AT&T Park in San Francisco, could be Arizona State’s bowl destination if it defeats Arizona.

Oregon’s 65-38 victory at Oregon State on Saturday, which denied the Beavers their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1965 and the Pac-10 a likely second Bowl Championship Series berth, brought a little clarity to the conference’s postseason picture.

Oregon is likely headed to the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30, Oregon State to the Sun on Dec. 31, and California to the Las Vegas on Dec. 20.

What that means to Arizona State and Arizona, who meet in Tucson on Dec. 6, is that the winner will finish fifth in the Pac-10 standings and figure to be bound for the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco on Dec. 27, against an ACC opponent. If ASU wins, Arizona is sent to the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve, against a WAC foe (likely Hawaii).

There is a chance, though, that the Sun Devils (or the Wildcats, for that matter) could be elevated to the Las Vegas Bowl, against a Mountain West school.

The Las Vegas and Emerald have flexibility with the Pac-10’s Nos. 4 and 5 selections, respectively. That means the Las Vegas could bypass California to leave it as a local draw for the Emerald.

Also, the Las Vegas has coveted a chance to host one of the Arizona schools.

There is no consolation prize if the Sun Devils lose — with a seventh defeat, they will not go bowling. And that would leave the Pac-10 with five bowl teams and unable to fill its slots in the Hawaii and Poinsettia bowls.

Oregon State’s loss means that Southern California will nab the Pac-10’s BCS berth with a win against UCLA on Dec. 6. One can confidently bet the mortgage that the fifth-ranked Trojans will knock off the Bruins, who gave up a major college record-tying four defensive touchdowns in a 34-9 loss against ASU on Friday.

This bowl prognostication is also predicated on California winning at home against 0-11 Washington on Dec. 6 — another safe assumption.

An Emerald Bowl scout attended the UCLA-ASU contest.

Assuming USC beats UCLA, the Oregon schools would tie for second in the Pac-10 standings, meaning that the Holiday Bowl could choose between them. The Beavers have never played in the Holiday Bowl and would be an enticing pick, but the bowl should be compelled to go with a Ducks team that beat OSU by 27 points in Corvallis.

UCLA at Arizona State

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Sun Devil Stadium
TV/Announcers: ESPN2/Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Rob Stone (sidelines)
Radio: KTAR (92.3 FM)
Records: UCLA 4-6 overall, 3-4 Pac-10; ASU 4-6, 3-4
Rankings: Both teams unranked
Series: UCLA leads 15-8-1 and is 8-3 in Tempe
Last meeting: Nov. 10, 2007 at Pasadena, Calif. — ASU 24, UCLA 20
Tickets: Available at Sun Devil Stadium ticket office, by calling (480) 727-0000 or online at thesundevils.com

SUN DEVILS’ KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Keep the momentum: So, ASU’s last two opponents, Washington and Washington State, are a combined 2-21? Big deal. Wins are wins, and the Sun Devils need to channel their newfound confidence into a good performance against a beatable UCLA squad. What would help is …

2. A good start: Even against the woeful Washington schools, ASU was slow out of the gate — a problem that has plagued the team throughout coach Dennis Erickson’s two-year tenure. If the Sun Devils come out in a funk, the UCLA defense is good enough to keep them there.

3. Harass Craft: Quarterback Kevin Craft has done his best since being pressed into service due to injuries to Patrick Cowan and Ben Olson. But he has been prone to picks, with nine interceptions and no touchdowns in the last three games. ASU defense, which has scored a touchdown in three straight games, should be salavating at the chance to wreak havoc on Craft and the Bruins’ leaky offensive line.

INJURY REPORT

UCLA
OUT: DE Tom Blake (hernia); LB Kyle Bosworth (knee); QB Patrick Cowan (knee); QB Ben Olson (foot); OL Darius Savage (knee); RB Trevor Theriot (knee) QUESTIONABLE: LB Joshua Edwards (foot); TE Logan Paulsen (foot) PROBABLE: DL Korey Bosworth (back); LB Chase Moline (back); DT Brian Price (hamstring)

Arizona State
OUT: OL Matt Hustad (knee); TE Dan Knapp (knee); LB Colin Parker (knee); OL Zach Schlink (knee); DT David Smith (stinger); S Max Tabach (knee) DOUBTFUL: LB Jeff Bereuter (elbow); CB Jonathan Clark (knee) PROBABLE: S Clint Floyd (kidney)

UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft leads all Pac-10 quarterbacks in passes caught, both by the Bruins and the opposition. His 19.7 completions a game and 16 interceptions on the season are tops in the conference.

SCOUTING THE BRUINS

Coach Rick Neuheisel is expected to eventually get his alma mater moving again, but this season has been tough, thanks to a lack of manpower, particularly on offense. If running back Kahlil Bell, who has worked his way back from knee and ankle injuries, can run with consistency, that would be a big help on offense. Bell had 97 yards on the ground at Washington two weeks ago. The defense is sound, with tackles Brigham Harwell and Brian Price (12 sacks) the engine of the unit. Rush end Korey Bosworth, linebacker Reggie Carter and cornerback Alterraun Verner are playmakers. Kai Forbath, like ASU’s Thomas Weber, is one of the top kickers in the nation.

SCOUTING THE SUN DEVILS

Nobody will confuse UCLA with crosstown rival Southern California any time soon, but the Bruins are good enough to determine of ASU’s last two wins were legitimate or fool’s gold. ASU has run the ball successfully, but the fact that no back has commanded the primary ball-carrying duties could suggest that not all is well with that facet of the offense. The Sun Devils need it to be, because the receivers having room to work in the secondary has made all the difference for quarterback Rudy Carpenter. Slot receiver Kyle Williams, who had two touchdown catches against Washington State, could be emerging as a threat.

THE INTRIGUE

The main story line is simple: This is a bowl elimination game, as someone will suffer the seventh loss that drops it from postseason consideration. The winner will go into their Dec. 6 rivalry game — ASU at Arizona, UCLA at home against USC — with all the extra motivation it should need: a win, and it is bowling time. The Sun Devils also want to send 15 seniors playing their final game at Sun Devil Stadium out on a high note. What’s more, nobody wants to look bad in front of a national television audience on Thanksgiving weekend.

TEAM REPORTS

UCLA OFFENSE

SE 82 Taylor Embree; LT 60 Jeff Baca; LG 66 Scott Glicksberg; C 58 Micah Reed; RG 75 Nick Ekbatani; RT 65 Mike Harris; TE 15 Ryan Moya; FL 4 Terrence Austin; QB 3 Kevin Craft; TB 36 Kahlil Bell; FB 42 Chane Moline

UCLA DEFENSE

LE 96 Datone Jones; DT 92 Brian Price; DT 93 Brigham Harwell; RE 55 Korey Bosworth; WLB 51 Reggie Carter; MLB 43 Steve Sloan; SLB 12 John Hale; LCB 22 Michael Norris; RCB 1 Alterraun Verner; FS 3 Rahim Moore; SS 25 Bret Lockett

UCLA 2008 schedule

UCLA 2008 statistics

UCLA 2008 NCAA ranking summary

ASU OFFENSE

SE 1 Michael Jones; LT; 59 Jon Hargis; LG 52 Garth Gerhart; C 56 Thomas Altieri; RG 63 Paul Fanaika; RT 67 Shawn Lauvao; TE 88 Andrew Pettes; SLOT 6 Kyle Williams; FL 13 Chris McGaha; QB 12 Rudy Carpenter; RB 36 Shaun DeWitty

ASU DEFENSE

LE 49 Luis Vasquez; DT 50 Lawrence Guy; DT 54 Paul Unga; RE 58 Dexter Davis; SLB 44 Travis Goethel; MLB 52 Morris Wooten; WLB 25 Mike Nixon; CB 3 Omar Bolden; CB 5 Terell Carr; FS 14 Troy Nolan; SS 22 Rodney Cox

ASU 2008 schedule

ASU 2008 statistics

ASU 2008 NCAA ranking summary

In honor of homecoming and the 50th anniversary of Sun Devil Stadium, the Arizona State football team took the field against Washington State on Saturday with a replica decal on their helmets. The design is the maroon sun with “ASU” in the middle, a look the team sported from 1976-79.

It is a nice touch of tradition, although it would have been better if ASU could have gone retro with the entire uniform. Unfortunately, I’m told, the full duds do not come cheap.

Washington State at Arizona State

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sun Devil Stadium
TV/Announcers: None
Radio: KTAR (620 AM)
Records: Washington State 1-9 overall, 0-7 Pac-10; ASU 3-6, 2-5
Rankings: Both teams unranked
Series: ASU leads 20-12-2 and has won four straight matchups
Last meeting: Oct. 6, 2007 at Pullman, Wash. — ASU 23, Washington State 20
Tickets: Available at Sun Devil Stadium ticket office, by calling (480) 727-0000 or online at thesundevils.com

SUN DEVILS’ KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Demoralize them early: Washington State showed spirit against Arizona last week, but by coach Paul Wulff’s admission, the team tends to fold when adversity strikes. With the game at home, the Sun Devils could put it away rather quickly with early scores.

2. More run work: The Cougars’ run defense is the worst the country, and they are thin on the defensive front. It is an ideal opportunity for ASU to build on the rushing successes of the last two weeks. With a big lead, there would be no better time to give true freshman Ryan Bass extensive action.

3. Alert defense: Like it did against Arizona last week, Washington State will likely break out some trick plays and long passes. That means keeping close tabs on wide receiver Brandon Gibson, perhaps the Cougars’ lone big-play threat.

INJURY REPORT

Washington State
OUT: QB Marshall Lobbestael (knee); QB Gary Rogers (neck); OL Dan Rowlands (shoulder); DE Jessy Sanchez (shoulder); LB Jason Stripling (shoulder) DOUBTFUL: CB Tyrone Justin (ankle); DE Andy Mattingly (ankle) QUESTIONABLE: LB Myron Beck (hand); TE Aaron Gehring (shoulder); RB Chris Ivory (hamstring); DB Alonzo Jackson (nerve); TE Tony Thompson (concussion) PROBABLE: LS Zach Enyeart (shoulder); DE Kevin Kooyman (nerve)

Arizona State
OUT: S Clint Floyd (kidney); OL Matt Hustad (knee); TE Dan Knapp (knee); OL Zach Schlink (knee); S Max Tabach (knee) DOUBTFUL: LB Jeff Bereuter (elbow); CB Jonathan Clark (knee); DT David Smith (stinger) QUESTIONABLE: RB Jarrell Woods (ankle) PROBABLE: C Thomas Altieri (stinger); RB Ryan Bass (hamstring); DT Lawrence Guy (shoulder); K Thomas Weber (wrist)

Washington State receiver Brandon Gibson has made at least one catch in 33 straight games, but with few other playmakers in the Cougars’ offense, opposing teams can key on him.

SCOUTING THE COUGARS

If last week’s performance is of any indication, Washington State might finally be finding some continuity on offense. The team’s third starting quarterback this season, Kevin Lopina, directed a unit that had a handful of big gains and capitalized on turnovers while scoring four touchdowns against Arizona. Still, the Cougars gained only 208 yards, so much work still needs to be done. From a wins-and-losses standpoint, improvement on offense might be for naught, because the depleted defense cannot stop anyone. WSU, which has already allowed a Pac-10 record 502 points, utilized a three-man defensive front (thanks to injuries) against Arizona and gave up 317 rushing yards.

SCOUTING THE SUN DEVILS

Oh, the joys an offense experiences when it can run the ball with consistency. With a 100-yard rusher in each of the last two games, the Sun Devils are starting to display the productive offense that coach Dennis Erickson expected to see before the season. Opposing defenses can no longer drop their safeties deep, giving the receivers more room to work, evidenced by Michael Jones’ career-high 11 catches and two touchdowns last week at Washington. The defense — which has had just one poor game this season, against Oregon — can afford to be more aggressive as the quality of opposing offenses has decreased. However, the Sun Devils need to limit the flags, as they committed some drive-extending penalties last week.

THE INTRIGUE

It is homecoming at ASU, and the Sun Devils need a win try to keep their bowl hopes intact. Sun Devil fans should not necessarily be disappointed if their team does not reach the 50-point mark that six Cougars opponents have this season. With no Bowl Championship Series computers and pollsters to impress, Erickson is not likely to run it up on Wulff, who played for him at WSU in 1987 and ’88. This preview package has been written under the assumption that the Sun Devils will win, simply because a loss to the Cougars — who could be the worst team in Pac-10 history — is unthinkable. If ASU loses, there is a train wreck.

TEAM REPORTS

WASHINGTON STATE OFFENSE

WR 85 Jeshua Anderson; LT 55 Vaughn Lesuma; LG 78 Steven Ayers; C 69 Kenny Alfred; RG 72 B.J. Guerra; RT 76 Micah Hannam; TE 48 Ben Woodard; WR 4 Brandon Gibson; WR 29 Kevin Norrell; QB 5 Kevin Lopina; RB 31 Dwight Tardy

WASHINGTON STATE DEFENSE

LE 93 Kevin Kooyman; LT 92 A’i Ahmu; RT 90 Toby Turpin; RE 58 Matt Mullennix; WLB 46 Louis Bland; MLB 52 Greg Trent; SLB 38 Corey Evans; LCB 10 Romeo Pellum; RCB 9 Tyrone Justin; FS 26 Xavier Hicks; SS 1 Alfonso Jackson

WSU 2008 schedule

WSU 2008 statistics (PDF)

WSU 2008 NCAA ranking summary

ASU OFFENSE

SE 1 Michael Jones; LT; 59 Jon Hargis; LG 52 Garth Gerhart; C 56 Thomas Altieri; RG 63 Paul Fanaika; RT 67 Shawn Lauvao; TE 88 Andrew Pettes; SLOT 5 Kerry Taylor; FL 13 Chris McGaha; QB 12 Rudy Carpenter; RB 36 Shaun DeWitty

ASU DEFENSE

LE 49 Luis Vasquez; DT 50 Lawrence Guy; DT 99 Jonathan English; RE 58 Dexter Davis; SLB 44 Travis Goethel; MLB 52 Morris Wooten; WLB 25 Mike Nixon; CB 3 Omar Bolden; CB 5 Terell Carr; FS 14 Troy Nolan; SS 22 Rodney Cox

ASU 2008 schedule

ASU 2008 statistics

ASU 2008 NCAA ranking summary

Arizona State safety Troy Nolan celebrates an interception return for a touchdown against Colorado last season. (Darryl Webb/Tribune)

Troy Nolan has developed a reputation as an opportunistic player. The Arizona State safety has nine interceptions in his two-year career, returning three for touchdowns.

Nolan has seized the moment in the classroom, also. He struggled academically after arriving from College of the Canyons in Santa Clara, Calif., in 2006, but buckled down and earned his diploma in interdisciplinary studies in May. He is one of seven Sun Devil players with undergraduate degrees.

In the following “Too on One” interview that will appear in Sunday’s edition of the Tribune, Nolan talks about scoring touchdowns, his on- and off-field experience at ASU and aspirations of solving crimes after his football career ends.

PageToo: You’ve returned an interception for a touchdown three times for ASU. What is that experience like?

Troy Nolan: It’s an exciting feeling, almost hard to explain, because scoring a touchdown is not something you think about a lot on defense. As far as the one at Oregon State, I was just happy because we were down in the game, it gave us the lead and gave us some momentum. It was our first defensive touchdown of the year, which shouldn’t have taken that long.

PT: ASU was flagged for an excessive celebration on that play. Were you surprised?

TN: Yeah, I was. I was walking back to the sidelines, and coach (Dennis) Erickson started yelling at me. I was looking around, wondering why he was yelling at me. I thought I had done something really good. Then, I found out we had a flag, but it wasn’t on me.

PT: You got that touchdown, maybe you should have gotten the penalty, too. Did you feel short-changed?

TN: Nah. It was pretty cool that we were showing so much emotion, though. We need that.

PT: Not only have you had an impact on the field at ASU, but you have graduated. How rewarding has this experience been for you since coming from junior college?

TN: It’s been a great ride. I’ve been here three years (redshirting in 2006 due to injury), and it’s been a heck of an experience to come to school and make new friends. And playing Division I football in the Pac-10 has been all I could have hoped for.

PT: And you were what they call an academic risk, right?

TN: Yeah, my first semester here was pretty rough. But I got through it and worked on my studies. The injury was a blessing in a way, because it gave me a lot of extra time for school. I worked hard, got it together and turned it around.

PT: What’s your degree emphasis?

TN: Criminal justice.

PT: What would you like to do with that?

TN: I’d like to work for the FBI as an agent. I wanted to be a cop when I was younger, but as I got older, I started watching a lot of detective shows on television. That made me want to become an agent.

PT: Who is your favorite TV detective?

TN: I really don’t have one. I mostly like the storylines, the action, trying to stay a step ahead of the bad guys.

PT: But police work is on hold until you’re done taking football as far as you can.

TN: It would be really exciting to play pro ball — for me, for my family. I’d like to get there for ASU, too. I’m sure it would be a big honor for the school, because it gave me the tools to work hard.

Arizona State at Washington

Kickoff: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Husky Stadium; Seattle
TV/Announcers: FSN Arizona/Kevin Calabro and Jason Stiles
Radio: KTAR (92.3 AM)
Records: ASU 2-6 overall, 1-4 Pac-10; Washington 0-8, 0-5
Rankings: Both teams unranked
Series: Washington leads 15-12, but ASU has won the last four matchups
Last meeting: Oct. 13, 2007 at Tempe — ASU 44, Washington 20

SUN DEVILS’ KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Air it out: It is a perfect opportunity for ASU and quarterback Rudy Carpenter to establish a consistent downfield passing game that has been missing since the Sun Devils’ last victory, on Sept. 6. Washington is 119th in the nation in pass defense. Until another school joins the bowl subdivision, that is dead last.

2. Rattle Ronnie: Redshirt freshman Ronnie Fouch is playing quarterback because of the thumb injury to Jake Locker, and there have been growing pains. He threw three interceptions last week at Southern California and has gotten little help from the running game. That situation is perfect for an improving Sun Devils defensive line.

3. Assume nothing: How dreadful is Washington? One writer has predicted that ASU will win 44-13. Losers of six in a row, the Sun Devils have no business believing they can simply show up and get a victory.

INJURY REPORT

Arizona State
OUT: S Clint Floyd (kidney); OL Matt Hustad (knee); TE Dan Knapp (knee); S Max Tabach (knee) DOUBTFUL: CB Jonathan Clark (knee); LB Jeff Bereuter (elbow) QUESTIONABLE: RB Jarrell Woods (ankle) PROBABLE: RB Ryan Bass (hamstring); DE James Brooks (ankle); K Thomas Weber (wrist); WR Kyle Williams (concussion)

Washington
OUT: OL Mark Armelin (foot); OL Casey Bulyca (knee); CB Byron Davenport (ankle); S Darin Harris (concussion); DT Senio Kelemente (knee); QB Jake Locker (thumb); RB Chris Polk (shoulder); RB Brandon Yakaboski (knee); WR Chancellor Young (knee) QUESTIONABLE: DE Kelani Aldrich (undisclosed); WR Cody Burns (head); LB Donald Butler (neck); DT Cameron Elisara (shoulder); CB Mesphin Forrester (knee); RB David Freeman (knee)

SCOUTING THE SUN DEVILS

Despite the narrow loss at Oregon State last week, ASU’s hearts were not broken for long. The Sun Devils came away from Corvallis with the belief that things are finally starting to turn around. The 110 rushing yards from Shaun DeWitty last week gave a boost to the offense, the defense was opportunistic and flying around, and there is no better cure for a losing streak than back-to-back games against Washington and Washington State. Penalties and red-zone struggles remain concerns, and perhaps the offensive-line changes — Zach Schlink at left guard and Shawn Lauvao at right tackle — in practice this week will help.

Ronnie Fouch, a redshirt freshman who has played quarterback since Jake Locker suffered a broken right (passing) thumb injury, will make his fifth career start on Saturday. (Getty Images photo)

SCOUTING THE HUSKIES

Nobody expected Washington to win at Southern California last week, but the lifeless performance has led many to question if the Huskies have quit on lame-duck coach Tyrone Willingham. Injuries have sapped what little depth and experience the program had, which has helped result in an amazing statistic: Of the 17 major team statistical categories compiled by the NCAA, Washington ranks in the bottom 20 in the nation in all but two. The Huskies’ top rusher is quarterback Jake Locker (180 yards), who has not played since the fourth game of the year. And ASU feels that its rushing attack has been punchless?

THE INTRIGUE

Washington has only four games left to try and avoid only the second winless season in program history. The Huskies went 0-1-1 in 1890. Perhaps a 44-13 score is not out of line for a Sun Devil squad that needs to run the table to qualify for a bowl game. A loss, and there could be hell to pay for ASU — a school-record seven-game losing streak, no postseason and a coaching staff that would be irate for … well, the rest of the season.

TEAM REPORTS

ASU OFFENSE

SE 1 Michael Jones; LT; 59 Jon Hargis; LG 73 Zach Schlink; C 56 Thomas Altieri; RG 63 Paul Fanaika; RT 67 Shawn Lauvao; TE 88 Andrew Pettes; SLOT 5 Kerry Taylor; FL 13 Chris McGaha; QB 12 Rudy Carpenter; RB 36 Shaun DeWitty

ASU DEFENSE

LE 49 Luis Vasquez; DT 50 Lawrence Guy; DT 90 David Smith; RE 58 Dexter Davis; SLB 44 Travis Goethel; MLB 52 Morris Wooten; WLB 25 Mike Nixon; CB 3 Omar Bolden; CB 5 Terell Carr; FS 14 Troy Nolan; SS 22 Rodney Cox

ASU 2008 schedule

ASU 2008 statistics

ASU 2008 NCAA ranking summary

WASHINGTON OFFENSE

WR 11 D’Andre Goodwin; LT 79 Ben Ossai; LG 76 Jordan White-Frisbee; C 58 Juan Garcia; RG 65 Ryan Tolar; RT 71 Cody Habben; TE 86 Michael Gottlieb; WR 3 Alvin Logan; QB 8 Ronnie Fouch;; TB 27 Terrance Dailey; FB 30 Paul Homer

WASHINGTON DEFENSE

DE 66 Danile Te’o-Nesheim; DT 99 Cameron Elisara; DT 37 Johnie Kirton; DE 59 Darrion Jones; OLB 9 Donald Butler; ILB 57 Trenton Tuiasosopo; OLB 40 Mason Foster; CB 28 Quinton Richardson; CB 23 Mesphin Forrester; S 34 Tripper Johnson; S 8 Nate Williams

Washington 2008 schedule

Washington 2008 statistics

Washington 2008 NCAA ranking summary

Arizona State at Oregon State

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: Reser Stadium; Corvallis, Ore.
TV/Announcers: FSN Arizona/Steve Physioc, Jason Sehorn and Michael Eaves (sidelines)
Radio: KTAR (92.3 FM)
Records: ASU 2-5 overall, 1-3 Pac-10; Oregon State 4-3, 3-1
Rankings: Both teams unranked
Series: ASU leads 24-9-1 and has won three of the last four matchups
Last meeting: Sept. 22, 2007 at Tempe — ASU 44, Oregon State 32

SUN DEVILS’ KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Assignment football: The ASU defense took a step back last week by being overwhelmed by Oregon’s speed, as it missed tackles when the Ducks got the ball to their playmakers in space. Oregon State offers the same challenge, particularly from Jacquizz Rodgers, the Pac-10’s leading rusher.

2. Deep thinkers: The Beavers’ defense has been susceptible to the long pass this year, and it expects the Sun Devils to try for big gains downfield. However, ASU’s passing game might face a big impediment …

3. Rain gear required: The forecast for game time calls for temperatures in the 40s and a 70-percent chance of precipitation. Two years ago, the Sun Devils visited the Beavers in the rain and were held to 223 yards of offense in a 44-10 loss.

INJURY REPORT

Arizona State
OUT: CB Jonathan Clark (knee); S Clint Floyd (kidney); OL Matt Hustad (knee); TE Dan Knapp (knee); S Max Tabach (knee); WR Kyle Williams (concussion) DOUBTFUL: LB Jeff Bereuter (elbow); DE James Brooks (ankle) QUESTIONABLE: RB Jarrell Woods (ankle) PROBABLE: C Thomas Altieri (stinger); RB Ryan Bass (hamstring); QB Rudy Carpenter (ankle); WR Michael Jones (back); S Troy Nolan (ankle); K Thomas Weber (wrist)

Oregon State
OUT: CB James Dockery (knee); OL Brent McNeil (foot); OL Jeremy Perry (knee) QUESTIONABLE: TE Gabe Miller (groin) PROBABLE: OL Andy Levitre (illness)

SCOUTING THE SUN DEVILS

The weekly search for something, anything that will work consistently on offense continues. The last two games, ASU had early success with different formations and pre-snap motion, but mistakes or defensive adjustments quashed that advantage. New wrinkles can only go so far with quarterback Rudy Carpenter and many of his receivers playing hurt. With the offensive line still an issue, ASU needs as much elusiveness on the field as it can get, which is why Ryan Bass, a quick, shifty true freshman running back, is expected to play more. If the Sun Devils fall behind early, they could be in trouble, as the offensive woes and weather likely will not be conducive to quick scoring.

Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers is on pace to run for 1,392 yards this year, which would break the school’s freshman record of Ken Simonton (1,028 yards) in 1998. (Getty Images photo)

SCOUTING THE BEAVERS

With running back Jacquizz Rodgers piling up yards and efficient quarterback play, Oregon State is averaging more than 32 minutes of possession time a game, tops in the Pac-10. As a result, the Beavers are wearing down teams, a dynamic that fueled ASU’s success in 2007. Quarterback Lyle Moevao has an array of playmaking receivers, led by Sammie Stroughter, who is also a dangerous kick returner. Preseason concerns about the defense have been calmed, thanks to the unit’s opportunism. In its last five games — four of them victories — OSU has forced 13 turnovers, turning them into 10 touchdowns and two field goals.

THE INTRIGUE

With all of the talk about how Oregon State controls its own Rose Bowl destiny, it is easy to forget that the Beavers are only 4-3. However, the early-season losses are a distant memory now that coach Mike Riley’s team is hitting its usual second-half stride. Before a season-defining stretch against California, Arizona and Oregon, Oregon State needs to take care of business today and next week against UCLA. As for ASU, what is left to say? Coach Dennis Erickson returns to a school where he is still admired, but if his team does not leave with a win, its postseason margin for error is down to zero.

TEAM REPORTS

ASU OFFENSE

SE 1 Michael Jones; LT; 59 Jon Hargis; LG 67 Shaun Lauvao; C 56 Thomas Altieri; RG 63 Paul Fanaika; RT 74 Tom Njunge; TE 88 Andrew Pettes; SLOT 5 Kerry Taylor; FL 13 Chris McGaha; QB 12 Rudy Carpenter; RB 24 Keegan Herring

ASU DEFENSE

LE 49 Luis Vasquez; DT 50 Lawrence Guy; DT 90 David Smith; RE 58 Dexter Davis; SLB 44 Travis Goethel; MLB 52 Morris Wooten; WLB 25 Mike Nixon; CB 3 Omar Bolden; CB 5 Terell Carr; FS 14 Troy Nolan; SS 22 Rodney Cox

ASU 2008 schedule

ASU 2008 statistics

ASU 2008 NCAA ranking summary

OREGON STATE OFFENSE

SE 19 Sammie Stroughter; LT 66 Andy Levitre; LG 51 Adam Speer; C 60 Alex Linnenkohl; RG 73 Gregg Peat; RT 50 Mike Remmers; TE 88 Howard Croom; FL 8 James Rodgers; SLOT 13 Shane Morales; QB 3 Lyle Moevao; RB 1 Jacquizz Rodgers

OREGON STATE DEFENSE

LE 90 Victor Butler; LT 54 Stephen Paea; RT 99 Pernnell Booth; RE 58 Slade Norris; SLB 32 Keaton Kristick; MLB 41 Bryant Cornell; WLB 35 Keith Pankey; LCB 8 Keenan Lewis; RCB 36 Brandon Hughes; S 8 Al Afalava; S 44 Greg Laybourn

OSU 2008 schedule

OSU 2008 statistics

OSU 2008 NCAA ranking summary

Under the criteria used in recent evaluations of Arizona State’s 2004-06 recruiting classes, Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller counts as a player who is not contributing to this year’s team. So, does that make him a recruiting mistake?

Earlier this week in Jacksonville, Fla., former Arizona State football coach Dirk Koetter could have woken up with tire markings on his back from the bus he was thrown under.

With the Sun Devils, ranked 15th in the nation in the preseason, having lost five straight games, the interrogation spotlight has been placed on 2004-06, recruiting years under Koetter that, many suggest, have undermined the ASU program’s depth and experience.

Is the criticism fair? Yes and no.

Harsh judgment of Koetter’s recruiting is nothing new; Tribune columnist Scott Bordow covered that ground two years ago.

This week, the statistics have been trumpeted among Sun Devil faithful: Of the 68 players signed by ASU from 2004-06, 26 are still in the program, with 15 contributing regularly. Those are unflattering numbers, to be sure.

However, the fairest assessment requires digging deeper. By no means does it vindicate Koetter, who is now offensive coordinator of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, but the picture becomes a little more accurate.

The best way to judge the current value of those recruiting classes is to count only those who signed out of high school, as all but one of the junior-college transfers from that time period have exhausted their eligibility. Starting safety Troy Nolan, a JC transfer in 2006, is still a Sun Devil because he redshirted a season due to injury.

Right off the top, tight end Zach Miller is collecting NFL paychecks. He has no business being part of the group of 68.

Dirk Koetter

Here is a look at the 2004-06 recruiting classes (high-school players only), and their status on the current ASU squad:

2004
Signings: 22 (18 freshmen, four JC transfers)
Current starters: QB Rudy Carpenter, TE Wes Evans, WR Michael Jones, TE Andrew Pettes, DT David Smith
Current reserves: WR Nate Kimbrough, S Angelo Fobbs-Valentino
Early NFL entrant: TE Zach Miller
Out of program: S Myrio Davis, QB Max Hall, OL Jonathan Lehmann, CB Uriah Marshall, OL Bradis McGriff, S Jeremy Payton, OL Brent Russum, LB Antone Saulsberry, OL Leo Talavou, LB Adam Vincent, RB Price Wilks

2005
Signings: 22 (15 freshmen, seven JC transfers)
Current starters: C Thomas Altieri, DE Dexter Davis, RB Keegan Herring, G Shawn Lauvao, WR Chris McGaha
Current reserves: RB Shaun DeWitty, WR Brandon Smith, CB Travis Smith, TE Jovon Williams
Did not qualify: DL Jameon Hardeman
Out of program: CB Grant Crunkleton, LB Chad Lindsey, QB Derek Shaw, T Richard Tuitu’u, OL J.D. Walton

2006
Signings: 24 (15 freshmen, nine JC transfers)
Current starters: LB Travis Goethel, T Jon Hargis, WR Kyle Williams
Current reserves: LB Jeff Bereuter, DL Saia Falahola, S Ryan McFoy, RB Dimitri Nance, LB Jamarr Robinson, QB Danny Sullivan
Did not qualify: CB Brantwon Bowser, DL Jermaine Williams
Out of program: TE Lance Evbuomwan, RB Rodney Glass, LB Gerald Munns, DL Zach Niusulu

With Nolan added to the high-school recruits, 48 players signed from 2004-06 do or would likely have eligibility remaining. As a result, the 26 left-in-the-program and 15 contributing-regularly figures are still not great, but more forgiving.

Let’s look further.

Danny Sullivan is backing up a quarterback who has made 38 consecutive starts. Shaun DeWitty has been lost in the running back depth chart behind Ryan Torain, Keegan Herring and Dimitri Nance — all Koetter recruits.

Ryan McFoy played well in eight starts at safety in 2006 before being moved by coach Dennis Erickson to linebacker, where he never got consistent playing time and has since moved back to the secondary. And Gerald Munns was the starting middle linebacker before leaving the team in September due to a personal matter.

Each of those players are slotted in the “do not contribute regularly” column. However, how can any of them be strikes against Koetter?

Also, three Koetter-era walk-ons are making substantial contributions: Paul Fanaika is a starting guard who some NFL scouts believe could be drafted in April, linebacker Mike Nixon is the team’s leading tackler, and kicker Thomas Weber won the Lou Groza Award in 2007.

Clearly, much of the blame for the personnel deficiencies can be laid at Koetter’s feet. ASU has essentially lost a year on the offensive line, as none of the four blockers signed in 2004 are still with the team. The nine junior-college players signed in ’06 — although the group included Nolan, Torain and cornerback Justin Tryon — were an indication that enough depth had not been built.

However, ASU is not the only school that must deal with such roster limitations. The Sun Devils’ 17 seniors is one of the lowest figures in the bowl subdivision, but Alabama (nine), North Carolina (11), Fresno State (12) and Oklahoma State (15) are among the schools that have fewer. In terms of starters, ASU’s upperclassmen total is one of the higher ones in the Pac-10.

During a 10-win season in ’07, Erickson said often that Koetter “did not leave the cupboard bare.” Many of the veterans from that squad — including Torain, Tryon, receiver Rudy Burgess, center Mike Pollak, tight end Brent Miller and defensive lineman Michael Marquardt — are gone.

The overall talent left behind might not have justified the lofty preseason expectations, but as Erickson said earlier this week, the Sun Devils are better than 2-5. 

Could Koetter have recruited better? Absolutely.

But he should not be a scapegoat.

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: I will double-check with Arizona State’s sports information office, but I believe Ben Stapley’s comment that the Sun Devils wore all maroon in their 2001 game against Arizona is correct.

Arizona State tight end Todd Heap is upended during the 1999 Aloha Bowl.

For Arizona State, a “new season,” as coach Dennis Erickson put it earlier this week, means a new look.

The Sun Devils, losers of four straight games, took the field before Saturday’s contest against Oregon in all-maroon uniforms. It is the first time that ASU has sported that look at home since Nov. 27, 1999, in a 42-27 victory against Arizona.

That win clinched a berth in the Aloha Bowl on Christmas Day. ASU went the maroon route against Wake Forest, to less-than-charming results in a 23-3 loss. The Sun Devils, coached by Bruce Snyder, were hamstrung by the loss of 10 players, including three starters, to food poisoning.

Snyder is one of eight members of the 2008 ASU athletic Hall of Fame induction class that will be honored at halftime against Oregon.

Oregon at Arizona State

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sun Devil Stadium
TV/Announcers: None
Radio: KTAR (620 AM)
Records: Oregon 5-2 overall, 3-1 Pac-10; ASU 2-4, 1-2
Rankings: Both teams unranked
Series: ASU leads 16-12 but has lost three straight matchups
Last meeting: Nov. 3, 2007 at Eugene, Ore. — Oregon 35, ASU 23
Tickets: Available at Sun Devil Stadium ticket office, by calling (480) 727-0000 or online at thesundevils.com

SUN DEVILS’ KEYS TO VICTORY

1. A good start: In ASU’s last two games — and in contests against Oregon in 2006 and ’07 — the Sun Devils were overwhelmed right away. If the Ducks hurry to a two-touchdown lead today, consecutive loss No. 5 is likely. Barring a confidence and execution transplant during the bye week, ASU’s offense is not equipped for a big comeback.

2. Men in tights: Two tight ends, that is. ASU’s offense had success with different looks out of the two-tight end formation early against Southern California two weeks ago. They will need it for a full game against an Oregon defense that boasts a fierce pass rush and is ranked second in the Pac-10 against the run.

3. Red-zone success: This is an assumed key to victory in any game, but after ASU got more inept the closer it got to the USC goal line, a refresher course is in order. Oregon opponents have scored on 24 of 25 red-zone forays (13 of them touchdowns) this season.

INJURY REPORT

Oregon
OUT: RB Remene Alston (foot); QB Nate Costa (knee); LB Terrell Turner (knee) QUESTIONABLE: DE Dominic Glover (back); OL Fenuki Tupou (knee) PROBABLE: OL C.E. Kaiser (undisclosed); QB Justin Roper (knee); CB Walter Thurmond III (pelvis)

Arizona State
OUT: CB Jonathan Clark (knee); S Clint Floyd (kidney); OL Matt Hustad (knee); TE Dan Knapp (knee); S Max Tabach (knee) DOUBTFUL: LB Jeff Bereuter (elbow) QUESTIONABLE: S Angelo Fobbs-Valentino (knee); LB Brandon Magee (pectoral); RB Jarrell Woods (ankle); PROBABLE: QB Rudy Carpenter (ankle); G Paul Fanaika (leg); LS Thomas Ohmart (shoulder); DT David Smith (neck); K Thomas Weber (wrist)

Quarterback Justin Roper passed for 484 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions before suffering a knee injury at Purdue on Sept. 13. He is available to play, but coach Mike Bellotti had not named a starting QB as of Friday.

SCOUTING THE DUCKS

How Oregon’s offense functions based on who plays quarterback — Jeremiah Masoli (run-oriented) or Justin Roper (more balance) — might be overstated. The run will be a big part of the game plan regardless of who takes snaps, and with a running-back tandem of Jeremiah Johnson and LaGarrette Blount, why not? Given the quality of the Ducks’ pass rush and the fact that cornerbacks Jairus Byrd and Walter Thurmond III and rover Patrick Chung are among the Pac-10’s best at their positions, Oregon’s susceptibility to the pass (268.7 yards a game) has been a surprise. The special teams need a shore-up after allowing two returns of at least 30 yards against UCLA two weeks ago.

SCOUTING THE SUN DEVILS

Quarterback Rudy Carpenter’s ankle, as his thumb did in 2007, is likely to continue bothering him. And, as evidenced by last year, offensive-line issues are rarely solved later in a season — at this point, many teams are what they are. It is possible that ASU’s struggles on offense will remain through the end of the year, although they could be lessened when the schedule softens. Fortunately for the Sun Devils, the defense has played well enough in the last two games to keep them competitive, as long as it is not put in bad field-position situations. The defensive line, which utilizes an eight-man rotation, has been the most consistent unit on the team.

THE INTRIGUE

Coach Dennis Erickson has said that ASU is starting a “new season,” and it could be a short season if the Sun Devils do not start posting victories. With at least a 4-2 record in its last six games required for a bowl bid, ASU is reaching “must-win” time. With road challenges at Oregon State and Arizona remaining, a loss today wounds the postseason hopes of Erickson’s team. Oregon is in a four-way tie with USC, Oregon State and Arizona for first in the Pac-10. If the Ducks want to play in a big bowl, they cannot afford a slip-up today.

TEAM REPORTS

OREGON OFFENSE

WR 4 Jaison Williams; LT 57 Fenuki Tupou; LG 51 Jeff Kendall; C 60 Max Unger; RG 71 Mark Lewis; RT 69 Bo Thran; TE 83 Ed Dickson; WR 23 Jeff Maehl; WR 8 Terence Scott; QB 2 Jeremiah Masoli or 11 Justin Roper; RB 24 Jeremiah Johnson

OREGON DEFENSE

DE 39 Will Tukuafu; DT 91 Ra’Shon Harris; DT 97 Cole Linehan; DE 49 Nick Reed; SLB 13 Jerome Boyd; MLB 58 55 Casey Matthews; WLB 38 Eddie Pleasant; LCB 32 Jairus Byrd; RCB 6 Walter Thurmond III; FS 2 T.J. Ward; ROV 15 Patrick Chung

Oregon 2008 schedule

Oregon 2008 statistics

Oregon 2008 NCAA ranking summary

ASU OFFENSE

SE 1 Michael Jones; LT; 59 Jon Hargis; LG 67 Shaun Lauvao; C 56 Thomas Altieri; RG 63 Paul Fanaika; RT 74 Tom Njunge; TE 88 Andrew Pettes; SLOT 6 Kyle Williams; FL 13 Chris McGaha; QB 12 Rudy Carpenter; RB 24 Keegan Herring

ASU DEFENSE

LE 49 Luis Vasquez; DT 50 Lawrence Guy; DT 90 David Smith; RE 58 Dexter Davis; SLB 44 Travis Goethel; MLB 52 Morris Wooten; WLB 25 Mike Nixon; CB 3 Omar Bolden; CB 5 Terell Carr; FS 14 Troy Nolan; SS 22 Rodney Cox

ASU 2008 schedule

ASU 2008 statistics

ASU 2008 NCAA ranking summary