Preview: Oregon State (2-2) at Arizona State (2-1)
Posted September 30, 2009
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FACTS & STATS: Site: Sun Devil Stadium (73,379) -- Tempe, Arizona. Television:Versus. Home Record: OSU 1-2, ASU 2-0. Away Record: OSU 1-0, ASU 0-1. Neutral Record: OSU 0-0, ASU 0-0. Conference Record: OSU 0-1, ASU 0-0. Series Record: Arizona State leads, 24-10-1.
GAME NOTES: The Arizona State Sun Devils get their Pac-10 slate underway this weekend, as they host the Oregon State Beavers in Tempe.
The Sun Devils are coming off their first loss of the season, a last second 20-17 defeat at nationally-ranked Georgia over the weekend. It was a heart- breaking finish for ASU, which had opened the season with easy victories over Idaho State (50-3) and ULM (38-14). The Sun Devils now head into league play, but they are just 12-17-2 in Pac-10 opening games since joining the conference in 1978.
As for OSU, it was also involved in a tight one this past weekend and like ASU, it came up short, 37-32, against Arizona. It was a rough start to league play for the Beavers, who were also defeated by nationally-ranked Cincinnati (28-18) the prior week.
Now at 2-2 overall, OSU will try to find some success in Tempe, where it has gone just 3-18 all-time against ASU. The Sun Devils also hold a 24-10-1 lead in the head-to-head series with OSU, although the Beavers picked up a 27-25 win in Corvallis last season.
The Beavers totaled 407 yards of offense last weekend, but couldn't put together a final drive in a 37-32 loss to Arizona. Quarterback Sean Canfield was under heavy pressure and was sacked five times, so it was surprising to see him throw for 303 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The pressure though, certainly got to him, as Canfield threw a pair of picks that played a part in the outcome. Canfield has now been sacked 15 times on the year, but despite that, he has still converted 69.4 percent of his tosses with five touchdowns and three interceptions. James Rodgers is clearly one of his favorite targets and he paces the club with 352 receiving yards and two scores. Last weekend, James Rodgers hauled in eight balls for a team-high 119 yards. His brother Jacquizz Rodgers though, is even more dangerous, as he is a threat in the passing game as well as the ground attack. On the season, Jacquizz leads the Beavers with 427 rushing yards and seven scores and he also tops the club with 32 receptions. Jacquizz was stellar in last weekend's loss, catching 13 balls for 70 yards, in addition to rushing for 85 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 16 attempts.
OSU's defense lacked a punch last game and gave up 388 total yards to Arizona, while failing to record a single takeaway or sack. The unit continued to struggle against the pass, allowing 254 yards and three touchdowns on 25-of-34 pass attempts. It was certainly a miserable performance against the pass, but not a surprising one considering OSU is now allowing 272.0 ypg through the air on the season. The Beavers have come up with just two picks against eight touchdown passes and are permitting opponents to complete throws 64.1 percent of the time. That simply won't get the job done, especially in the Pac-10. Keaton Kristick currently leads the team with 34 stops and that includes a 12-tackle effort last weekend.
After rolling past their first two opponents, the Sun Devils were limited to just 204 total yards by Georgia's tough defense and rainy conditions. ASU's offense managed only one touchdown in the loss after scoring eight in the first two games. Tailback Dimitri Nance guided the team in defeat with 92 rushing yards, to go along with four receptions for 47 yards and a score. It was a solid performance by Nance, who has rushed for 205 yards and three touchdowns on the season. Quarterback Danny Sullivan however, didn't have his best game, as he completed only 10-of-32 tosses for 116 yards, with a touchdown and interception. He is completing just 47.4 percent of his tosses on the season and will certainly need to improve in that area. Kyle Williams has been one of his primary targets and he leads the team with 16 catches and 224 receiving yards.
ASU's defense did its part last weekend until the end, when it allowed Georgia to drive 60 yards over the final 4:31, setting up the game-winning 37-yard field goal as time expired. Aside from that, the defense was on top of its game and held Georgia to 334 total yards, while forcing three turnovers. Jarrell Holman had both of the team's picks last weekend and he took one back 47 yards to paydirt. The Sun Devils, who are holding foes to just 211.0 total ypg, have feasted on opposing passing attacks and have recorded eight interceptions already. Mike Nixon leads the team with three interceptions and he ranks second with 17 stops.
The Beavers are the better offensive team of the two here, but the Sun Devils hold the edge on the defensive side of the ball. ASU has had a great deal of success against OSU in Tempe, so go with the Sun Devils this weekend.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arizona State 29, Oregon State 24
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