[Quack Attack]

ASU's defense dominates scrimmage




Danny Sullivan throws downfield



by Jeff Metcalfe - Aug. 22, 2009 01:12 PM
The Arizona Republic

Arizona State did nothing to alter its football identity - good to great on defense; average at best on offense - during its second preseason scrimmage Saturday.

Perhaps the offense, which coach Dennis Erickson confirmed will be directed by senior quarterback Danny Sullivan, will show more when it starts going against someone else Sept. 5. But to quote Eighties philosopher Mr. T, pity the fool that has to take on what appears to be ASU's best defense since 1996.

The offense gained one legitimate first down on its first six possessions because the other occurred after linebacker Mike Nixon was not credited with what would have been a sack on backup QB Brock Osweiler. On the seventh possession, Osweiler completed a pass of roughly 35 yards to Gerell Robinson, who fumbled when tackled by cornerback LeQuan Lewis with safety Ryan McFoy recovering.

By then a small crowd at Sun Devil Stadium was offensively starved for anything that looked good including a Kyle Williams' 79-yard punt return against token coverage.

"That's the game of football when you go against your own team," Sullivan said. "Some days defense will get you, some days offense will do better. You just learn to deal with it with your own mistakes and successes and take them in stride."

Full Story Here:

ASU's defense dominates scrimmage

[Quack Attack]

It always worries me when a Dennis Erickson team has a great defense with an average QB. Last time he had this kind of scenario was when he was coaching OSU Beavers during 2001 season and went 11-1 with a Fiesta Bowl blowout over the Irish.

Anybody think the Sun Devils are going to make any noise this season?