Last week, we dove into the desert to look at the Arizona Wildcats offense. This week, we take a look at an offense that is likely to be a whole lot more explosive and dangerous, the ASU Sun Devils.

Arizona State will be boasting one of the most dangerous offenses in the Pac 10 in 2007. This team might have an absense of a power rushing game, but that's just about where their deficiencies might end as they will be loaded with veteran talent, speed, and depth, that should make them extremely difficult to shut down on the offensive side of the ball in 2007.

For starters, according to my calulations, ASU will have the largest front five in the Pac 10 (if not the country), averaging a whopping 323 pounds per lineman. If that's not enough, they probably have the best center in the country in Mike Pollak, who is a legitamate All-America candidate. They will also have experience on the offensive line, with three seniors, one junior, and one sophomore, all with starting experience.

At the skill positions, it all begins with Rudy Carpenter. Last year, Carpenter had too much youth, and a big mess caused with the previous coach and the quarterback contoversy he caused. This year, those challenges are in the past, and Carpenter, has a host of talented, and lightning quick receivers to throw to.

The best of the bunch might be Michael Jones, who led all wide receivers in 2006, with 20 catches for over 300 yards. Now, that might not sound like much, but given the fact that Carpenter used his Tight End mostly last season, I look for him to utilize the deep passing game much more under the guidance of Dennis Erickson, who is known for letting the reigns off of his quarterbacks. The biggest threat, however, that I see from the passing game comes from Rudy Burgess. Burgess has been mostly a return man through his career, but apparently, he has made huge progress and they are expecting him to really emerge as the Devils' deep threat this season. If he does this as well as returning kicks, the Pac 10 could be in for some long days!

The best part of this Sun Devil Offense might be their ball control abilities on third down. Last year, they were good on third down because of a solid running attack, and this year won't be any different. Of course it helps that they have Brent Miller back for his senior season. Miller, at Tight End, led all receivers with 50 receptions in 2006. This number might go down in 2007, with the emergence of some speedy receivers, but if not, Miller might be also on the short list for All-America honors.

Finally, we can look at the Runningbacks. Ryan Torain, who was the primary runningback or the Devils is gone, but now its Preston Jones' and Keegan Herring's turn to shine.

Preston Jones is a quick but undersized back who has the ability to make people miss if the massive offensive line prevents defenders from penetrating the line of scrimmage. Herring is going to assume the role vacated by Torain from last season, and the scary thing is that he might be better at it than Torain was. In a secondary role last season, the lightning fast Herring rushed for 550 yards and nearly six yards per carry. This kid can make you miss, and bull you over, and can out run you, and with that offensive line, I expect Herring to approach the 1500 yard barrier in 2007.

2007 appears from the offensive side of the ball like this might be a break through year for the Sun Devils. They will put up points and put up a lot of them. The question is whether or not the defense can hold down the other Pac 10 teams. If so, I expect an eight win season for ASU and a trip to the Vegas Bowl, with an outside shot at the Holiday Bowl, if they really get it rolling. Get your tickets now to watch this offense because they're going to be fun to watch, and difficult to stop.

DM14

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