Northwestern at Arizona State Preview

By Tim Chase  |   Friday, September 16, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Northwestern Wildcats (2-0) take their high powered offense into Tempe, Arizona this weekend to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils (1-1). Don't expect too much defense in this one as both offenses currently rank in the top 10 of Division I-A schools. Arizona State must regroup following a devastating 35-31 loss at the hands of LSU last week. Due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina the game was moved from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Sun Devil Stadium where the Tigers were able to overcome their recent adversity as well as a ten point third quarter deficit.

Northwestern enters this contest riding an emotional high following their stirring 38-37 victory over Northern Illinois. Freshman running back Tyrell Sutton led the way with a team record 214 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns as the Wildcats were able to repel a furious Husky rally in the waning moments of the game. Sutton, originally slated to be the backup, teams with electrifying quarterback Brett Basanez to form a dynamic offensive tandem, one which currently ranks seventh in the nation. During the NIU game Basanez set school records for both total offense and passing yards in a career. Northwestern Wildcats coach Randy Walker will need his offense to continue its excellence if he does not receive a better effort on the defensive side of the ball. The run defense surrendered 245 yards and 3 touchdowns to the Huskies last week. This could prove to be fatal versus an offensive squad the caliber of Arizona State.

As highly ranked and impressive as Northwestern's offense has proven to be, Arizona State's might be even better. The Sun Devils, ranked 18th nationally, received an outstanding effort from Sophomore quarterback Sam Keller in the loss to LSU. In only his third start Keller completed 35 of 56 passes for 461 yards and 4 touchdowns. Although he received little help from his running game, 99 yards, the team still ranks 4th nationally in total offense averaging 559 yards per game. Facing a porous Wildcats run defense this week may be just the remedy to jump start the struggling ground attack. The ASU defense has been stout against the run this season allowing only 126 yards per game on 3.1 yards per carry. That must continue if the Sun Devils hope to contain Sutton and duplicate last season's 30-21 victory. The special teams must make dramatic improvements over last week's debacle versus LSU. Two blocked kicks led directly to 14 Tiger points and the difference in the game. If not rectified, continued poor special teams play will haunt coach Dirk Koetter and his Sun Devils outfit throughout the season.
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