Arizona State vs. Sacramento State preview
By Stu White
The Arizona State Sun Devils begin their 2013 campaign tonight against the Sacramento State Hornets from the FCS. It will be the first ever meeting between the two schools. Here are five questions you may (or may not) be asking yourself as you prepare for the game.
Do the Hornets stand any chance? Well, Sacramento State was shutout 24-0 last week by San Jose State, so they don’t exactly seem like a threat to ASU. However, the Hornets did beat Oregon State in Corvallis two years ago. I don’t foresee them pulling off a similar upset tonight, though, mainly because the Sun Devils aren’t coached by Mike Riley.
Which Sacramento State alumni should I keep an eye out for in the stands? Bobby McFerrin (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” singer), Tom Hanks (father of Colin Hanks), and Brian Posehn (comedian). And maybe the ghost of Raymond Carver.
Whom should I pay attention to for ASU? Defensive tackle Will Sutton, who surprised people be deciding to return to school for his senior season. Sutton was an unstoppable force on the ASU defensive line in 2012, recording 63 tackles, 13 sacks, and forcing three fumbles. If Sutton hadn’t gotten injured in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks last year, that game probably wouldn’t have ended with Jesse Palmer chowing down hamburgers on live television.
Oh, and take a good look at the ASU backfield of Marion Grice and D.J. Foster. They are one of the most dynamic and dangerous running back duos in the Pac-12, and it’s likely they’ll put up some monster numbers tonight against a Sacramento State defense that gave up about six yards per carry to San Jose State.
(Bonus player: Jalen Strong, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver who is making his ASU debut after a great freshman season at Pierce Community College.)
When does the game start/where can I watch it? Glad you asked! Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Network.
Anything else I should be made aware of? Well, do you want to know about the evolution of the ASU mascot? Wait, that’s a dumb question. Of course you want to know about the evolution of the ASU mascot! Here you go!
Sparky’s evolution through the years from ASU Video Production on Vimeo.