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Football Faces Fighting Irish
ASU back in action October 10.
Oct. 4, 1998
#22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
vs.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Sun Devil Stadium/Frank Kush Field - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 - ABC/KMVP 860 AM
In its final non-conference game of the season, Arizona State (2-3) hosts Notre Dame (3-1) this Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. ET). The game will be broadcast live to a regional audience on ABC and on the ASU Radio network by flagship station KMVP. It will also be delayed by Fox Sports Arizona at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Series Summary
This Saturdays game is the first meeting between the Sun Devils and Irish. The two teams are scheduled to meet again next season in South Bend, Oct. 9. ASU head coach Bruce Snyder (43-30, 7th year at ASU) has never faced Notre Dame. Irish head coach Bob Davie (10-7, 2nd year) has never faced the Sun Devils.
Exposure
The Sun Devils will make their second consecutive appearance on ABC (Channel 15 in Phoenix) as the game will be telecast to a regional audience. ASU flagship radio station KMVP (860 AM), its sister station KTAR (620 AM) and the Sun Devil radio network will carry the game live. Tim Healey and 1987 Rose Bowl MVP Jeff Van Raaphorst will handle the call. KMVP has teamed with Broadcast.com to provide all Sun Devil radio broadcasts on the internet. Each broadcast can be accessed at www.TheSunDevils.com. In addition, Notre Dames radio network includes the Mutual Radio Network which is carried nationally. The game will also be shown on a tape-delayed basis on Fox Sports Arizona, Sunday at 4 p.m. Tom Dillon and Doug Plank will be on the call with former Sun Devil Kyle Murphy on the sidelines.
Last Week
Arizona State surrendered 22 fourth quarter points, 15 scored by USCs defense and special teams, to suffer a 35-24 defeat at the hands of the 21st-ranked Trojans in the Los Angeles Coliseum. The loss came despite a career-day by J.R. Redmond, who returned to his hometown for the first time in his career and came away with an ASU record in all-purpose yardage (350) and a career high in rushing yardage (214). ASU starting quarterback Ryan Kealy was knocked out of the game on the Sun Devils first series after suffering a mild concussion. Redshirt freshman Chad Elliott filled in and finished the game with 157 yards and one touchdown, completing 16 of 32 attempts. ASU led 24-13 after three quarters and finished the game outgaining the Trojans overall (403-283 total offense) and on the ground (229-23 yds. rushing) while possessing the ball for 36:43.
Notre Dame won its first of three games this season against Pac-10 opponents, defeating Stanford 35-17 in South Bend. Jarius Jackson had three touchdowns, 100 yards rushing and 163 yards passing as the Irish scored on their first three possessions of the game. Notre Dame racked up 309 yards rushing, 199 in the first half, to dominate the game at the line of scrimmage. Notre Dame led 35-3 before Stanford scored two touchdowns in the games final nine minutes. Tailback Autry Denson had 88 yards rushing and a TD while Malcolm Johnson had seven receptions for 113 yards for the Irish.
Polling
Arizona State is not ranked in the AP or ESPN/USA Today poll. Notre Dame is ranked 22nd by the coaches and by the writers. Arizona State began the season ranked 8th in the AP poll and 9th in the coaches poll.
On Deck
ASU is idle next weekend and next takes the field Thursday, Oct. 22 against Stanford at Sun Devil Stadium/Frank Kush Field. The game will be televised to a national cable audience on Fox Sports Net.
Injury Report
Arizona State had two players miss last weeks game against USC due to injury. Starting OL Randy Leaphart has a right knee sprain (suffered against BYU) and is out until at least the Oct. 22 game vs. Stanford. LB Stephen Trejo missed his third straight game, also with a right knee sprain, and his status this week is to be determined. RB Davaren Hightower and TE Kendrick Bates returned to action against the Trojans after missing the Oregon State game due to injury. QB Ryan Kealy is expected to return this week after suffering a concussion against the Trojans and missing all but three plays.
Statistical ComparisonSuccessful ProgramCategory ASU UND Rushing Off. 166.0 222.5 Rushing Def. 103.2 144.5 Passing Off. 228.4 165.8 Pass Eff. Def. 122.7 135.9 Total Off. 394.4 388.3 Total Def. 339.8 413.5 Scoring Off. 25.2 31.3 Scoring Def. 24.2 28.0
A look at some of Arizona States recent success since the end of the 1995 season:
3 ASU has won 26 of its last 34 games
3 ASU has won 13 of its last 16 home games
3 ASU has won 10 of its last 13 road games
3 ASU has won 15 of its last 18 Pac-10 games
3 ASU has won 8 of its last 11 non-conference games
Leader of the Pac
Arizona State ranks best among Pac-10 schools in combined overall record over the last four seasons.
Combined Record Last Four Seasons (95-98)
Team Record Pct. 1. Arizona State 28-12 .700 2. Washington 26-13-1 .663 3. Oregon 26-13 .667 4. UCLA 25-13 .658 5. USC 25-14-1 .638 6. Arizona 24-16 .600 7. Washington State 21-18 .538 8. Stanford 20-19-1 .513 9. California 15-23 .395 10. Oregon State 9-29 .237
Notes on Offense
Offensive Trends
Arizona States offense is stacked with weapons this season and is capable of putting up some tremendous numbers on the board. It four of its five games this season, it has done just that: posting no fewer than 24 points and 363 yards of total offense. In those four games, ASU is averaging 30 points, 202 yards rushing, and 416 yards of total offense. However, ASUs offense garnered just six points, 22 yds. rushing and had 3 turnovers against in a 26-6 loss at BYU. In that game, it was just the fifth time in the Bruce Snyder era and first since 1995 that ASU was held to less than 10 points and it was the lowest team rushing total for the Sun Devils since Nov. 12, 1988 when ASU managed just 15 yds. rushing in a 50-0 loss to USC. In its last three games, ASU has rushed for an average of 215 yards per game.
ASU Offense Game By Game Opponent Rush Pass Total Per Play Pts. Washington 163 302 465 5.8 38 at Brigham Young 22 286 308 4.8 6 North Texas 226 207 433 7.0 35 Oregon State 190 173 363 4.4 24 at USC 229 174 403 4.5 24 Average 166.0 228.4 394.4 5.2 25.2
Ryan Kealy - The Dealer
Sophomore QB Ryan Kealy, a Sporting News first-team Freshman All-American in 1997, distinguished himself as the top freshman quarterback in ASU history and among the best in Pac-10 history last season. Kealys "coming out party" in 1997 came against USC as he threw for a season-high 281 yards and three touchdowns. Against USC last week, Kealy played three plays and completed his only pass of the game for a first down, but suffered a concussion and sat out the rest of the game. He is expected to start this week against Notre Dame.
The 1998 season has seen Kealy post a new career high with 302 yards against Washington in the season-opener, but it has also seen him throw four interception in his last four games after throwing one in the five games prior to BYU (including last year). Overall, he is averaging 188.0 passing yards per game this season and his efficiency rating of 134.1 ranks fourth in the Pac-10. In his four full games, he is averaging 230.8 yards per game.
He has thrown for at least 200 yards eight times in his career and in seven of 10 games since the USC contest a year ago. He has thrown for at least one touchdown in all but the USC game this season and in 12 of the 16 games in his career. Against Washington to open the 1998 campaign, Kealy passed for a career high 302 yards, completing 20 of 35 passes for 3 touchdowns with no interceptions. The last time an ASU QB had passed for over 300 yards was Jake Plummers 316 yds. against Stanford on Oct. 16, 1996. After a 16 of 34 for 241 yds. performance at BYU, Kealy posted the second-highest completion percentage of his career (16-24, 66%) against North Texas.
Kealy Year-by-Year Year G/GS Comp-Att. Pct. Yds. TD-Int Lg. Avg/G Eff. 1997 11/11 162-297 54.5 2137 15-7 67 194.3 126.9 1998 5/5 65-121 53.7 940 8-4 60 188.0 134.2 Career 16/16 227-418 54.3 3077 23-11 67 192.3 129.0Kealy 1998 Game-by-Game Game Comp-Att. Pct. Yds.TD-Int Lg. Washington 20-35 57.1 *302 3-0 47 at BYU 16-34 47.1 241 1-1 46 N. Texas 16-24 66.7 207 2-2 60 Oregon St. 12-27 44.4 173 2-1 25 at USC 1-1 100 17 0-0 17 *Career High Suffered concussion and did not play after first 3 plays
Chad Elliott - Ready When Needed
Redshirt freshman Chad Elliott saw his first extended action as a Sun Devil against USC as he was called upon after starting QB Ryan Kealy suffered a concussion and did not return. Elliott played virtually the entire game and completed 16 of 32 passes for 157 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Grey Ruegamer - Center of Attention
Character is something senior center Grey Ruegamer certainly has. Equally as evident are his talent, tireless work ethic and leadership. Named the top center in the nation, Ruegamer is a candidate for both the Outland and Lombardi Awards after being a consensus preseason All-American selection. A first-team All-Pac-10 selection in 1997 and an honorable mention All-Pac-10 pick in 1996, Ruegamer has been a staple in ASUs offensive line in each of the last two seasons, with ASU leading the league in rushing each year. Versatility is also a quality of Ruegamers as he has played center, left tackle and right tackle during his ASU career. In 1997, he graded out at 85 percent or better in all but three games, including a 92% rating against New Mexico State.
Lenzie Jackson - Leader of the Pack
Senior WR Lenzie Jackson heads an ASU wide receiving corps that has been rated as one of the best in the nation. Jackson is ASUs most consistent and dangerous pass catcher as he leads the team with 17 catches for 214 yards in 1998. Including bowl games, Jackson has a catch in 30 straight games and can tie John Jacksons (USC, 1986-89) Pac-10 record of 37 consecutive games with a reception. He is currently tied with passing J.D. Hill for sixth place on the ASU career receiving list. Jackson has caught a touchdown pass in three of his last four and 8 of his last 12 games. Last year, he led the team in with 53 catches for 733 yards and five touchdowns. The 53-catch season was tied for the sixth-best single season in ASU history and he is the ninth receiver in ASU history to pull in 50 or more catches in a season.
He also showed a new facet of his game against this year by returning kicks as he is averaging 22.9 yards per kickoff return which ranks eighth in the Pac-10. His 91.4 all-purpose yards per game ranks 16th in the Pac-10.
Jackson Year-by-Year Receiving Year G/GS Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Lg. 1995 10/1 6 37 6.2 1 12 1996 11/10 36 505 14.0 3 52 1997 11/11 53 733 13.8 5 46 1998 5/5 17 214 12.3 3 36 Career36/26 112 1489 13.3 12 52 (119 catches, 1604 yds, 13 TDs in career if bowl games included)Jackson 1998 Game-by-Game Receiving Game Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Lg. Washington 4 67 16.8 0 36 at BYU 6 66 11.0 1 15 North Texas 3 27 9.0 1 14 Oregon St. 2 32 16.0 1 19 at USC 2 22 11.0 0 12
Tight End Threat
Arizona States deepest position on its roster may very well be tight end. Four Sun Devils - Jr. Kendrick Bates, Sr. Matt Cercone, Jr. Brian Jennings and Fr. Todd Heap - see action for the Sun Devils. Bates, who missed ASUs game against Oregon State with a shoulder injury, is the Sun Devils clear-cut first stringer having finished second among Pac-10 tight ends with 23 catches for 320 yards last year. Bates has seven catches for 62 yards this year. In addition, he is a valued blocker. Cercone and Jennings are ASUs blocking tandem, seeing action in ASUs "muscle" formations, but also able to be on the receiving end, as evidenced by Cercones career high four catches for 55 yards against North Texas. Heap, a true freshman, has been called a "retriever" for his knack of catching the football. His spectacular, one-hander 15-yard TD catch against Washington in his first collegiate play from scrimmage was named the Compaq College Reception of the Week.
Spreading The Wealth
As a defense prepares for ASUs offense, keying on one receiver is not an option. If tight end isnt the deepest position on the Sun Devil squad, then receiver is. Ten different Sun Devils have caught passes for ASU this year and eight of QB Ryan Kealys targets have caught two or more passes in one game, seven three or more. Four Sun Devils have 14 or more receptions. Of ASUs wide receivers, Sr. Lenzie Jackson leads the team with 17 catches, So. Tariq McDonald caught the go-ahead TD in the 4th quarter against Washington and averages 16.8 yards per catch, Sr. Kenny Mitchell caught a career-high five balls against North Texas including a 60-yard TD, Sr. Creig Spann caught seven passes in ASUs first two games and So. Brian Forth had a 42-yard reception at BYU.
Jeff Paulk - The Incredible Paulk
Arizona State has led the Pac-10 in rushing for each of the last two seasons as the Sun Devils have totaled 5,827 rushing yards (including bowl games) from 1996-98, an average of 201 yards per game. While the likes of Terry Battle, Michael Martin and J.R. Redmond account for much of that total, senior flyback Jeff Paulks lead has been a huge reason why. The 6-1, 247-pounder is ASUs most intimidating presence and is the oft-forgotten component of an ASU backfield (QB-TB-FB) that was ranked among the top 3 in the nation by three different preseason publications. Paulk has also seen the ball more often this season, especially against Oregon State as he carried the ball a career-high 11 times for 47 yards, his highest rushing output since an 82-yard effort against Arizona in 1996. Paulk has 73 yards on 22 carries for the entire year.
Notes on Defense
Rough to Run
Arizona States defense has risen to the occasion against the run, particularly in its last two games as Oregon State and USC have combined to rush for 32 yards. The Sun Devils lead the Pac-10 in rushing defense (103.2 yards per game). In its three conference games, ASU has held its opponents to an average of 48.3 yards rushing per game, 1.8 yards per carry and a total of just 12 first downs rushing. Arizona State held Oregon State to 3 points in the Sun Devils first conference win of the year, the fewest points ASU has held a Pac-10 opponent to since Nov. 13, 1993, when ASU defeated UCLA 9-3 in Los Angeles. The Sun Devils also held the Beavers to 9 yards rushing, the fewest by an ASU opponent since California was limited to five yards rushing, Nov. 9, 1996.
Defensive Trends
Arizona States defense is taking steps in the right direction and the 35 points on the scoreboard against USC was misleading as 15 of those points were not scored against the defense. Take away those 15 points and the Sun Devils have given up an average of 12.7 points, 63 yards rushing and 233 yards passing over their last three games. Heres a statistical look at the Sun Devils in each game.
ASU Defense Game-By-Game Opponent Rush Pass Total Per Play Pts. Washington 113 318 431 5.7 41 at Brigham Young 214 166 380 4.9 26 North Texas 157 216 373 4.7 15 Oregon State 9 223 232 3.1 3 at USC 23 260 283 5.0 20* Average 103.2 236.6 339.8 4.7 21.0* *Does not include points not scored against ASUs defense
Mitchell Freedman - Fright Night
The veteran leader of Arizona States defense is senior free safety Mitchell Freedman. Freedman returned to action against Oregon State after sitting out the North Texas game with a right thigh strain. The most feared hitter in the Pac-10, Freedman is one of three first-team All-Pac-10 defenders returning this season. Having appeared in 35 games, starting in 33, Freedman has been a staple in ASUs defense for each of the last four seasons. Freedmans picked up the 200th of his ASU career against BYU when he totaled 8 tackles, including one sack. He had a season-high six tackles against Oregon State. Freedman was the only freshman to be named to the All-Pac-10 first or second teams in his redshirt freshman season when he was credited with a career-high 80 tackles. A second-team All-Pac-10 selection again in 1996, Freedman gave a memorable performance against Nebraska when he forced three fumbles, recovering one, and was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week (all with a broken finger). Last year saw Freedman consistently play well, but once again shine in big games - as evidenced by his career high 15 tackles against Washington and forced fumble that sealed ASUs win over eventual Pac-10 champion Washington State.
Freedman Year-by-Year Year G/GS UT/AT TT TFL/Yds. Sacks/Yds. Int. PD FF FR 1995 10/9 49/31 80 0/0 0/0 0 5 4 2 1996 11/10 39/20 58 3/16 1/11 1 4 3 1 1997 10/10 25/33 58 3/18 2/16 4 4 2 0 1998 4/4 9/11 20 1/7 0.5/7 0 2 0 0 Career 35/33 122/95 216 7/41 3.5/34 5 15 9 3
Three Amigos
Freedman, senior defensive tackle Albrey Battle and junior cornerback Courtney Jackson are the only returning starters for the 1998 defense. Battle started 11 games and totalled 44 tackles in 1997 and has appeared in 35 games (21 starts) over his Sun Devil career. He has 12 tackles this season, including five for loss and two sacks. Jackson was an honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection in 1997 when he started all 11 games. Jackson has moved from the right corner to the left corner position for this season and is fourth on the team with 26 tackles. He has amassed 73 tackles, three interceptions and 17 pass deflections in 27 appearances (18 starts) as a Sun Devil.
Archie
Sophomore linebacker Adam Archuleta was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week after notching 11 tackles, his second double-digit tackle effort of the season, against Oregon State. "Archie" had five tackles for loss in the OSU game as he continually stepped in the hole against the run and picked up one sack. The Beavers were held to nine yards rushing in the game and an average of 0.4 yards per rush. Archuleta leads the team with 40 tackles this season, including a team-high seven for loss.
Back-to-Back
Arizona State has led the league in scoring defense for each of the last two seasons. ASU gave up just 17.8 points per game in its Rose Bowl year of 1996 and also led the league in rushing, passing and total defense. Last year, ASU had to replace six starters on the defensive side of the ball and ended the year allowing just 18.5 points per game, once again leading the league. The 1997 defense ranked third in passing and total defense and fourth against the run. The Sun Devils are currently seventh in the Pac-10 in scoring defense in 1998, giving up 24.2 points per game.
Inexperience
With only three starters returning, ASUs defense has looked for previous back-ups to step into starting roles. Of the 16 Sun Devils who have started on defense this year, six had started prior to this season and only four - Battle, Trejo, C. Jackson & Freedman - had started more than once in their career. For comparison sake, all but one of ASUs starting offensive unit had previously started a game before Washington with J.R. Redmonds one career start the fewest among them.
Other Notes
Stephen Baker - A Weapon on Special Teams
ASU freshman punter Stephen Baker has started his ASU career in excellent fashion. He is third in the nation and best in the conference with a 46.8-yard punting average. Furthermore, ASU ranks 10th in the nation with a 40.1-yard net punting average. Baker is also ASUs kickoff man and is handling the place kicking duties, hitting two of four field goals. He has six touchbacks in 25 kickoffs and opponents have an average starting field position of the 23.8 yard line after his kickoffs.
The Century Mark
ASU had at least one person rush for 100 or more yards in eight of its last 10 and 13 of its last 21 games. J.R. Redmond has cracked the century mark three times this season with ASU going 1-2 in those games. ASU is 224-39-5 (.845) all-time when it has someone top the century mark and is 25-7 (.781) since Bruce Snyders arrival in Tempe.
Turnover Battle
After a +18 turnover ratio in the last two years, ASU has a -4 differential this season. The Sun Devils scored their first points off an opponents turnover this season against Oregon State. Heres a look at what those turnovers have meant:
ASU Opp
10 Turnovers 6
Turnovers Result In ...
14 Points 23
2 TD 2
0 FG 3
0 Punt 3
2 Turnover 1
1 TO on Downs 1
1 End of Half/Game 0
Third-Down Conversions
ASU Opp.
Washington 12/19/63% 8/15/53%
at Brigham Young 4/13/31% 2/15/13%
North Texas 8/12/67% 5/13/38%
Oregon State 5/18/28% 7/19/37%
at USC 10/23/43% 3/12/25%
Total 39/85/46% 25/74/34%
Average Starting Field Position
ASU Opp
Washington own 35 own 31
at Brigham Young own 24 own 33
North Texas own 28 own 25
Oregon State own 38 own 24
at USC own 34 own 27
Total own 32 own 28
Turnover Edge
In its last 33 games (dating back to 1995), ASU has a turnover ratio of +26 (78-52). In that span, ASU has accumulated 34 INTs and 44 fumble recoveries while opponents have registered 27 interceptions and 25 recoveries. ASU is 26-8 during the stretch. However, ASU is -4 this year.
Sun Devils in the NFL
Arizona State had 25 former players make NFL rosters (does not include practice squads) at the beginning of the 1998 season. A list of Sun Devils in the NFL: Eric Allen (Raiders), Trace Armstrong (Dolphins), Mario Bates (Cardinals), Steve Bush (Bengals), David Dixon (Vikings), Eric Guliford (Saints), Paul Justin (Bengals), Jason Kyle (Seahawks), Randall McDaniel (Vikings), Craig Newsome (Packers), Anthony Parker (Buccaneers), Jake Plummer (Cardinals), Keith Poole (Saints), Damien Richardson (Panthers), Derrick Rodgers (Dolphins), Juan Roque (Lions), Dan Saleaumua (Seahawks), Jason Simmons (Steelers), Derek Smith (Redskins), Phillippi Sparks (Giants), Jeremy Staat (Steelers), Shawn Swayda (Falcons), J.T. Thomas (Rams), Pat Tillman (Cardinals) and Darren Woodson (Cowboys).
True Talent
Four Sun Devils from last years squad made the NFL this year -Damien Richardson, Jason Simmons, Jeremy Staat and Pat Tillman. In addition, Vince Amey is on the Oakland Raiders practice squad. Amey, Richardson, Simmons and Tillman all played as true freshman and never redshirted while Staat was a JC transfer and also played immediately.
Unfamiliar Territory
ASUs No. 8 preseason ranking by the Associated Press was the second time in Sun Devil history that ASU has been ranked in the top 10 by AP prior to a season. ASUs only other preseason top 10 appearance was in 1976 when it was ranked third, behind Nebraska and Michigan. ASU has appeared in the AP preseason poll a total of 15 times, most recently at No. 20 in 1996.
Missing the Bruins
The Pac-10 schedule includes eight conference games and the conference rotates which team a school misses every two years. ASU will miss UCLA in 1998 and is scheduled to miss Oregon State in 1999 and 2000.
Snyder in ASU History
Head coach Bruce Snyder is the second-winningest coach in ASU history. Snyders seventh year of service makes him only the fourth coach at ASU to have a tenure of more than five seasons. Frank Kushs 22 seasons and 176 wins are the most in Sun Devil history while Aaron McCreary (7 seasons, 1923-29) and ASUs first football coach, Fred Irish (8 seasons), each stayed longer than a half-decade.
Coach Years Record Frank Kush 1958-79 176-54-1 Bruce Snyder 1992-Present 43-30-0 Darryl Rogers 1980-84 37-18-1
Sun Devil Stadium - 40th Anniversary
1998 marks the 40th anniversary of Sun Devil Stadium. Originally constructed in 1958 with a capacity of 30,000, the Stadium has undergone a number of renovations and expansions in 40 years and is recognized as one of the best collegiate stadiums in the nation. It has provided ASU with a significant home field edge since its inception. Arizona State is 199-65-3 (.751) all-time in Sun Devil Stadium and 11-3 since the playing surface was dedicated as Frank Kush Field in 1996.
Attendance
ASU has drawn six of the eight largest crowds in ASU history in the past three years, including a record 74,963 to the Rose Bowl-clinching win over California in 1996. ASU drew an average of 63,884 to seven home games in 1996, a jump of 15,003 from the previous season - the largest increase in the nation. Last year, ASU drew the fifth-largest crowd in ASU history to the Arizona game (73,682) and the sixth-largest to the WSU game (73,644). ASU bettered its 1996 average attendance by averaging 66,014 fans at home in 1997 - 2,130 more than 1996. The Sun Devils sold over 52,000 season tickets for the 1998 season, the most since the 1987 season, and drew 72,118 to their season-opener against Washington, the 12th largest crowd in ASU history. After three home games this year, ASUs average attendance is 64,302.
Pac-10 Poll
Arizona State was picked to finish second in the Pac-10 in a preseason poll of West Coast media members that regularly cover the league. UCLA received 16 of 30 first-place votes to be tabbed as the favorite for 1997. ASU garnered the other 14 first place votes in the closest poll in 20 years. The complete poll:
1. UCLA (16) 284 6. Oregon 157 2. Arizona State (14) 281 7. Washington State 109 3. Washington 217 8. Stanford 95 4. USC 197 9. California 81 5. Arizona 193 10. Oregon State 36
Pac-10 Anniversary
1998 marks the 20th anniversary of ASU mens sports joining the Pac-10 Conference. Since 1978, the Sun Devil football squad has finished in the upper-half of the conference standing 14 of 20 times including two conference championships (1986, 1996). Sun Devils have earned All-Pac-10 acclaim 205 times, including 57 first-team selections, 61 second-team selections and 87 honorable mentions. Since joining the Pac-10, ASUs conference record is 82-65-4 (.557) and 141-87-4 (.616) overall.
Bowl Lineup
The Bowl Championship Series begins in 1998 and for the first time the Pac-10 is a part of the equation. If a Pac-10 team is ranked No. 1 or 2 at the end of the season, it will play in the Fiesta Bowl January 4 in Tempe for the national championship. If the Pac-10 champion is not No. 1 or 2, it will automatically be part of the Rose Bowl against the Big Ten champion or, if the Big Ten champ is No. 1 or 2, an at-large team. The Pac-10 also has bowl ties with the Holiday, Sun, Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka Bowls, assuring that five Pac-10 teams will participate in post-season competition.
Bowl, Site, Date, TV, Matchup Fiesta, Tempe, Jan. 4, ABC, National Championship Rose, Pasadena, Jan. 1, ABC, Pac-10 #1 vs. BigTen #1 Holiday, San Diego, Dec. 30, ESPN, Pac-10 #2 vs. TBD Sun, El Paso, Dec. 31, CBS, Pac-10 #3 vs. BigTen #5 Aloha, Honolulu, Dec. 25, ABC, Pac-10 #4 vs. At-Large Mele Kalikimaka, Honolulu, Dec. 25, Pac-10 #5 vs. WAC #2 or #3
Fox Sports Arizona -ASUs TV home
Fox Sports Arizona is the local television home of all Sun Devil athletic teams, including football. Head coach Bruce Snyder will appear on the bi-weekly magazine show "Running with the Sun Devils." The show will typically be televised every-other Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Fox Sports Arizona will also show a replay of most Sun Devil football games Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
KMVP - ASUs Radio Home
KMVP (860 AM) is the radio home of ASU Athletics. KMVP and its sister station, KTAR 620 AM, will carry all Sun Devil football games live. Tim Healey and Jeff Van Raaphorst handle the play-by-play and color duties, respectively. Ex-Sun Devil Kyle Murphy will be part of the pre- and post-game shows this season. KMVP is also home to the Bruce Snyder Show, hosted by Kevin Ray, which airs every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Bruce Snyder Press Conference
ASU head coach Bruce Snyder hosts a press conference every Monday at noon in the Hall of Fame Room on the 5th Floor of the ICA Building. If possible, that weeks opposing coach will also be available for a teleconference at the same time.
Practice Schedule
ASU typically practices on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during game week. Players and coaches are available for interviews following the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday practices (some restrictions may apply). All interviews must be arranged through the ASU Media Relations Office.
Pac-10 Teleconference
Pac-10 head football coaches will be available on a media teleconference every other Tuesday during the 1998 season, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15. The teleconference begins at 9:30 a.m. PT and a taped replay will be available beginning at 2 p.m. PT and anytime following. ASU head coach Bruce Snyder is on a 10:55 a.m. PT. Refer to the Pac-10 weekly release or call the Pac-10 or ASU media relations office for more details.
Pac-10 Weekly Video Feed
A half-hour football video feed will run weekly during the football season, courtesy of the Pac-10 Conference. The feed will feature game highlights and interviews with head coaches and top players regarding upcoming games. The feed airs from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PT every Wednesday beginning September 9 through November 25. Satellite coordinates are Telestar 4, Transponder 4 (C-Band).
www.TheSunDevils.com
ASU Athletics official home page has everything you need and more. All releases, game statistics, quotes, rosters and more are available at www.TheSunDevils.com. Information regarding Heisman trophy candidate J.R. Redmond can be found at www.TheSunDevils.com/redmond.
Radio Network
KMVP (860 AM) is the flagship station of the ASU Radio Network which includes:
Station City KTAR (620 AM) Phoenix, Ariz. KAAA (1230 AM) Kingman, Ariz. KATO (1230 AM) Safford, Ariz. KZUA (92.1 FM) Holbrook, Ariz. KIKO (106.1 FM) Globe/Miami, Ariz. KYCA (1490 AM) Prescott, Ariz. KSHP (1400 AM) Las Vegas, Nev. KRKO (1380 AM) Seattle, Wash.Snapshot ASU UND 1998 Record 2-3 3-1 1998 Pac-10 1-2 -- Rank (AP/Coach) --- 22/22 Series First Meeting
Notable
Arizona State is leading the Pac-10 in rushing defense, giving up 103.2 yards per game.
Redmond Watch
J.R. Redmond set an ASU record with 350 all-purpose yards at USC and tied the 9th-best rushing effort in Sun Devil history with 214 yards rushing. Redmond leads the Pac-10 in all-purpose yardage (207.0 ypg) and is second in rushing (111.0 ypg).
"Versatile? J.R. Redmond is as all-purpose as flour" -David Casstevens, Arizona Republic
www.TheSunDevils.com/redmond
Pac-10
Tm. Conf. Total This Week Arizona 2-0 5-0 UCLA USC 2-0 4-1 California Oregon 1-0 4-0 at Washington State UCLA 1-0 3-0 at Arizona Cal 1-0 3-1 at USC UW 1-1 2-2 Utah State ASU 1-2 2-3 Notre Dame OSU 0-2 3-2 at Stanford WSU 0-2 3-2 Oregon Stan. 0-2 1-4 Oregon State