 the rest of the Sun Devils look to continue winning ways against USC. |
Football Travels to Play USC in Conference Showdown
Sun Devils look to continue winning streak.
September 29, 1998
Arizona State Sun Devils
vs.
#21 Southern California Trojans
Los Angeles Coliseum -- 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 -- ABC/KMVP 860 AM
Arizona State (2-2, 1-1) travels to Los Angeles, Calif., this Saturday, Oct. 3, to face Southern California (3-1, 1-0) in the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Sun Devils evened their overall and conference record last Saturday with a 24-3 win over Oregon State in Tempe. USC suffered its first loss of the season last week at No. 10 Florida State, 30-10. Kickoff this Saturday is slated for 4:00 p.m. 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
Arizona State is the only Pac-10 team to lead its all-time series with the Trojans as the Sun Devils have an 8-6 record against USC. ASU has won two consecutive games against the Trojans and three of its last five. The Sun Devils are 3-2 in Los Angeles against USC. ASU lost the last meeting in L.A., 31-0 in 1995. ASU head coach Bruce Snyder (43-29, 7th year at ASU) is 2-6 against USC in his career, 2-2 while at ASU. Southern California head coach Paul Hackett (3-1, 1st year at USC) has never faced the Sun Devils.
Exposure
The Sun Devils will make their first appearance on ABC this season as the game will be part of a doubleheader on the West Coast. Rich Waltz and Rodney Gilmore will call the action. 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. 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.
1998 ASU Schedule/Results Date ASU Rank* Opponent Rank* Time/Result TV Notes Sept. 5 8/9 Washington 18/17 L 38-42 FSN Redmond: 254 all-purp. yds, 1 TD; Kealy 20/35, 302 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT Sept. 12 14/15 at BYU L 6-26 espn2 ASU shutout through first 3 quarters, end game with 308 total yards. Sept. 19 North Texas W 34-15 Redmond: 122 yds. rushing; K. Mitchell: 5 catches, 88 yds. Sept. 26 Oregon State W 24- 3 Lowest point total for an ASU Pac-10 opponent since 1993 Oct. 3 at USC 21/22 4:00 p.m. ABC Chad Morton 3rd leading rusher in Pac-10 at 87.5 yds. per game Oct. 10 Notre Dame 23/23 TBA Beat Purdue 31-30 on 17-yard FG with 0:57 left in game. Oct. 22 Stanford 7:00 p.m. FSN 63-28 loss to Oregon was most pts. given up by Cardinal since 1954 Oct. 31 at Washington State TBA Threw four interceptions and lost two fumbles in loss to California Nov. 7 California 4:00 p.m. Defense scored 21 points in 24-14 win over WSU Nov. 14 at Oregon 17/17 2:00 p.m. 664 yds. of total offense vs. Stanford three shy of school record Nov. 27 at Arizona 14/14 4:30 p.m. FSN 4-0 for the first time since 1994; have won 8 straight.Times subject to change FSN - Fox Sports Net (locally on Fox Sports Arizona) *Rankings (AP/ESPN-USA Today) at time of game or, for future games, in current poll
Last Week
Arizona State capitalized on its best defensive effort of the season with a 24-3 win over Oregon State at Sun Devil Stadium/Frank Kush Field. The Sun Devils held a Pac-10 opponent to as few as three points for the first time since a 9-3 win at UCLA on Nov. 13, 1993. Oregon State's net of nine yards rushing in the game was the fewest by an ASU opponent since Nov. 9 1996, when California was held to five yards. The 232 yards of total offense by the Beavers was by far the lowest by an ASU opponent this season (Previous season low: 373 vs. North Texas). ASU's offense was led by the running game as three Sun Devils -- Gerald Green (86 yds.), J.R. Redmond (83) and Jeff Paulk (47) -- had at least 47 yards rushing in the game to lead the Sun Devils to 190 yards rushing. It was ASU's fifth straight win against the Beavers.
USC lost its first game of the season, 30-10 in Tallahasee to the 10th-ranked Seminoles. FSU's Chris Weinke threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns to pace a 404-yard attack as the Seminoles forced five turnovers and held USC to three completions for 23 yards passing. USC's only TD came on a Chad Morton 7-yd. run in the third quarter which was set up by Frank Strong's 73-yard run on the previous play. USC totaled eight first downs and 189 yards of total offense in the game.
Last Meeting
The Sun Devils soundly defeated the Trojans 35-7 last year (10/11/97) in front of 61,802 fans at Sun Devil Stadium. ASU went to the passing game early against the Trojans, using a four-wide receiver set, as it was then freshman Ryan Kealy's coming out party. Kealy completed 21 of 34 passes for a then-career high 281 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Nine ASU receivers caught a pass, led by the seven receptions by Lenzie Jackson (132 yds.). ASU's running game was sure and steady, totaling 236 yards with Marlon Farlow picking up 98 yards on 11 carries. ASU's defense limited the Trojans to seven points and 214 yards of total offense, including just five yards passing in the first half. ASU led 13-7 at halftime, but scored 15 third-quarter points to secure its largest margin of victory over USC in the 14-game series.
In that Game ...
ASU USC
Redmond: 12 carries, 48 yds., 1 TD
MacKenzie: 10 runs, 35 yds.
Kealy: 21/34, 281 yds., 3 TDs, 1 INT
Van Raaphorst: 2/3 23 yds.
L. Jackson: 7 rec., 132 yds.
Soward: 2 rec., 19 yds.
Polling
Arizona State is not ranked in the AP or ESPN/USA Today poll. USC is ranked 23rd by the coaches and 21st by the AP. Arizona State began the season ranked 8th in the AP poll and 9th in the coaches' poll.
On Deck
ASU hosts Notre Dame in the schools' first meeting all-time. The game is Family Weekend and Sun Angel Endowment Day at Arizona State.
Injury Report
Arizona State had four players miss last week's game against Oregon State due to injury. Starting OL Randy Leaphart has a right knee injury and is out until at least the Oct. 22 game vs. Stanford. LB Stephen Trejo missed his second straight game with a right knee sprain. RB Davaren Hightower missed the OSU game with a knee injury. TE Kendrick Bates missed the game with a shoulder injury. Trejo, Hightower and Bates status for USC will be determined this week. FS Mitchell Freedman returned to action against Oregon State after missing the North Texas game to nurse a right thigh strain.
Statistical Comparison
Category ASU USC
Rushing Off. 150.3 (4th) 161.0 (3rd)
Rushing Def. 123.3 (3rd) 128.3 (4th)
Passing Off. 242.0 (5th) 152.5 (10th)
Pass Eff. Def. 119.6 (8th) 90.2 (4th)
Total Off. 392.3 (5th) 313.5 (8th)
Total Def. 354.0 (7th) 299.5 (2nd)
Scoring Off. 25.5 (t5th) 28.0 (4th)
Scoring Def. 21.5 (6th) 18.3 (4th)
(Pac-10 rank)
Successful ProgramA look at some of Arizona State's recent success since the end of the 1995 season:
3 ASU has won 26 of its last 33 games
3 ASU has won 13 of its last 16 home games
3 ASU has won 10 of its last 12 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 28-11 .718
2. Washington 26-12-1 .680
3. Oregon 26-13 .667
4. UCLA 24-13 .649
5. USC 24-14-1 .628
6. Arizona 23-16 .589
7. Washington State 21-17 .553
8. Stanford 20-18-1 .526
9. California 15-23 .395
10. Oregon State 8-29 .216
Snyder Era
Bruce Snyder's first season as head coach at Arizona State was in 1992 and since then the Sun Devils have the fourth-best conference record in the Pac-10:
Team Conf. Pct. Overall Pct.
Washington 34-14-1 .704 49-23-1 .678
USC 31-17-1 .643 46-27-3 .625
Arizona 28-20-1 .582 46-27-1 .628
Arizona State 29-21-0 .580 43-29-0 .597
UCLA 27-21-0 .563 43-28-0 .606
Oregon 26-23-0 .531 46-29-0 .613
Washington State 25-24-0 .521 43-30-0 .589
Stanford 23-27-0 .460 37-35-2 .514
California 16-33-0 .326 32-41-0 .438
Oregon State 5-44-1 .110 17-52-1 .250
Notes on Offense
Offensive Trends
Arizona State's offense is stacked with weapons this season and is capable of putting up some tremendous numbers on the board. It has done just that in three of its four games this season. In its three games at home this season, ASU has posted no fewer than 24 points and 363 yards of total offense. In those three games, ASU is averaging 32 points, 193 yards rushing, and 420.3 yards of total offense. However, ASU's offense posted just six points, 22 yds. rushing and had 3 turnovers against in its only road game of the season, 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 two games, ASU has rushed for an average of 208 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
Average 150.3 242.0 392.3 5.4 25.5
J.R. Redmond -- All Purpose ExcitementSun Devil junior J.R. Redmond is one of the most exciting players to watch in college football. The Heisman Trophy candidate is, first and foremost, ASU's starting tailback. He has rushed for over 100 yards in two of ASU's first four games and is averaging 85.4 yards rushing per game to rank fourth in the Pac-10. His three touchdowns against North Texas was the most rushing TDs by a Sun Devil since Terry Battle scored 3 TDs against Arizona in 1996. He has scored at least on TD in three of ASU's four games this year and in five of his last seven games. Redmond started only one game prior to this season after backing up the likes of Michael Martin and Terry Battle. Redmond has rushed for 1,507 yards in his three seasons in Tempe, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. His 122-yard performance against N. Texas was the sixth time in his career he topped to 100-yard mark. Last year, Redmond led the Pac-10's top rushing offense with 86.5 yards per game and was named the Sun Devils' Offensive MVP in a vote of his teammates. He was also named an honorable mention All-Pac-10 player as a running back in 1997.
Redmond Year-by-Year Rushing
Year G/GS Att. Yds. Avg TD Lg.
1996 10/0 63 301 4.8 2 41
1997 10/1 142 865 6.1 7 93*
1998 4/4 76 352 4.5 5 24
Totals 24/5 281 1507 5.4 14 93*
*5th longest run in ASU history (8/30 vs. New Mexico State)
Redmond 1998 Game--by-Game Rushing
Opponent Att. Yds. Avg TD Lg.
Washington 22 108 4.9 1 22
at BYU 16 28 1.8 0 7
North Texas 15 122 8.1 *3 24
Oregon State 23 83 3.6 1 20
*Career High
Running the football isn't the only facet to Redmond's game. Redmond ranks second in the Pac-10 and 15th in the nation with 171.3 all-purpose yards per game. His 201 yards of all-purpose yardage against North Texas was the fifth time in his career and second time this season he had topped 200 all-purpose yards in a game. He had 254 all-purpose yards against Washington, including a career-high 68 yards receiving. He is the Pac-10's leading punt returner, averaging 13.7 yards on nine returns. On the four times opponents have kicked off to him, he is averaging 23.5 yards per return. He is third on the team with 10 receptions in 1998. He was third in the Pac-10 and 12th in the nation in all-purpose yardage for 1997, averaging 159.0 per game. As a result, he was selected to the 1997 All-Pac-10 first-team as an all-purpose player. In 1997, he led his team in punt and kickoff returns while catching the fifth-most passes. He has amassed 3,116 all-purpose yards in three seasons, averaging 7.8 yards each time he touches the ball, whether it be via rush, reception, punt or kickoff return.
Redmond Year-by-Year All Purpose (No.-Yds) Per Per
Game Rush Rec. Punts KO Total Touch Game
1996 63-301 9-197 31-260 2-83 105-841 8.0 84.1
1997 142-865 15-186 24-236 14-303 195-1590 8.2 159.0
1998 76-341 10-127 9-123 4-94 99-685 6.9 171.3
Career 281-1507 34-510 64-619 20-480 399-3116 7.8 129.9
Redmond 1998 Game-by-Game All Purpose Per Per
Game Rush Rec. Punts KO Total Touch Game
Wash. 22-108 4-68 2-66 1-12 29- 254 8.8
at BYU 16-28 3-26 3-8 0-0 22- 62 2.8
N. Texas 15-122 1-9 2-32 1-38 19-201 10.6
Oregon St. 23-83 2-24 2-17 2-44 29-168 5.8
Totals 76-342 10-127 9-123 4-94 99-685 6.9 171.3
Redmond has also electrified his teammates with big plays. Below is a breakdown of his "big play" capability as defined by a gain of 20 yards or more for a run, catch or punt return and a kick return of 40 yards or more. Redmond had seven such plays this season, all of which part of a drive that ended in an ASU score (6 TDs, 1 FG). Of the 29 ASU possessions that have included a "big play" by Redmond in his career, ASU has scored 21 touchdowns and 3 field goals. The Sun Devils have scored on 22 straight possessions that included a Redmond "big play."
Redmond Big Plays
Yd Gain Total Rush Catch PR KR* Led to Score
20-29 14 7 4 3 -- 10
30-39 3 0 2 1 -- 3
40-49 6 1 2 0 3 5
50+ 6 3 1 2 0 6
Total 29 11 9 6 3 24 (21 TDs)
*Big Play Kickoff Return must be more than 40 yards
In 1998, Redmond has also seen limited duty at defensive back. Head coach Bruce Snyder has used Redmond in certain game situations as a safety.
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. Kealy's "coming out party" in 1997 came against USC as he threw for a season-high 281 yards and three touchdowns. 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 three games after throwing one in the five games prior to BYU (including last year). Overall, he is averaging 230.8 passing yards per game this season and his efficiency rating of 133.3 ranks fourth in the Pac-10. He has thrown for at least 200 yards eight times in his career and in seven of nine games since the USC contest a year ago. He has thrown for at least one touchdown in each game this season and in 12 of the 15 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 Plummer's 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 4/ 4 64-120 53.3 923 8-4 60 230.8 133.3
Career 15/15 226-417 54.2 3060 23-11 67 204.0 128.8
Kealy 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
*Career High
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 ASU's offensive line in each of the last two seasons, with ASU leading the league in rushing each year. Versatility is also a quality of Ruegamer's 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 ASU's most consistent and dangerous pass catcher as he leads the team with 15 catches for 192 yards in 1998. Including bowl games, Jackson has a catch in 29 straight games and can tie John Jackson's (USC, 1986-89) Pac-10 record of 37 consecutive games with a reception. He is two catches shy of passing J.D. Hill for sixth place on the ASU career receiving list. Jackson has caught a touchdown pass in each of the last three games and in seven of his last 11 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 24.1 yards per kickoff return which ranks sixth in the Pac-10. His 99.8 all-purpose yards per game ranks 13th 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 4/ 4 15 192 12.3 3 36
Career 35/25 110 1467 13.3 12 52
(117 catches, 1582 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
Tight End ThreatArizona State's 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 ASU's 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. In addition, he is a valued blocker. Cercone and Jennings are ASU's blocking tandem, seeing action in ASU's "muscle" formations, but also able to be on the receiving end, as evidenced by Cercone's 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 ASU's offense, keying on one receiver is not an option. If tight end isn't the deepest position on the Sun Devil squad, then receiver is. Ten different Sun Devils have caught passes in ASU's first four games and eight of QB Ryan Kealy's targets have caught two or more passes in one game, seven three or more. Of ASU's wide receivers, Sr. Lenzie Jackson leads the team with 15 catches, So. Tariq McDonald caught the go-ahead TD in the 4th quarter against Washington and averages 16.9 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 ASU's first two games and So. Brian Forth had a 42-yard reception at BYU.
Receiver UW at BYU UNT OSU Total
Lenzie Jackson 4 6 3 2 15
Kenny Mitchell 2 1 5 3 11
J.R. Redmond 4 3 1 2 10
Tariq McDonald 2 3 0 4 9
Creig Spann 4 3 0 1 8
Kendrick Bates 3 2 2 DNP 7
Matt Cercone 0 0 4 0 4
Brian Forth 0 2 0 0 2
Todd Heap 1 0 0 0 1
Davaren Hightower0 0 1 DNP 1
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 5,598 rushing yards (including bowl games) from 1996-98. While the likes of Terry Battle, Michael Martin and J.R. Redmond account for much of that total, senior flyback Jeff Paulk's lead has been a huge reason why. The 6-1, 247-pounder is ASU's 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 last week 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.
Notes on Defense
Primetime Performance
Arizona State held Oregon State to 3 points in the Sun Devils first conference win of the year last week, 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. ASU's defense has held Oregon State to 37 yards rushing in the last two years combined.
Defensive Trends
Arizona State's defense has taken steps in the right direction in the last two games. In their last two games, the Sun Devils have given up 18 points, an aver of 2.3 yards per rush and forced five turnovers. Here's 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
Average 123.3 230.8 354.0 4.6 21.5
Mitchell Freedman -- Fright NightThe veteran leader of Arizona State's 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 34 games, starting in 32, Freedman has been a staple in ASU's defense for each of the last four seasons. Freedman's picked up the 200th of his ASU career against BYU when he totaled 8 tackles, including one sack. He had six tackles against Oregon State last week. 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 ASU's 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 3/ 3 6/11 17 1/ 7 0.5/ 7 0 0 0 0
Career 34/32 119/95 213 7/41 3.5/34 5 13 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 34 games (20 starts) over his Sun Devil career. He has 11 tackles this season, including four for loss and one sack. 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 22 tackles. He has amassed 69 tackles, two interceptions and 14 pass deflections in 26 appearances (17 starts) as a Sun Devil.
Archie
Sophomore linebacker Adam Archuleta posted his second double-digit tackle effort of the season last week against Oregon State. "Archie" had five tackles for loss in the 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 35 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 sixth in the Pac-10 in scoring defense in 1998, giving up 21.5 points per game.
Inexperience
With only three starters returning, ASU's 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 ASU's starting offensive unit had previously started a game before Washington with J.R. Redmond's 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 second in the nation and best in the conference with a 48.2-yard punting average. Furthermore, ASU ranks second in the nation with a 45.6-yard net punting average. Baker is also ASU's kickoff man and is handling the place kicking duties, hitting one of two field goals (good from 45, missed from 52) in his first action in that role last week. He has six touchbacks in 20 kickoffs and opponents have an average starting field position of the 24.5 yard line after his kickoffs.
The Century Mark
ASU had at least one person rush for 100 or more yards in seven of its last nine and 12 of its last 20 games. J.R. Redmond has cracked the century twice this season with ASU going 1-1 in those games. ASU is 224-38-5 (.848) all-time when it has someone top the century mark and is 25-6 (.806) since Bruce Snyder's arrival in Tempe.
Special Teams
Here's some numbers pertaining to ASU's special teams:
KO Ret. Avg. Against TB Onside Avg. Opp. Start
ASU* 20 12 24.0 6 1/1 24.5
Opp. 20 13 23.7 7 0/0 25.9
Punts Ret Avg. Against FC Downed *-20 *-10 TB
ASU 16 9 4.6 1 4 1 1 2
Opp. 21 9 13.7 1 8 0 0 4
*fair caught or downed (includes kicked out of bounds) inside 20/10
Maroon Zone Here's the numbers on how ASU's offense and defense have done inside the 20-yard line.
ASU Pct. Opponents Pct.
Inside 20 15 --- 15 ---
Scored 12 .800 12 .800
TD 11 .733 8 .533
TDs - Pass/Run 7/4 5/3
FG 1 .067 4 .267
Missed FG 1 1
Turnover 1 0
TO on Downs 1 2
Turnover Battle
After a +18 turnover ratio in the last two years, ASU has a -3 differential this season. The Sun Devils scored their first points off an opponents turnover last week against Oregon State. Here's a look at what those turnovers have meant:
ASU Opp
8 Turnovers 5
Turnovers Result In ...
7 Points 16
1 TD 1
0 FG 3
0 Punt 2
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%
Total 29/62/47% 22/62/35%
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
Total own 32 own 29
Turnover Edge
In its last 33 games (dating back to 1995), ASU has a turnover ratio of +27 (77-50). In that span, ASU has accumulated 33 INTs and 44 fumble recoveries while opponents have registered 26 interceptions and 24 recoveries. ASU is 26-7 during the stretch. However, ASU is -3 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 year's 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.
Draft Success
Over the course of the last two NFL Drafts, Arizona State has had 13 players picked - the third-highest total among college programs in the nation. Here's a look:
NFL Draft Picks, 1997 & 1998
Team Picks
1. Florida State 16
2. Nebraska 14
3. Arizona State 13
Washington 13
5. Colorado 12
North Carolina 12
7. Tennessee 11
8. Miami 10
9. Florida 9
Stanford 9
Unfamiliar Territory
ASU's 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. ASU's 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. Snyder's seventh year of service makes him only the fourth coach at ASU to have a tenure of more than five seasons. Frank Kush's 22 seasons and 176 wins are the most in Sun Devil history while Aaron McCreary (7 seasons, 1923-29) and ASU's 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 43-29-0
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, ASU's 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 men's 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, ASU's conference record is 82-64-4 (.560) and 141-86-4 (.619) 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 -- ASU's 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., including this Tuesday. Fox Sports Arizona will also show a replay of most Sun Devil football games Sunday's at 4:00 p.m.
KMVP -- ASU's 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 week's 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.