Arizona State Football 2014 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

Offense

The offense will be better. There are rumblings around the program that DJ Foster is an improvement over Marion Grice at running back (although nobody will say it out loud because Grice was a great player and well liked) and the receiving corps is deeper and more talented than last year, especially when Juco transfer Eric Lauderdale arrives this summer.

The most important losses of personnel occurred on the offensive line, but that unit is deeper than last season and reportedly a little more physical and nastier than last year’s O line. We’ll see if that’s true or not (hard to judge at this point).

And finally, Taylor Kelly is back for his third year as the starting quarterback. He looks the most comfortable and in command as I’ve ever seen. He is surrounded by playmakers and should have an outstanding senior season.

The only real question mark is the Tight End position for the departed Chris Coyle. But Coyle’s production dropped off significantly last season as he was utilized more as a blocker, so I think they’ll figure that position out.

This offense is going to score some points.

ASU QB Taylor Kelly (Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports)

Defense

On Defense, you have to believe they are going to take a step back. In spring ball, the D didn’t look too bad, but that’s spring ball, the defense always looks good early on. But losing 9 starters is huge, especially Will Sutton, Carl Bradford and Chris Young. They’ll have to coach up some guys.

The secondary is ridiculously inexperienced. Only one of the four DB positions is locked up (Damarious Randall at safety). The coaches are still looking for starting corners and the other safety. And they are still looking for guys to establish themselves at linebacker.

The interior D line is a real question mark. There are two new guys coming that are big bodies, but we haven’t seen them play yet. I expect this defense to get pushed around against good offenses this year, but probably hold their own against average teams.

Will ASU be better, worse or about the same as last year?

Overall, as a team, I think they should be about as good as they were last year. The non-conference schedule is a little easier this season. I think they beat Notre Dame in Tempe this time around, but I also think they lose two conference games this year, instead of one.

The gauntlet in September of Stanford, USC, UCLA in three consecutive games will be tough and will most likely define their season. Win two of those games and they should have another stellar season. However, I think they lose two of those games, maybe even all three. So my prediction is 9-3 or 10-2 for the season.

Mike Slifer of Devils In Detail provided the information for our Arizona State Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up. For more ASU  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Mike on Twitter @Devils_Detail.