:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42677648/136080735.0.jpg)
Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
When: Saturday, October 25, 2014
7:45 p.m. Pacific Time
TV Schedule: ESPN, with Mark Jones (play-by-play),
Rod Gilmore (color) and Jessica Mendoza (sidelines)
Radio: KOMO AM-1000/FM-97.7; Sirius 93; XM 198
Game-Week Previews: Our ASU Previews; and their Previews for this game
(Everything you'll need to see before you catch the game.)
History
This series, as of late, hasn't been all that different from the series with Oregon. Washington has lost the last 8 meetings between the teams ... with the last loss coming last year ... down in Tempe, where the dawgs decided to pack it in before the game started.
The series, right now, has ASU with a slim lead at 16-15. The last time the Huskies won it was 15-8 in their favor. Let's hope the Huskies have rebounded nicely from last week's embarrassing loss, and come firing on all cylinders.
Numbers
This week is all about special teams ... and defense I guess
1.33 - The number of yards the Dawgs are giving up per punt return this season
1.89 - The number of yards ASU is averaging per punt return this season
2 - The number of special team's TDs ASU has surrendered this season
9 - The number of punts ASU has forced so far this season
14.14 - The number of yards ASU is giving up per punt return this season (They've allowed 1 Punt return for a Touchdown)
18.8 - The number of yards UW is allowing on kickoff returns against ranked foes
27.17 - The number of yards ASU is giving up on kickoff returns since conference play began
19 = The number of punts UW has forced so far this season
What They're Saying
No insults intended; this is really just some game week fun ... so have a laugh. These quotes were removed from any relevant context that would give them any logical sense .... These quotes are brought to you courtesy of Wired Devils:
Keys to Victory:
It's a game that ASU should win, if they play well
ASU jumps on them early and the D takes over
The defense we saw against Stanford will be what we see the rest of the season
On the Husky QB situation:
He is talented but inexperienced. Probably good news.
Make him beat us with his arm.
If there is one thing Graham should surely know, its that playing against a talented second string QB can be a pain in the butt.
On the Husky Uniform Combo:
Hopefully none of our players will be tempted to throw the UW helmets into a recycling bin.
Questions Needing Answers
Offense:
What will Troy Williams bring to the offense this week? I hope it's more than just running the football, and that his completion percentage is better than 2/7 ... Will the Dawgs be able to out-rush the devils? Will John Ross score another TD of more than 50 yards?
Defense:
Will the defense continue to be bi-polar (I'm hoping for an "up" week)? Who will have more sacks, Shelton or Kikaha? Will the pass rush force Taylor Kelly to throw some picks? Will Shaq have another defensive TD? Will the secondary get torched?
Miscellaneous:
Why do we SUCK in the state Arizona? Will the weather affect the devils? Will Pettis take a punt to the house? Which mascot would win the coney island challenge?
Conclusion
The Huskies are starting a green quarterback against a top-15 team in crappy weather. Luckily, that team happens to be from one of the hottest places in America. UCLA showed that ASU can be beat handily when you play all three phases of the game well. Frankly, I think this game is going to come down to special teams play, and field position. The Sun Devils are vulnerable on special teams, and they are lucky they've only surrendered 2 touchdowns so far. I have a feeling that Mr. Pettis and Mr. Ross are going to have field days, and we should see at least 7 points come from special teams.
We should also see some big-time plays from the defense. John Timu will magically fix his butterfingers, the pass rush is going to give the secondary some great chances for interceptions, and Shaq is going to be in the right place at the right time on more than one occasion, resulting in another turnover snagged by the young man. This game should be a close one, but I think the Huskies should pull it off.
More Info
Gameday Dots
-
Apparently the Huskies haven't put last year's loss behind them ...
Vegas Odds
These are courtesy of VegasInsider. The Huskies are 3.5 point underdogs at home, with the over/under sitting right around 60. They racked up another loss against the spread last week, and their record up to this point is 3-4.
Gamethread
Come on over to the game thread to have a little bit of jovial banter with fellow Dawg fans, and the occasional troll, or New Mexico State Aggies fan .... You'll be happy you did. It opens up a half hour or so before kickoff.