2009 ASU Football: An Obituary

by Cory Williams on Nov 29, 2009 5:52 PM MST in ASU Football Comment 7 comments

Oh, 2009 Sun Devils, we knew thee all too well. From the opening kickoff against Idaho State, all the way through the heart-wrenching loss to Zendejas and the Kitties, we struggled to enjoy this season as fans.

Why is that, exactly? It isn't for a lack of effort on the part of the team. The offense and defense both played admirably, working as hard as they could with the tools they had and the plays that were called.

At times, this team showed potential and a desire to win. But there were just too many obstacles to overcome: an unimaginative running game, horrible kicking from Thomas Weber, and a dearth of prepared talent at the quarterback position.

Was this coaching, or was ASU simply overmatched this season? I daresay it was a bit of both.

Coach Erickson showed he was behind the times in terms of play calling once he took the reins from Rich Olson at the start of the season. Not trying to condemn the man, but his running plays were brutal. Off tackle to the right, anyone?

Lets get this obituary over with, since no one likes torturing themselves.

Apex of the season: The Sun Devils earned their fourth win of the season in incredible fashion, scoring on a last second Hail Mary by Danny Sullivan to a wide open Chris McGaha. At 4-2, enthusiasm for the Devils was at a fever pitch, and everyone thought we might be able to make it to a bowl game.

Barrel-scraping moment(s) of 2009: Where do I begin?

ASU loses in heartbreaking fashion to Georgia. The Bulldogs scored a game-winning field goal as time expired to win 20-17.
ASU loses in heartbreaking fashion to California. The Golden Bears scored a game-winning field goal with seconds to play, and Danny Sullivan couldn't lead the Devils to victory on a failed Hail Mary attempt.
ASU loses in heartbreaking fashion to USC. The Sun Devils are unable to overcome a 5-point deficit and lose 14-9.
ASU loses in heartbreaking fashion to Arizona. The Wildcats scored a game-winning field goal as time expired to win 20-17. Sound familiar?

This was the year of "close, but no cigar." Hopefully 2010 brings a new offensive philosophy to the Valley, because the defense is absolutely fine.

0 recs | Comment 7 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Sickening.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on Nov 29, 2009 6:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

ugh

"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan

by Dirk Diggler on Nov 29, 2009 7:02 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I'm trying to decide what is worse right now.

Some of the losses ASU had, or that game the Cardinals just lost… Horrible Football weekend for me.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on Nov 29, 2009 8:51 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

well

Arizona lost in amazing fashion today. That was so brutal.

House Of Sparky: An Arizona State Sun Devils blog

by Cory Williams on Nov 29, 2009 9:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Just as brutal...

was the Steelers loss. ugh. me and football are just not getting along right now.

by mlev811 on Nov 29, 2009 11:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

At least you havent had a horrible football past 2 years

I have had the Detroit Lions, Michigan, and ASU to root for the past couple of years. To see a team at or above 500 would be a great football season for me. Unfortunately, I am getting used to seeing my teams be very painful to watch. Oh well, there is always next year. (even though I keep swaying that year after year after year)

by qbdoyle1 on Nov 30, 2009 8:50 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs