After months of watching Will Sutton highlights and videos of Sparky stomping an opponent's bus, Arizona State football is finally back. Sun Devil fans got a first look at their 2013 team in the form of a 55-0 beating of FCS opponent Sacramento State.
The Sun Devils dominated every facet in their season opening victory. Taylor Kelly threw for 300 yards and five touchdowns, looking cool and collective in the pocket all night. Marion Grice led the Sun Devils in all-purpose yards and Jaelen Strong had a strong debut at the major college level.
The Sun Devils face a major step up in completion as the three-time defending Big Ten Champion Wisconsin Badgers come to Tempe on Saturday. The game will be Todd Graham's first chance to showcase his team on national television and against major competition.
Before we look ahead, let us look back to the week that was in ASU athletics.
Five Stories to Read from Last Week
Sun Devils Blank Sacramento State 55-0: Catch Ben Haber's recap straight from the press box of Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State only committed one penalty and the Arizona State defense only allowed six first downs the entire game.
Breaking Down Arizona State's Victory: Kerry Crowley checks in with a more detailed breakdown of the contest. Crowley's offensive recap details the balanced Sun Devil attack and the play of Taylor Kelly. His defensive recap discusses how the ASU pass rush faired in their first action of the season.
Positional Grades for ASU's Season Opening Win: We give out positional grades for each group following ASU's victory Thursday night. Find out which position scored the highest and which group needs improvement.
Sun Devils Miss Top 25: For the second straight week, the Sun Devils were left out of the AP Top 25. Find out where ASU ranks and who beat them out.
ASU Hockey Coverage: Just as the Sun Devils are getting started on the gridiron, the ASU hockey team is gearing up for their 2013-2014 season. Find out who is standing out in training camp and which players are primed to lead ASU to a national championship.
News and Notes
- ASU linebacker Chris Young was back at practice Sunday night and he was not wearing a no-contact jersey. Young left ASU's season opener with a knee injury but he tweeted that the injury was not serious. It remains to be seen if he will be able to play Saturday against Wisconsin.
- The Arizona State women's soccer team went a perfect 2-0 in the Sun Devil classic this weekend. Arizona State topped Illinois 4-3 in 2OT on Friday night and thumped Kansas 4-0 on Sunday. Devin Marshall scored two goals on Sunday for the Sun Devils.
- The Arizona State volleyball team continues to roll early on this season. The Sun Devils are a perfect 6-0 to start the season, ASU has not dropped a set yet and travel to Champaign, Illinois, for a tournament starting on Thursday.
Thanks to God nothing seriously happened! Having faith goes a long way!! Next cant come any sooner
— Chris(CY)Young (@NWProdigy253) September 6, 2013
1 down, 13 to Go. #RoadToTheRoses #ASU #SunDevilFootball pic.twitter.com/y21Sn2Z9L8
— Jaxon Prince Hood (@MrJhood7ASU) September 7, 2013
55-0. Go Devils !
— Ty Whiley (@TeeWhiley) September 6, 2013
@Taylor_Kelly10 connects with @JaelenStrong for td ... Can't wait to hear that tonight #OHGOD
— Manny Wilkins 2⃣ (@Manny_Wilkins11) September 5, 2013
Less than 24 hours after the win, @CoachNorvellASU is reportedly in Northern California to watch QB commit @Manny_Wilkins11 play tonight.
— House of Sparky (@HouseOfSparky) September 7, 2013
Graham gives kudos to the student section for filing up the stands and being supportive. There was a record attendance tonight for students.
— Devils Digest (@DevilsDigest) September 6, 2013
2 months until @SunDevilHoops!!!
— 942Crew (@942Crew) September 9, 2013