Arizona State Sun Devils
Pacific-12 Conference
Expectations were high in Tucson at the beginning of the 2011 season as the Sun Devils opened the season ranked in the top-25, and were touting one of the strongest defensive units in the FBS. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict was the emotional and statistical leader for Arizona State, and all signs pointed to the defensive group being able to make a statement in the newly-formed Pac-12 South. With USC being ineligible for postseason play, ASU was in line for the fist Pac-12 Championship game. Then the season reached week three and Illinois defeated the Sun Devils, followed a month later by an expected loss to Oregon, and finished with four consecutive losses to inferior teams. At season’s end, not only was defensive leader Burfict not named to first or second team all-conference, only one of his defensive unit mates was mentioned at all, as defensive back Clint Floyd was named second team.
2011 Record: 6-6, 4-5
Last Bowl Appearance: 2007 Holiday Bowl vs. Texas (L 34-52)
Big Wins: 9/9 Missouri (37-30), 9/24 USC (43-22)
Bad Losses: 11/5 UCLA (28-29), 11/12 Washington State (27-37)
Coach: Dennis Erickson (31-30 at Arizona State, 147-80-1 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-1 at Arizona State, 5-6 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Noel Mazzone
Defensive Coordinator: Craig Bray
Strengths:
Considering it was originally believed the ASU defense would be the key to a Pac-12 title shot, it was the passing attack that made them competitive. Without junior quarterback Brock Osweiler and wide receivers Gerell Robinson, Aaron Pflugrad, and Jamal Miles, the Sun Devils would most certainly not be bowl-eligible this season. Osweiler averaged 314 offense yards per game and the receiving corps scored 25 touchdowns combined. They rank 11th in the FBS in yards per game and completed an astonishing 63 percent of their passes. Another factor to keep in mind is lame duck coach Dennis Erickson. He was fired following the late season slide, but his team could rally around their coach for his final game at ASU.
Weaknesses:
Injuries riddled the Sun Devils’ defensive backfield and led to a 106th ranked pass defense in regards to yards per game allowed. Two defensive backs, Alden Darby and Clint Floyd, had three interceptions each. The highest sack total was Burfict’s five. He coupled that with 68 total tackles, with only two of those for a loss (not including the sacks). The lack of defensive dominance led Arizona State to allow 26 points per game, even though they managed to hold five opponents to 20 points or less.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Cameron Marshall, RB, 1,038 yards
Passing: Brock Osweiler, QB, 3,641 yards
Receiving: Gerrell Robinson, WR, 1,156 yards
Tackles: Vontaze Burfict, LB, 68
Sacks: Vontaze Burfict, LB, 5.0
Interceptions: Clint Floyd, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 140.75 (77th in nation, 7th in conference)
Passing Offense: 310.17 (11, 3)
Total Offense: 450.92 (25, 5)
Scoring Offense: 33.92 (26, 4)
Rushing Defense: 148.00 (59, 7)
Pass Defense: 270.92 (106, 10)
Total Defense: 418.92 (88, 9)
Scoring Defense: 26.33 (60, 6)
Turnover Margin: .67 (21, 2)
Sacks: 2.08 (43, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 2.00 (64, 7)
