Sun Devils vs. Aggies

[ajcardfan]

Anyone going to this game? I am. Have all the tickets and everything ready, with my dad, and 4 of my Texas family.

In case you guys don't know, I did my bachelors at A&M and my grad degrees at ASU. My dad got his PhD at A&M and is a prof emeritus at ASU. He already has a shirt made that is split ASU/A&M right down the middle. I don't know what I'll wear, and I actually wasn't sure I wanted to go because I think I will feel more bad for either team losing than good for either team winning. Its a good win but kind of a tough loss for either team. Since both want to make big noise nationally and potentially could.

It's basically a home game for the Aggies, but I'm not sure where we are sitting.

As for the game, it could, probably will be, a shoot out. Probably determined by which team runs the ball better and has fewer turnovers. Last few years, I would've said the Aggies were favorites. But, their oline, which has always been the strength of the program, is more unsettled than usual going into this year so I think ASU can give them some trouble with blitzes.

I think it's pretty much a toss up. I do think ASU would've benefitted from a game under their belt before this one, but both teams will be figuring it out some in game 1.

 

[jf-08]

My bro and a bunch of buddies are going. They are staying on the beaches.

Have a great time!

 

[Absolute Zero]

At his annual speech at Houston Coach's Night, Sumlin, according to the Houston Chronicle, told the crowd: "I'm sure Todd Graham will be real excited to come here. He's the head coach at Arizona State, and we just snatched the two best players (Kyle Allen in 2014, Christian Kirk in 2015) out of their state two years in row."

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...kevin-sumlin-takes-jab-asu-football/30417241/

Huge game, in more ways than one. I don't know if an ASU win will stop the recruiting losses. But it sure would get our season off to a great start.

 

[ajcardfan]

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...kevin-sumlin-takes-jab-asu-football/30417241/

Huge game, in more ways than one. I don't know if an ASU win will stop the recruiting losses. But it sure would get our season off to a great start.

Yeah, I'm sure Graham has a little extra desire to win after those two guys went to A&M. Which was pretty much unheard of for the Aggies before Sumlin was coach. recruits were always about 90% in-state guys for as long as I can remember.

It's a good coaching matchup. That part of the game will be fun.

 

[overseascardfan]

Yeah, I'm sure Graham has a little extra desire to win after those two guys went to A&M. Which was pretty much unheard of for the Aggies before Sumlin was coach. recruits were always about 90% in-state guys for as long as I can remember.

It's a good coaching matchup. That part of the game will be fun.

Qualen Cunningham was a pretty big recruit as well. There are a lot of 2016 AZ recruits looking at TAMU including #1 recruit Byron Murphy of Saguaro HS so ASU needs an impressive performance.

Seriously though UCLA & TAMU have been a thorn in ASU's recruiting side.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Anyone going to this game? I am. Have all the tickets and everything ready, with my dad, and 4 of my Texas family.

In case you guys don't know, I did my bachelors at A&M and my grad degrees at ASU. My dad got his PhD at A&M and is a prof emeritus at ASU. He already has a shirt made that is split ASU/A&M right down the middle. I don't know what I'll wear, and I actually wasn't sure I wanted to go because I think I will feel more bad for either team losing than good for either team winning. Its a good win but kind of a tough loss for either team. Since both want to make big noise nationally and potentially could.

It's basically a home game for the Aggies, but I'm not sure where we are sitting.

As for the game, it could, probably will be, a shoot out. Probably determined by which team runs the ball better and has fewer turnovers. Last few years, I would've said the Aggies were favorites. But, their oline, which has always been the strength of the program, is more unsettled than usual going into this year so I think ASU can give them some trouble with blitzes.

I think it's pretty much a toss up. I do think ASU would've benefitted from a game under their belt before this one, but both teams will be figuring it out some in game 1.

That's a heck of a twisted set of connections and allegiances. So who are you and your dad going for?

 

[ajcardfan]

That's a heck of a twisted set of connections and allegiances. So who are you and your dad going for?

I haven't tried to pin my Dad down. But, as I tried to say in the first post I actually feel very conflicted. I've never been in a situation like that for a football game. The closest for me would be the first time the KC Chiefs, the team that was my favorite before the Cards played in AZ, played the Cards. That one, I knew I would lean towards the Cards the first time I saw them play and I definitely had no doubt I wanted the Cards to win after kickoff. Now, I would be happy to see the Cards beat KC 60-0.

This one... much tougher as I adore both teams and have a lot of personal history with seeing both teams play in person. (I had never seen the Chiefs in person.) IDK. Once the ball is in the air, I might find out who I favor. But, right now it kind of makes me sick to think about it.

 

[Buckybird]

Yeah, I'm sure Graham has a little extra desire to win after those two guys went to A&M. Which was pretty much unheard of for the Aggies before Sumlin was coach. recruits were always about 90% in-state guys for as long as I can remember.

It's a good coaching matchup. That part of the game will be fun.

It's pretty crazy that Todd used to be the HC here at Allen HS & Sumlin just recruited probably the greatest Texas HS QB in history to A&M from the same school. Lol

I went to HS with Todd & knew he was gonna turn around that program despite the criticisms of him as he took the job...he's a GOOD DUDE & look forward to seeing him when I travel out for Cards/Ravens & Devils/Ducks.

 

[NoelPHX]

I have had tickets since January. Looking forward to being there.

 

[overseascardfan]

Man I hope ASU lays a beat down on TAMU to make Sumlin pay for his comments and show ARZ kids ASU is for real. To add more fuel to the fire TAMU landed another over-hyped...I mean ARZ kid, Priest Willis via transfer a couple of days ago.

 

[ajcardfan]

Man I hope ASU lays a beat down on TAMU to make Sumlin pay for his comments and show ARZ kids ASU is for real. To add more fuel to the fire TAMU landed another over-hyped...I mean ARZ kid, Priest Willis via transfer a couple of days ago.

Yeah, I never like coaches saying things that can be used as bulletin board material. IMO, the Lou Holtz method of making every team you are playing sound like potential national champs is the way to go.

I don't like players talking even the slightest crap about an opponent before a game either, but head coaches should definitely know better.

 

[Iceman]

https://twitter.com/FootballASU/status/628260912189693952

 

[Absolute Zero]

Well, we are less than a week out, can't wait for this one!!

Time to get your predictions in folks!

This is total guesswork in my view. So many unknowns and unproven players on both sides that haven't gelled yet. I am expecting a ton of mistakes in this first game of the year, but I am hoping for fewer by ASU. The crowd will be wildly against us and very loud. I am going to give ASU the edge based upon my biased homerism, and because of the QB situation. Allen may end up with a better college career, but I will take Berco at this point.

Also, a bit of concern for ASU, these names on the injury list as of Thursday's practice per Azcentral: "Out: ... OT Sam Jones (knee, four days)....Limited: LB Laiu Moeakiola (ankle)"

Nonetheless, I am going:

ASU 38
TA&M 31

 

[82CardsGrad]

Well, we are less than a week out, can't wait for this one!!

Time to get your predictions in folks!

This is total guesswork in my view. So many unknowns and unproven players on both sides that haven't gelled yet. I am expecting a ton of mistakes in this first game of the year, but I am hoping for fewer by ASU. The crowd will be wildly against us and very loud. I am going to give ASU the edge based upon my biased homerism, and because of the QB situation. Allen may end up with a better college career, but I will take Berco at this point.

Also, a bit of concern for ASU, these names on the injury list as of Thursday's practice per Azcentral: "Out: ... OT Sam Jones (knee, four days)....Limited: LB Laiu Moeakiola (ankle)"

Nonetheless, I am going:

ASU 38
TA&M 31

No way to offer any type of educated guess here... I just hope the Devils don't embarrass themselves. Huge game. Tons of eyes will be on this game. If the Devils win, it can set them up for an amazing, potentially epic season. If they lose, they will be climbing a huge hill the rest of the season just to become relevant... And if they get crushed, well...

 

[Absolute Zero]

yep

 

[ajcardfan]

No way to offer any type of educated guess here... I just hope the Devils don't embarrass themselves. Huge game. Tons of eyes will be on this game. If the Devils win, it can set them up for an amazing, potentially epic season. If they lose, they will be climbing a huge hill the rest of the season just to become relevant... And if they get crushed, well...

FWIW, realize the Aggies' program has also had a long history of playing poorly in big games with a chance to make an impression nationally. It's really a very interesting first game of the season and I have no clue how it's going to wind up.

 

[82CardsGrad]

FWIW, realize the Aggies' program has also had a long history of playing poorly in big games with a chance to make an impression nationally. It's really a very interesting first game of the season and I have no clue how it's going to wind up.

Yea... I know. But A&M is super-talented and it is a home game for them. I still have some burn from the Pac-12 Championship game vs Stanford, when we got blasted at home!! This game could go a long way in helping me get over that!! Or, the scab could be completely ripped off again...

 

[Buckybird]

Yea... I know. But A&M is super-talented and it is a home game for them. I still have some burn from the Pac-12 Championship game vs Stanford, when we got blasted at home!! This game could go a long way in helping me get over that!! Or, the scab could be completely ripped off again...

Both teams lost a lot of talent to the NFL, the Devils prolly more so & better players.

I still don't think the Aggie QB is that good, though they might have a slightly smaller Russell Wilson waiting in the wings in Kyler Murray. He's got stud written all over him.

With that said advantage Devils

 

[NoelPHX]

Packing up and flying out tonight. Devils by a TD 35-28.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I don't know what's funnier - the notion that an A&M team that went 8-5 last year is some sort of powerhouse or that Bercovici belongs in the Heisman conversation.

 

[Absolute Zero]

:troll alert:

 

[ozzfloyd]

A&M by a field goal.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Its game day people!!!

Looking forward to some good reports from ajcardfan and NoelPHX. Hope you guys have a great time at the game!

I am hoping to catch at least part of the game today. Lots of family stuff going on today, but we'll see. Should be a great game.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Good breakdown by Haller, predicting a 42 38 ASU win.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...texas-am-scouting-report-prediction/71671230/

I think there will be lots of points on the board today

 

[Jay Cardinal]

I don't know what's funnier - the notion that an A&M team that went 8-5 last year is some sort of powerhouse or that Bercovici belongs in the Heisman conversation.

I don't know what is funnier watching UA struggle big-time playing yet again another no-name out of conference opponent to open the season or the fact that Rich Rod keeps making stupid low budget movie clips that are made fun of by football recruits, media and fans around the country.

I'll go 42-38 ASU in a thriller that goes right down to the end. And I wouldn't trade ASU's philosophy of scheduling and recruiting the best for the searching-thru-garbage philosophy down in Tucson. Go Devils!