Three Things Arizona State Sun Devil Fans Want To See in the Spring Game

Saturday's open scrimmage on Frank Kush Field showed a glimpse of hope for Sun Devil fans. Although the official Spring Game isn't for another two weeks, the scrimmage gave the public high expectations heading into it.

1. The Battle for QB

Sun Devil fans have, yet again, an eerie feeling heading into the 2010 season with uncertainty at the starting QB position. With Samson Szakacsy out with an injury again, that leaves sophomore Brock Osweiler and Michigan transfer Steven Threet battling it out.

Either way, I think everyone will agree that it will be a step in the right direction after last season's performance by Danny Sullivan.

Osweiler looked good, completing over half of his passes in the scrimmage and showing confidence that he can throw a solid long pass. Although not very mobile, he was able to hit his wide receivers in stride, which is a plus for a guy his size.

Threet, who transferred to ASU from the University of Michigan following the 2008 season and had to sit out the 2009 season per NCAA guidelines, got his first chance to show off his experience in Tempe. He showed a lot more mobility in the pocket and able to get passes off more quickly. Showing great accuracy with his passes, Threet seemed to be in more of a natural environment when compared to Osweiler.

The battle will be close, and will be the showcase of the Spring Game as eager fans look for big plays by both QBs.

2. Keeping the Defense As-Is

The 2009 season showcased one of the top defenses in the country led by Mike Nixon, Dexter Davis, and others. Will the defense lose its intensity? Nope. The defense looked as strong and explosive as ever.

Sun Devil Fans will want to see some big plays, and of course some big hits by sophomore Vontaze Burfict.

3. Offense

Two things: O-Line and play calling.

There is no doubt that the 2009 offensive line was weak and riddled with injuries. After recent junior college transfers, things are looking up. Dennis Erickson has seemed to solve the problem with the addition of these bigger guys.

The scrimmage showed a bigger and more mobile offensive line, giving the QB more time and opening up holes for running plays.

The play calling was atrocious last season, as we saw about two or three plays being repeated throughout every game.

The January hiring of Noel Mazzone for ASU's new Offensive Coordinator brings in mixed opinions. He, much like the rest of Erickson's staff, has worked underneath Dennis in the past, which was proved fatal for the former OC Rich Olsen.

In order for the offense to succeed, Erickson must give up all play calling rights to Mazzone, and in a sense, trust him and let him do his own thing.