Arizona State Sun Devils Football: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic in 2012

Despite falling apart at the end of 2011, there is reason to be optimistic for the Arizona State Sun Devils' 2012 campaign.

At the MAACO Bowl, the Sun Devils were destroyed by the Boise State Broncos 56-24, in what turned out to be a game that summed up the 2011 season in a nutshell.

The Sun Devils have work to do, and they still have a lot more to prove now. For these reasons, Sun Devils fans should be hopeful that they will see better results in 2012.

Cameron Marshall Should Be Back

Junior running back Cameron Marshall has yet to announce his status for 2012, but many can assume that the star back will be returning for last season with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

In 2011, Marshall ran for over 1,000 yards, while also punching in 18 touchdowns. He was by far the biggest threat for the Sun Devils' offense, but consistency wasn't his strong suit.

Following a 11-yard game, on 10 attempts, against the Boise State Broncos, Marshall is going to be out to prove himself following an embarrassing showing on the big stage.

Marshall definitely showed signs of being elite, breaking for over 140 yards in three different games in 2011. Despite the huge yardage in certain games, Marshall failed to gain over 70 yards in seven different games.

If Marshall can gain some consistency in 2012, he will help put the Sun Devils over the top on offense next season.

They Played Well for Half of 2011

There is no denying where the Arizona State Sun Devils stood after six weeks this season. They were 5-1, with wins over the USC Trojans and Missouri Tigers; and their only loss came at the hands of the Illinois Fighting Illini in their first road game of the season.

Things wouldn't keep going the way they seemed, as the Sun Devils fell apart following a loss to the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium.

The Sun Devils were riding on a real high note, and the loss to Ducks seemed to kill all their hopes. Following the loss, they fell apart, losing four of their next five games.

While the Sun Devils' offense kept things going, scoring over 24 points in their final six games, the defense could hold up. They allowed 35.7 points per game during that final stretch.

They only allowed 20.7 throughout their first seven. 

The Sun Devils will have to hope that their defense can find a way to keep things up in 2012. If their offense can continue to do their part, the defense will need to show up to make this team a winner.

Jamal Miles Can Do Big Things

If the Arizona State Sun Devils learned anything in 2011, it was that wide receiver Jamal Miles can do big things.

If the Sun Devils can find a way to use him in any way they can in 2012, they will have a player who can fill many roles and make big plays for the team.

In 2011, Miles had 10 touchdowns, six of which were on the receiving end. The other four came in a combination of returns and one passing touchdown against the Missouri Tigers.

While it remains unlikely that Miles will be making many passes in 2012, the Sun Devils will need to hope that he can remain to be a threat in the passing and return games.

A load will be taken off of him, as Deantre Lewis should be returning to spell running back Cameron Marshall for next year.

Brock Osweiler Will Be Going into His Second Full Season

There is no denying what Brock Osweiler did for the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2011. If it wasn't for the giant quarterback, who knows if the team would have even got off to their initial hot start.

Through 13 games this season, Osweiler threw for over 4,000 yards, while completing 63 percent of his passes. He also had 26 touchdown passes, while also taking in three with his legs.

His 13 interceptions were also impressive, as the Sun Devils often found themselves relying on the pass. If coach Todd Graham can find a way to get running back Cameron Marshall involved more consistently in 2012, those turnover numbers will likely go down.

This was Osweiler's first season as the designated starter under center. He really shined in his first full season, so one would hope that he will turn out to be even better for senior season.

With his favorite target Gerell Robinson gone next year, Osweiler will need to find a new go-to guy amongst his playmaking weapons. 

Osweiler definitely has some things to polish up on during the offseason, but many fans should be excited about his return for next year.

The Sun Devils Be Under New Leadership

The Dennis Erickson era in officially over, and now the Arizona State Sun Devils will look to new head coach Todd Graham to fix things as soon as possible.

Well, they better hope that things will get turned around in 2012.

While it remains to be seen how Graham will run this team in comparison to Erickson, many have to hope that one of the first things he will implement is some discipline.

With the Pittsburgh Panthers last season, Graham's team only recorded 64 penalties on the year. In comparison, the Sun Devils recorded an NCAA-second-worst 104 flags, which cost them 1,033 yards.

Graham will also be replacing offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone and defensive coordinator Craig Bray—who should be out of a job following what the Boise State Broncos did to the Sun Devils.

Graham, who is on his fourth stop in six seasons, will need to really help change the mentality of what is currently going on in Tempe. All Sun Devil fans have to know is that it is not Erickson, so that should be a relief to all.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State Football.