Keys For ASU v Georgia

ASU got worked over by the Bulldogs last year in Tempe. The obvious talent gap provided UGA with plenty of operating room on offense and lots of green grass to make plays on the defensive side. Things have changed only slightly this year, with one squad, Georgia, in more of a re-building mode while the other, ASU, is simply still building.

Here's the keys for ASU if they want a chance to win in Athens on Saturday:

1. Pressure new starting Georgia QB Joe Cox. Although Cox is a senior, he's played sparingly over the course of his Bulldog career. With Matt Stafford and Knowshown Moreno gone to the NFL, so went the dependable duo's production. Cox has been impressive so far, completing 63% of his passes through three games with 8TD's against 3 INT's. He has been sacked 5 times already so there should be some opportunities for Sun Devil D-lineman Dexter Davis and Lawrence Guy.

2. Hold AJ Green in check. One of the best receivers in all of college, Green posseses great athletic ability and speed, along with the intangible benefit of being 6'4" and 204lbs. He's a gamechanger and averages over 16yds per catch. ASU DB Omar Bolden is still having nightmares about last year's contest where Green absolutely dominated him. The Devils will need good safety support to limit his down-the-field big plays.

3. Don't get caught in the moment. Another first year starter as a senior, ASU QB Danny Sullivan makes his first road start...at night, on the road, in the SEC. Enough said. Sullivan, who has not quite won over the Sun Devil faithful, could face a quick hook if he makes some mistakes early. HC Dennis Erickson will not be afraid to work in true freshman Brock Osweiler who is already pushing Sullivan regardless.

4. Find a running game. It's hard to gauge this group as no one has pushed his head above the pack at running back and been declared THE starter. The four-headed RB monster consists of Dimitri Nance, Shaun Dewitty, Ryan Bass and true freshman Cameron Marshall, the surpise of the group. Georgia's run D has been stout, led by superstar undersized MLB Rennie Curran. Being able to run the ball, control the clock (ala 2007) while limiting mistakes and turnovers is probably the biggest key in this matchup.

This is a notable step-up in competition for the Devils who are coming off two blowout wins over Lousiana-Monroe and FBS Idaho State. Meanwhile, the Dawgs have faced three quality D1 opponents in Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Arkansas, a thrilling game which featured over 800yds of total offense combined with 93 points in a Georgia road win in conference.