Arizona State Sun Devils Football: Five Things ASU Fans Learned in Week 1

Arizona State's 54-9 victory over the visiting Portland State Vikings was a welcomed sight for ASU fans. The game featured some good and some bad for the Sun Devils.

While the bad may have been overshadowed due to the lopsided score, there are a few things that ASU will need to work on before it travels to Wisconsin to play the Badgers and begins Pac-10 play after that.

After watching the Sun Devils' Week 1 win, there were five things that seemed to stand out... 

The Defense Is As Good As Advertised

Despite giving up some big plays on the first drive of the game, the Arizona State defense limited Portland State to just three field goals. ASU also forced three turnovers and recorded a safety in the process.

Throughout the offseason, everyone talked about how good this defense could be, so it was nice for ASU fans to see that this defensive unit can truly be dominant. 

Drops Are a Problem

ASU's first offensive play from scrimmage was a pass from Steven Threet that was dropped by Aaron Pflugrad. This was not the only dropped pass of the night, and while the ASU offense was able to roll anyway, drops will cost the Sun Devils against tougher competition.

The drops may be because a result of first game jitters and Sun Devil fans better hope so because drops will hinder this offense and could lead to another long year in Tempe. 

Noel Mazzone's Quick Strike Offense Is an Immediate Improvement

Although anything would have been an improvement over the horrific ASU offense of 2009, the 2010 Sun Devils looked efficient on offense. ASU accounted for 553 yards and only one turnover.

They were playing Portland State, but the 52 points put up by the offense (defensive safety accounted for other two points) were a welcomed sight in Tempe as ASU fans have not seen that kind of offensive output since Erickson's tenure as coach began in 2007. 

There Is Depth in the Backfield

Sophomore Cameron Marshall rushed for three touchdowns on just four carries in the first half. He recorded 104 yards and showed that ASU will be able to run the ball in 2010.

True freshman Diantre Lewis has also been toted as a great back throughout the offseason and he showed his versatility as he scored both running the ball and receiving. Lewis accounted for 124 total yards and three total touchdowns. 

The Sun Devils Finally Have a Quarterback

ASU waited until the week before the season began to finally name Steven Threet its starting quarterback and although his numbers could have been better if not for the drops, he was still impressive in his ASU debut.

Threet threw for a school-debut record 239 yards and two touchdowns. The junior transfer was very impressive and showed ASU fans that there is reason to have hope in Tempe.