Arizona State Sun Devils Football: Oregon Ducks Can Be Upset in Five Steps

After an impressive, yet heartbreaking loss in Madison to the 11th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers, the Arizona State Sun Devils will begin conference play by hosting the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks.

Last week, ASU showed it can compete with the best of the best, but the Sun Devils will need to improve their play if they want to have a chance to upset the Pac-10 favorites.

There are five things the Sun Devils must do to have a chance to upset the Ducks.

Limit Big Plays

The Ducks lead the country in scoring offense and rank second in the country in rushing offense, averaging 380.67 yards per game.

Oregon runs a quick-strike offense that makes big plays and puts points on the board very quickly. Just last week, Oregon put up three touchdowns in the first five minutes of the game against Portland State. 

Oregon’s redshirt sophomore running back LaMichael James is the key to this offense. His last four rushing touchdowns have come from 35, 52, 66, and 72 yards. James’ big-play ability is something the Sun Devils will need to try to keep in check. 

No Penalties

Last week the Sun Devils committed eight penalties for 61 yards. Penalties have plagued ASU all season and the Devils need to correct that problem against the Ducks. Both the Oregon offense and the Oregon defense are too talented for the Sun Devils to be giving away yards.

Oregon’s offense is arguably the most explosive in the country and if the Sun Devils give the unit extra plays and extra yards, the Ducks will take advantage.

Oregon also leads the country in scoring defense, meaning that the Sun Devils cannot put themselves in long yardage situations.

Kick Extra Points, Not Field Goals

ASU struggled in the red zone against the Badgers last week and will need to improve this week.  The Ducks will score points, there is no doubt about it, but the Sun Devils need to do their best to capitalize on red-zone opportunities and score touchdowns rather than field goals. 

No turnovers 

Last week, the Sun Devils did not turn the ball over once. This will again be a key on Saturday. Steven Threet and the Sun Devil offense cannot put the Sun Devil defense in unfortunate situations against the Ducks' potent offense. 

Continue to Be Special on Special Teams

Special teams were the highlight of the Sun Devils' game last week and will need to be special again this week. ASU needs all the help it can get against the Ducks and extra yards in the return game will certainly help the Sun Devils' chances.