Arizona State Sun Devils Football: Grading the Offense in 2011

This Sun Devils football team is going to turn heads in 2011. In fact, they’re already doing so.

It’s a joke that the coaches didn’t vote Arizona State into the top-25, further proving my point that the poll needs to be discontinued.

Regardless, the Sun Devils return 18 starters on both sides of the ball, and will be one of the more experienced teams in the country.

The Sun Devils have faced the injury bug, which has kept them thin in practices.

From the quarterback to the offensive linemen, each unit is important in moving the ball and winning games.

Here’s a look at each unit on offense.

For the defense: click here

Quarterback: B+

The Sun Devils lose starting quarterback Steven Threet to an early retirement, but they do get back Brock Osweiler.

In taking over for Threet in 2010, Osweiler completed 62-of-109 passes for 797 yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions.

He’s carried his dominance into spring ball and dominated in practices as well as fall camp.

Before the season is over, Osweiler will pass for over 3,000 yards and 25 TDs.

ASU’s only concern is depth. 

Running Backs: B+

I’m a big believer in Cameron Marshall (787 yards rushing 9 TDs).

He’s a bruising back with deceptive quickness and burst.

Behind him is another solid back in Deantree Lewis (539 yards rushing 4 TDs).

The two-headed monster of Marshall and Lewis will cut apart defenses behind a solid and veteran offensive line.

Injuries could be an issue with this team, Marshall is nursing an ankle injury and Lewis has a hamstring issue.

Hopefully both will be back for the start of the regular season.

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends: B

I don’t think the Sun Devils’ receivers get enough credit for how talented they are.

The talent goes four players deep stating with the veteran Mike Willie (442 yards 6 TDs), fifth year senior T.J. Simpson (481 yards), junior Gerell Robinson (387 yards 5 TDs) and former Oregon transfer Aaron Pflugrad (329 yards 2 TDs).

Injuries though are a concern, as it appears Simpson and receiver J.J. Holiday will miss some time. 

Offensive Linemen: B

The Sun Devils could have the best line in the Pac-12 in 2011, if they could just keep healthy.

ASU returns all five starters from 2011, but starting guard Andrew Sampson and reserve linemen Adam Tello both have nagging injuries.

The majority of the line looks strong though, and I expect a big season out of this group.

Overall Offense: B+

This offense is complete all around, and has no glaring errors. That tends to happen when you pretty much return your entire lineup from last season.

The offense is loaded at every position, and ready to strike in 2011. The only concern for the Sun Devils this season will be to stay healthy.