Sun Devils report: Inside slant
 

The Sports Xchange
 
 
Inside slant · Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel
 

Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson did more than could have been expected in his first year in Tempe.

The Sun Devils finished 10-3, were ranked 16th nationally and shared the Pacific-10 title.

They did so despite giving up 55 sacks, the third most in the country. That is where the Sun Devils hope to get shored up starting this spring.

Arizona State was fortunate that record-breaking quarterback Rudy Carpenter was beat up but never beaten down a year ago, despite the constant punishment.

The Sun Devils will be replacing three starters along the line and will implement a lot more quick-read, get-rid-of-the-ball-faster play-calling this season.

Expect more four- and five-receiver sets for a unit that grew up admirably a year ago with plenty of gamebreakers. There are plays to be made if the line can just hold up and keep Carpenter in one piece.

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