Arizona State has been smashed by defections led by QB Sam Leavitt (missed a few late games injured), leading rusher Raleek Brown (186-1141-4), leading receiver Jordyn Tyson (61-711-8) both starting offensive tackles and both starting cornerbacks among them. Duke has not been hit nearly as hard, with starting QB Darian Mensah already announcing his return for next year and set to play. Note this Sun Bowl game is on CBS and it's Gary Danielson's last call before retiring.

Telling, perhaps, that many ACC sources are reluctant to endorse Duke in El Paso, concerned about the lack of consistency this season. Our read on these coaches (Blue Devils' Manny Diaz, 0-3 in bowls in his career, and Sun Devils' Kenny Dillingham) is that Dillingham is more likely to have his ASU at a fever pitch in El Paso, after the Sun Devils circled the wagons around backup QB Jeff Sims, who proved serviceable in the absence of Sam Leavitt. Meanwhile, Duke's season included a bit too much back-and-forth, and we suspect, as do many regional observers that the Blue Devils maybe left their best effort in Charlotte when upsetting Virginia in the ACC title game. Play ASU (Sun Bowl at El Paso)

One star is staying, one is leaving. Duke QB Darian Mensah explored a jump into the NFL draft before deciding to return to Durham for another season. Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson, perhaps the top pro prospect at his position, elected to close out his college career. The Blue Devils enter with momentum, having ambushed Virginia in the ACC title game for their third straight win outright. The Sun Devils managed just seven points in their latest test, a smashing from rival Arizona. ASU already was down a standout with a late-season injury to QB Sam Leavitt, who intends to transfer.