Sun Devils Have One-Sided Concerns

Arizona State Coach Dirk Koetter spends a few moments happily explaining the pieces of his team's high-powered offense, one that features his two capable quarterbacks, an explosive tight end and one of the most versatile players in the Pacific-10 Conference -- all mish-mashed into "a gazillion" formations.

It's an easy subject to chat about, especially after the Sun Devils racked up 519.1 yards per game last season, ranking second to only Southern California in the country.

This year, quarterbacks Sam Keller and Rudy Carpenter return after proving that they can win games in the competitive Pac-10. Tight end Zach Miller, who emerged two years ago as one of the nation's best young player at his position, is healthy after overcoming an injury-plagued sophomore season.

And as a bonus, Arizona State's running game is coming off its most prolific season of Koetter's tenure, which enters its sixth season, and the offensive line is among the most stable in the conference.

But as much fun as it is to talk offense, Koetter's mind never strays far from the Sun Devils' defense, a unit that ranked third from the bottom in the nation last season and whose inconsistency led to a 7-5 record and a three-game losing streak.

"The questions on our team are on the other side of the ball," Koetter said.

Once again, No. 23 Arizona State boasts an offense that automatically makes it a candidate to unseat USC as Pac-10 champion. But the defense will have to upgrade from porous to mediocre, at least, for the Sun Devils to make a serious run.

Koetter knows that, especially after watching his defense's confidence get shattered during last season's 38-28 loss to USC. The loss started a three-game midseason tailspin that included a defeat to lowly Stanford.

"We played a great [first] half against USC," Koetter said. "But in the second half of the USC game, we got exposed a little bit by guys running the ball right at us. We went through a three-game stretch where we didn't play very well. The defense lost confidence and just never got it back."

This season, Koetter is banking on several new arrivals to spearhead a facelift. Arizona State went for immediate help with five junior college transfers and three transfers from other Division I programs.

As with any team with depth problems, avoiding injuries on the defense should prove key to ASU's performance.

Although the defense could struggle to keep things together, the Sun Devils' offense looks to continue its success from last year despite major transition at some key positions.

"The offense has a ton of confidence on the field," said Miller, who has amassed 1,028 receiving yards over the last two seasons as ASU's tight end. "We put up a lot of points. We know when we're on offense that we're going to score on this drive. If not, we'll score on the next one."

The Sun Devils lost three consistent, and very productive wide receivers from last year. But Koetter has enough athleticism on the roster to plug the holes. Miller's ability to make acrobatic catches should also take some pressure off the receiving corps.

As proof of his versatility, Rudy Burgess gained more than 600 yards rushing and receiving. This year, he moves from starting tailback to one of the wide receiver spots. Terry Richardson, a dangerous kick returner, could emerge as a threat opposite Burgess.

But the offense -- and ultimately the entire team's fortunes -- revolves around either the senior Keller or the sophomore Carpenter. Keller threw 20 touchdowns passes last year before suffering a season-ending thumb injury against Stanford. Carpenter stepped in and led the Sun Devils to a 4-1 mark; in nine games last season, he threw for 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions while leading the nation in passing efficiency rating (175.0).

Koetter has Keller, more of a pocket-style passer, atop the depth chart for now. "I still think you give Sam the benefit of the doubt," Koetter said. "I just don't think a guy should lose his spot" to injury.

Nevertheless, Koetter expects Keller to hold off the more mobile Carpenter during open competition in camp. The pair combined to pass for more than 4,000 yards last season.

"They're both proven and they're both quality players," said Miller, who called Keller a more vocal leader. "We have quarterbacks that can get you the ball, run the offense and know what they're doing."