Sports360AZFollowing Saturday’s 43-22 win over USC, Dennis Erickson and Arizona State have not only returned to the Top 25 (25th in AP), but have positioned themselves as the early frontrunner in the Pac-12 South.
The Devils showed their knack for making big plays against the Trojans after struggling the previous week in a loss to Illinois.
Junior quarterback Brock Osweiler continues to build on his success from late last season. He’s completed just under 70 percent of throws with eight touchdowns and only three interceptions through the first four games.
ESPN analyst Brock Huard joined “Big Guy on Sports” with Brad Cesmat Wednesday and said Osweiler has all the intangibles needed to be a special player.
“He sure seems it get it. He just has a presence to him. I like the way he conducts his business. He’s poised and confident,” Huard continued.
“Getting those starts at the end of (last) year certainly helped him through the off-season because he’s been a different guy.”
Huard also believes the success of ASU’s season will hinge on how they perform away from Sun Devil Stadium.
“They’ve got to do it consistently on the road. Arizona State’s season will be judged by how they go into Utah, how they go into Pac-12 play and take care of business or not.”
For now, it’s winless Oregon State and Erickson knows the victory over USC won’t mean much if the Devils don’t hold serve at home Saturday night against his former team.
“Beating USC goes a long ways…but it’s over with now. Now we have to follow it up. That’s the biggest thing. It was fun while it lasted.”
