Sun Devils believe they’re close to unbeaten
ASU enters Thursday’s game against Stanford at .500 with a losing record in the Pac-12, but the Sun Devils believe they are much better than the record suggests.
The Sun Devils (3-3, 1-2) play the Cardinal (4-2, 2-1) knowing four of their six games were decided by at least one touchdown; they are 1-3 in those games.
Eastern Michigan has played six one-score games; Texas has played five. ASU is one of 10 teams with four games decided by a touchdown or less.
“What you’re seeing is that anyone can beat anyone,” ASU offensive coordinator Rob Likens told the Arizona Republic. “There isn’t a great team, like an Alabama-caliber team or an Ohio State-caliber team. There are some good solid teams.”
ASU and Stanford have one common opponent in San Diego State. Stanford beat San Diego State convincingly at home 31-10, while the Sun Devils lost to the Aztecs on the road 28-21.
“We could go 6-0 or we could go 0-6,” defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales told the Republic. “We’re 3-3 so that’s average, but the difference between us being 6-0 and 3-3 is 10 to 12 plays so we go back and look at what we can do better to make those 10 to 12 plays in the second half.”
ASU’s bye week enabled some injured players to heal, including senior quarterback Manny Wilkins and junior wide receiver N’Keal Harry, both of whom suffered minor injuries in the 28-21 loss at Colorado two weeks ago.
Wilkins was completely healthy for the first time in Sunday morning’s practice.
“I got a little rest. I was really eager,” he said. “When you don’t play for a week, and I’m in my senior season. … I got here this morning and I was smiling. It was like I had a mini-offseason. I’m ready to get back in here and finish this thing off with my guys.”
Stanford also is fresh off a bye. It is coming off a 41-20 loss to Utah, playing that game without injured leading rusher Bryce Love, who has 327 yards on 76 carries. A rested and healthier Love can make things dangerous for ASU’s defense.
“He’s had a week and it’s Thursday so we’re the only game of the night and he’ll have the big stage to show what he can do,” Gonzales said. “He’ll be ready.”