New coach Todd Graham chief among questions Arizona State faces: College football countdown

Today: Arizona State (against Oregon on Oct. 18, at Oregon State on Nov. 3)

2011 recap: The Sun Devils roared out of the gate last season and defeated USC 43-22 on Sept. 24. ASU stumbled down the stretch, though, losing five straight to end the year, including a 56-24 thumping by way of Boise State. ASU finished with a 6-7 overall record and a 4-5 Pac-12 mark.

Offense: Under former head coach Dennis Erickson, who was relieved of his duties at the end of the season, the Sun Devils revolved around a 6-foot-8 hotshot QB Brock Osweiler and his sure-handed receiver Aaron Pflugrad. Both are long gone, along with six more starters, leaving new coach Todd Graham with a list of challenges. Graham will get rid of ASU's pro style offense and implement a spread. The trouble will be getting a QB up to speed. The Sun Devils have three options in Osweiler's wake, two sophomores and a redshirt freshman. The two sophomores, Mike Bercovici and Taylor Kelly, attempted three and four passes in 2011. Senior running back Cameron Marshall, who had 1,050 yards and 18 scores last season, will be expected to carry the load offensively when the team struggles.

Defense: The Sun Devils must replace six starters on defense, including Vontaze Burfict, the ferocious and tempered linebacker. ASU is expected to get senior Brandon Magee back as an outside linebacker after he missed last season to an Achilles' tear. But the major concern for the defense -- Junior Onyeali -- appears to be resolved. Suspended prior to Arizona State's bowl loss to Boise State, he wasn't officially reinstated until the start of fall camp. He's a key contributor for the Sun Devils, lining up as both a defensive end and linebacker.

Prognosis: The Sun Devils lost a lot of talent from last year, but they could be stronger this fall. Yet, they are tasked with a tough schedule: five Pac-12 road games, 11 games against BCS conference teams and three away games in November. Can the defense mesh and live up to its capability? Can a novice quarterback lead ASU through a daunting schedule? Will Graham bail after one year? There are lots of questions around Tempe this year.

-- Daniel Mediate

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/pac-12/index.ssf/2012/08/new_coach_todd_graham_chief_among_questions_arizon.html

brock lesnar kentucky jayhawks wwe wrestlemania oakland shooting mega millions mega millions winning numbers