http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/teams/arizona_state_sun_devils/565 Recent articles about Arizona State Sun Devils en-us A case can be made for Arizona State, UCLA, USC and possibly even Arizona as the team to geat in the Pac-12 South this football season. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. As summer inches toward fall and the start of training camps, those cases will start to be made, and Athlon Sports weighed in Tuesday with an argument for ASU. "Ultimately, we picked Arizona State because the Sun Devils have the fewest issues heading into the 2013 season," Athlon's Steve Lassan wrote. "They are set at quarterback with Taylor Kelly, solid at running back and on the offensive line, and the defense, led by Will Sutton, should be strong once again." The article also contends ASU should have one of the Pac-12's "best front sevens on defense," a fair assessment considering the entire starting line returns, along with three of four starting linebackers. Here's where we might disagree with Athlon's assessment: "The schedule is also in favor of Arizona State, as Todd Grahams Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:12:06 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/athlon_picks_asu_in_pac_12_south/13821068 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/athlon_picks_asu_in_pac_12_south/13821068 Athlon picks ASU in Pac-12 South http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/athlon_picks_asu_in_pac_12_south/13821068 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png One of the most important aspects of playing college fantasy football is developing a strategy. One such strategy is the idea of imploring a quarterback platoon system. In this system an owner will draft 2 quarterbacks after the first five rounds and play the best match up each week of the season. The benefit of this strategy is that an owner is not forced to burn an early draft pick on a QB, and can load up his roster with high scoring running backs and wide receivers in the first part of a draft. Two quarterbacks who fit nicely into a weekly rotation for 2013 are Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater and Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly. Here is a breakdown of how these two could possibly be used on a week-by-week basis.Week One- Bridgewater vs. OhioThis is an easy call as Kelly has a bye in Week One. The match up for Teddy is very appealing against Ohio. The Louisville offense should be humming in this one.Week Two- Kelly vs. Sacramento StateBoth QB’s play cupcakes this week, but we will ri... Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:50:13 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/college_fantasy_football_2013_bcs_qb_platoon_consideration/13818104 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/college_fantasy_football_2013_bcs_qb_platoon_consideration/13818104 College Fantasy Football 2013: BCS QB Platoon Consideration http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/college_fantasy_football_2013_bcs_qb_platoon_consideration/13818104 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/8/985fcaa75f661a5f999d12585228948ef32b5500/mini/6733904.jpg Andres Garcia has been dismissed from the Arizona State football program, according to a report. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:53:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/two_asu_football_players_in_hot_water/13814633 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/two_asu_football_players_in_hot_water/13814633 Two ASU football players in hot water http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/two_asu_football_players_in_hot_water/13814633 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Well, Notre Dame will be in Tempe in 2014 after all. The two schools came to an agreement that will keep the game at Sun Devil Stadium next year. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:17:42 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_notre_dame_set_to_meet_in_2014/13814396 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_notre_dame_set_to_meet_in_2014/13814396 ASU, Notre Dame set to meet in 2014 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/asu_notre_dame_set_to_meet_in_2014/13814396 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png ASU has secured it’s second verbal commit from a four-star recruit for the 2014 class after quarterback Manny Wilkins informed the school of his intent to accept their offer Thursday.  Thu, 30 May 2013 22:16:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_nabs_four_star_qb_prospect/13729352 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_nabs_four_star_qb_prospect/13729352 ASU nabs four-star QB prospect http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/asu_nabs_four_star_qb_prospect/13729352 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Almost a decade after leaving the Valley of the Sun with a bevy of school and conference passing... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Thu, 23 May 2013 13:57:28 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/ex_asu_qb_walter_running_for_congress/13680326 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/ex_asu_qb_walter_running_for_congress/13680326 Ex-ASU QB Walter Running for Congress http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/ex_asu_qb_walter_running_for_congress/13680326 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Over the course of a calendar year, the month of May is essentially the only downtime a college football player gets. Falls are reserved for game days and prep, which immediately roll into bowl season and winter workouts, which becomes spring ball, and eventually summer camp. Therefore, it’s these pristine few days in May where a college football player gets to kick his feet back and relax. And across the sport, different players use their free time in completely different ways. Last year, several of USC’s players used the month off to take a mission trip down to Haiti, while in 2013, A.J. McCarron and Johnny Manziel are planning a trip of their own, of the “bro” variety. Things aren’t nearly as exciting at Texas Tech where new head coach Kliff Kingsbury isn’t worried about his players escaping to tropical locales, as much as he’s just terrified that they’re going to get fat during their downtime. Then there’s the story of Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly, who is usin... Wed, 08 May 2013 17:11:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_state_quarterback_taylor_kelly_spends_his_off_season_drag_racing/13578002 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_state_quarterback_taylor_kelly_spends_his_off_season_drag_racing/13578002 Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly spends his off-season drag racing http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/arizona_state_quarterback_taylor_kelly_spends_his_off_season_drag_racing/13578002 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png This is the fourth in a series of reports reviewing Arizona State's spring camp and where the team stands heading into the summer. 422: Offensive line 425: Defensive line 429: Offensive backfield 52: Secondary On the first day of spring practice, Arizona State coach Todd Graham made his greatest concern pretty obvious as the Sun Devils prepped for the summer. "You can come out here in a hurry and see wide receivers (are an issue)," Graham said. "I can't wait to get the five guys we signed in here. ... We don't have very many scholarship receivers out here." Wide receiver was a sore spot in Graham's first season, though tight end Chris Coyle was a bright spot. Only one true receiver, Rashad Ross, tallied more than 400 yards, as Coyle and running backs Marion Grice and D.J. Foster led the way in receiving yards. Graham, despite his eagerness to see his new receivers in the fall, had a few to watch this spring. Here's how things developed: SPRING SPOTLIGHT Richard Mon, 06 May 2013 14:33:37 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_spring_review_receivers/13561106 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_spring_review_receivers/13561106 ASU spring review: Receivers http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/asu_spring_review_receivers/13561106 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png This is the third in a series of reports reviewing Arizona State's spring camp and where the team stands heading into the summer. 422: Offensive line 425: Defensive line 429: Offensive backfield 52: Linebackers 56: Receivers 59: Defensive backs Of all the things the Arizona State coaching staff might lose sleep over, the offensive backfield is probably last on the list. Between quarterback Taylor Kelly and running backs Marion Grice and D.J. Foster, the Sun Devils are pretty set behind the line of scrimmage, and they've got depth to boot. As solid as the situation may be, though, there's still the matter of performing once the season arrives. Expectations are high for Kelly, Grice and Foster after all three had impressive 2012 seasons, and all three will be central to the offense's success in 2013. Here's a look at how things developed in the backfield during spring practice. SPRING SPOTLIGHT Taylor Kelly, quarterback What a difference a year can make. Last spring, Kelly was ASU&#39 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:31:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_spring_review_offensive_backfield/13514228 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_spring_review_offensive_backfield/13514228 ASU spring review: Offensive backfield http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/asu_spring_review_offensive_backfield/13514228 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/9690d7f72e9a41db1a6dfaab7c26fe7851e2ffff/mini/6692636.jpg ESPN college football analyst Mark May used a reference to Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton to justify a possible decision by Notre Dame (which is not official) to drop Arizona State from their 2014 football schedule: So Notre Dame dumped you ASU face the facts there Kate Upton and your not— Mark May (@mark_may) April 11, 2013 We're pretty sure May meant to say "they're Kate Upton and you're not". May's comment was in reference to ASU athletic director Steve Patterson's public complaints about how Notre Dame sent communication about their alleged decision not from their athletic director Jack Swarbrick, but through a PR person who left a message on Friday afternoon while everyone was out of town. Patterson is justified in being a bit upset, given the difficulty that ASU would have finding a substitute opponent on next year's schedule with only 18 months notice. With regards to May's tweet, could his comment be a violation of ESPN's socia Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:59:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/mark_may_uses_kate_upton_reference_to_diss_arizona_state/13380079 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/mark_may_uses_kate_upton_reference_to_diss_arizona_state/13380079 Mark May uses Kate Upton reference to diss Arizona State http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/mark_may_uses_kate_upton_reference_to_diss_arizona_state/13380079 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Arizona State AD Steve Patterson has pulled out the religion card. He’s not the first to do so, but it may be a first involving a football game. It seems Patterson doesn’t like the way Notre Dame is signaling its intent to back out of a 2014 game with the Sun Devils. The Irish have to make some schedule adjustments to meet fulfill their obligation of five ACC games a year once they join the conference in every sport but football. What has Patterson so peeved is that Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick didn’t call him. Instead, the Irish’s sports information office allegedly relayed the message. It's not quite back-channel communcations, but it's also not the best way to handle this flammable situation. Hence the religion card. “At least in the little Catholic town I grew up in — Beaver Dam, Wis. — the good nuns wouldn’t have thought that was a very appropriate way to honor your word,” Patterson is quoted as saying. At this point nothing is official, but we’ve all seen ... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:11:20 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/sun_devils_ad_not_thrilled_with_notre_dames_communication_skills/13378405 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/sun_devils_ad_not_thrilled_with_notre_dames_communication_skills/13378405 Sun Devils AD upset with Notre Dame http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/sun_devils_ad_not_thrilled_with_notre_dames_communication_skills/13378405 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/3/43791f83c1e5ec0193747a4f198ee0c24f177f79/mini/steve_patterson.jpg Arizona State made a big to-do about the new-look Sparky it unveiled on March 1 … only to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:17:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asus_new_sparky_trashed_after_3_weeks/13190506 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asus_new_sparky_trashed_after_3_weeks/13190506 ASU’s New Sparky Trashed After 3 Weeks http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/asus_new_sparky_trashed_after_3_weeks/13190506 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png First, Arizona State Sun Devils' Sparky was removed from the helmet, and now he got a makeover. No longer a menacing individual, Sparky has a Disney gleam in his eyes. Why Disney? Because it was a partnership with the global titan Apparel and merchandise bearing the new Sparky character is available now at a limited number of retail outlets, including Sparky’s Stadium Shop and the Sun Devil Campus Stores, according to ASU. ASU officials emphasized the iconic Sparky logo wouldn’t be changing. But the popular costumed mascot that makes public appearances now sports an updated look. Ironically, the old Sparky was designed by a former Disney employee. It is believed that Walt Disney himself was the inspiration for the old look. This is reminiscient of when Michigan St decided to update Sparty. Gruff Sparty wasn’t as cute and loveable as the current Sparty, who is a cartoon character on steroids. H/T KPHO Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:26:44 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/photo_arizona_states_sparky_is_much_happier/13047493 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/photo_arizona_states_sparky_is_much_happier/13047493 Photo: Arizona State’s Sparky is much happier http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/photo_arizona_states_sparky_is_much_happier/13047493 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Yes, we're talking about a mascot here. We know it's not everyone's cup of tea and frankly it usually isn't ours either, however this isn't just a normal mascot story. That's because Arizona State is revamping it's "Sparky" mascot for the first time in over 60 years and it's doing so in a partnership with the worldwide leader in entertainment - Disney.  Why Disney and ASU? Well, the original Sparky was designed by a Disney employee all the way back in 1946, so why not get them involved in the new one, right? It's all in an effort to keep up it's formal rebranding of it's athletic department logos and signage and to be "more kid friendly" as well. See the video below for a full look at the new Sparky: So, why the rebranding of one of the college football's more iconic mascots? Well, according to the official release:  The newly designed mascot will now be used in a variety of applications that appeal to y... Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:47:36 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_partners_with_disney_for_new_sparky_mascot/13035493 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/asu_partners_with_disney_for_new_sparky_mascot/13035493 Arizona State mascot gets new look http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/asu_partners_with_disney_for_new_sparky_mascot/13035493 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/c/dc4a2566f88a065e50bca6aa3a6785fe66aa4afb/mini/asu.jpg Sparky the Sun Devil has a new look. The Arizona State mascot has been reimagined by the Walt Disney Corporation. The new Sparky is bulkier with a more “kid-friendly” face. The current official logo of Sparky holding a pitchfork will continue to be used on merchandise but the new logo will be integrated into Sun Devil gear as well. Sparky has been ASU’s mascot for over 60 years. In 1946, ASU alumnus and former Walt Disney animator, Bert Anthony, designed the logo. There have been rumors that Anthony based the look of Sparky on Walt Disney himself. ASU said the new Sparky’s first public appearance will be at the ASU spring football game. H/T ASU News Related Posts Oregon Duck mascot under political scrutiny from Arizona State Sun Devil Arizona State football coach Todd Graham in the student section Arizona State Fans Not Satisfied With Erickson Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:24:07 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_states_mascot_sparky_gets_a_makeover/13034626 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_states_mascot_sparky_gets_a_makeover/13034626 Arizona State’s Mascot Sparky gets a Makeover http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/arizona_states_mascot_sparky_gets_a_makeover/13034626 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png During today’s Arizona State-Washington State tilt—won by the Sun Devils 46-7—the Arizona State marching band took the time and effort to honor former ASU standout Pat Tillman during the halftime show.  Tillman—still much beloved at his alma mater—was the Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1997 during his stellar four year career at Arizona State before going on to an illustrious career in the NFL.  Following 9/11 Tillman enlisted in the U.S. Army, and ended up paying the ultimate sacrifice in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan. AZCentral Sports tweeted out the photo of the Tillman tribute earlier today… Simple yet effective. Sat, 17 Nov 2012 23:46:27 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_states_marching_band_honored_pat_tillman_during_halftime_against_washington_state/12239374 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_states_marching_band_honored_pat_tillman_during_halftime_against_washington_state/12239374 Arizona State's marching band honors Pat Tillman http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/arizona_states_marching_band_honored_pat_tillman_during_halftime_against_washington_state/12239374 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/e/fe45a565dcb81306cbc122c73ebd552c8a4ce8d8/mini/pattillman.jpg When Steve Patterson was hired as Arizona State Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director a few weeks back, he pulled no punches in his opening press conference, describing not only where his program was, but where he saw it going. Patterson told reporters that day: "I don't believe that we can't compete. I am committed to making Arizona State University consistently a nationally elite athletics program that just takes names and wins championships.” My initial response? Hahahahahahahaahaha!!!!! Oh wait, he was serious? In Patterson’s defense, it really isn’t his fault I feel that way. The truth is, he’s just the latest in a long line over-ambitious and underperforming coaches and administrators who come to Arizona State with big dreams, only to leave with unfulfilled promises. His statements weren’t all that different from ones we’ve heard 100 times before, from a 100 different people, yet it seems like as much as things change in Tempe, ... Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:05:52 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/have_you_seen_what_the_new_sun_devil_stadium_might_look_like/10488475 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/have_you_seen_what_the_new_sun_devil_stadium_might_look_like/10488475 Renovations to ASU stadium unveiled http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/have_you_seen_what_the_new_sun_devil_stadium_might_look_like/10488475 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/0/7034486281ce07b6b7f5a263fd6bc4974411bc4e/mini/asustadium1.jpg Arizona St changed their football uniforms a year ago, and now are ready to make changes to the incredibly drab Sun Devil Stadium by dressing it up with a tent that looks like a horse saddle. The Sun Devils are looking to make upgrades with the intentions of having more home games played at earlier times at the start of the season, now that the Pac 12 Network is readying to launch.  They will be doing this by placing a fabric canopy of their stadium, while also reducing several thousands of seats.  It is estimated that the covering will cool the stadium about 15-20 degrees, making it more comfortable for the fans early in the year, and more importantly, the players. Early estimates for ASU’s new renovation are $300 million for the tent. I mean, we might as well just call it what it is.  It’s a big giant circus tent that happens to be in the shape of a saddle. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:30:25 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_state_unveils_new_saddle_covering_for_stadium/10487992 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/arizona_state_unveils_new_saddle_covering_for_stadium/10487992 Arizona State unveils new saddle covering for stadium http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/arizona_state_unveils_new_saddle_covering_for_stadium/10487992 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png