Welcome to The Daily Devil, a feature of Devils in Detail bringing our readers news and views from around the world of Arizona State athletics. On a regular basis, we’ll refer you to the best articles, videos and other Sun Devil information we’ve found on the Internet.
ASU coverage you might find interesting:
Arizona State lost its Pac-12 opener to Washington, 76-65, on Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena. Arizona Republic columnist Doug Haller follows the Sun Devil hoops program closely and had these observations about last night’s contest:
“QUICK TRIGGER: ASU coach Herb Sendek fumed over ASU’s shot selection. He said it may have been the team’s worst of the season, which is odd because ball movement has been one of the things the Sun Devils do well. In the first half, Jahii Carson, Shaquielle McKissic and Brandan Kearney all took quick shots. Overall, ASU assisted on eight of 22 field goals (its fewest assists in a home game since 2007). Entering the contest, the Sun Devils had assisted on 60 percent of their field goals, ranking only behind Utah in the Pac-12. Of course, you can’t record assists unless you shoot well, and ASU missed 18 of its final 20 shots of the first half.”
ASU fans are still puzzled by their team’s disappointing performance against Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. Josh Nacion, writer for the State Press, had this to say about the game:
“No. 14 ASU football never wanted to play in the Holiday Bowl during the regular season. Although coach Todd Graham called the week’s festivities the best bowl experience he’s ever had, it was a tough consolation for the Sun Devils (10-4, 8-2) to swallow after missing out on a bid to the Rose Bowl.
Their play showed it on Monday night.
ASU had no answer for Texas Tech’s “Air Raid” offense and had trouble putting up points of its own as the Sun Devils fell to the Red Raiders 37-23.
There was nothing about Texas Tech (8-5, 4-5 Big 12) that caught Graham by surprise. Rather, it was the Sun Devils’ lack of preparation that cost them the game.”
Meanwhile, Devils Digest posted a video of ASU coach Todd Graham’s post-game remarks regarding the Holiday Bowl loss. Graham took responsibility for his team’s poor showing in San Diego.