Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Let's hope Masoli, receivers worked to eliminate those dropsies.

[LeGarrette Blount's return to the team may be a moot point. ASU leads the league in rushing defense, but according to this report from the AZ Republic they've suddenly become thin in the secondary.

ASU thin at CB after suspension

by Doug Haller - Nov. 10, 2009 08:30 PM
The Arizona Republic

Arizona State's defense suddenly has become dangerously thin at the cornerback position.

Coach Dennis Erickson announced Tuesday that senior Terell Carr has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. Carr, a starter for seven games, had 28 tackles through nine games and had broken up a team-high six passes.

Erickson also said Omar Bolden's knee injury will sideline the junior cornerback for the rest of the season. Bolden hasn't played since Oct. 3.

"He just hasn't come back from that thing," Erickson said. "It's just not healing well."

Redshirt freshman Deveron Carr (no relation) and senior Pierre Singfield likely will start at cornerback Saturday at Oregon. Deveron Carr has just one start on his resume, but it came last week against Southern California.

Sophomore Josh Jordan and junior LeQuan Lewis will serve as backups, although Jordan was slowed Tuesday by a sore ankle.

"Hopefully, he can play," Erickson said. "If not, we're down to three corners."

Asked if he's concerned about starting younger players at such a late date in the season, Erickson said sometimes a coach doesn't have a choice.

"You just got to do it," he said. "They're all on scholarship. They got to step up and do what they're supposed to do. This happens all over the country, so I don't think we're unusual."

[Despite scoring 42 points, Masoli's receivers dropped a ton of passes at Stanford. If they are to capitalise, they'll have to knock off that silliness. ]


Sullivan on ice

Senior quarterback Danny Sullivan had an ice pack on his right biceps, which was sore from a recent hit. He took part in running plays but didn't do much throwing.

Freshman Brock Osweiler, who played the second half of Saturday's loss to Southern California, filled in. Erickson said he will announce Saturday's starter after Wednesday's practice or Thursday.

That place is LOUD

Senior linebacker Mike Nixon said he delivered this advice to those who have not played in Oregon's Autzen Stadium: [Curl into a fetal position and cry?]

"Just be ready to play without being able to hear." "Our offense obviously has to go silent count," he said. "Two years ago, our punt team had to go silent count, and that's really adjustments we've never had to make.

"Even when they're on offense, the place can get a little bit loud, especially after big plays. On defense, we've got to be able to use hand signals to make sure we're on the same page."
[And to add to the ambience, it's going to be cold and rainy. 
 What's the hand signal for "I want a warm blanky on my lap and a Norah Jones lullaby on my ipod for the plane ride home."?] --kb

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