(Photo: ASU Athletics)
The No. 9 Sun Devil football team wrapped up its final practice before Saturday’s game against Notre Dame. After practice, head coach Todd Graham put the game in perspective.
“This is what you coach and play for. Sold out crowd. Notre Dame at home. Two teams 7-1, top ten teams in the country. Pretty cool,” Graham said.
While no players or other coaches were available for post-practice comments (the practice ended 30 minutes before reporters were actually notified), Graham ensured everyone’s thoughts about hosting No. 10 Notre Dame on Saturday were given voice.
“These games don’t make me nervous. I love these games. The games you’re supposed to win are the ones that make you nervous,” Graham said. “Obviously, it’s not like we’re not supposed to win this game, but this is a game that I see nothing but opportunity for us.”
Jaxon Hood ruled out for Saturday’s contest
But perhaps Graham and his team should be nervous.
It was announced Thursday that junior starting nose tackle Jaxon Hood will not take the field on Saturday. The reason for his unavailability has been undisclosed, but Graham has framed the situation as a “personal issue.”
Hood’s absence shakes up the rotation on the defensive line, as the four down lineman project to be Marcus Hardison, Ami Latu (Hood’s replacement), Mo Latu and Demetrius Cherry with Edmond Boateng, Tashon Smallwood and now-former redshirt freshman Emanuel Dayries who will sub in on occasion.
Graham said that he anticipates Dayries playing in 10-15 snaps on Saturday, and then commended him for his selflessness in sacrificing his redshirt—essentially a year of eligibility—for the most important game of the 2014 season for ASU.
“What a great kid,” Graham said. “We really wanted to redshirt him. But for these seniors and this football team, he said, ‘Coach, no doubt…Whatever I can do, I’m ready.’ It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do in our system, but he’s done well and the guys around him are helping him.”
As the loss of Hood deals a blow to a defensive line that was just beginning to hit its stride, Graham went on to address the absence of Hood in greater detail:
“It hurts but at the end of the day there are certain things more important than football. All that stuff is difficult, but it’s how you respond to it. It’s just like when Taylor got hurt. I don’t think our guys panicked. It’s not that we’re insensitive, it’s just our next-man type of mentality,” Graham said. “This team is not about one guy…It’s about the unit. That’s what makes this group special.”
Updated outlook on defensive end Demetrius Cherry and left guard Christian Westerman
Venturing into some positive news for the Sun Devils, defensive end Demetrius Cherry’s one-game suspension for “violation of team policy” was deemed suitable punishment. As a result, the redshirt junior will start at end on Saturday.
Also, left guard Christian Westerman shed the no-contact jersey and was a full participant at Thursday’s practice, and all signs point towards him reoccupying his starting position on the offensive line.
“Two days ago I probably would’ve told you probably not, he would be doubtful,” Graham said. “But he practiced half the practice yesterday and all the practice today, and as long as he doesn’t have any complications from that he’ll be ready to go.”
First-Team Base Defense
Defensive Line: Marcus Hardison (End), Ami Latu (Tackle), Mo Latu (Nose Tackle), Demetrius Cherry (End)
Linebackers: Antonio Longino (WILL), Salamo Fiso (SAM), Laiu Moeakiola (SPUR)
Cornerbacks: Kweishi Brown (Boundary), Lloyd Carrington (Field)
Safeties: Jordan Simone (Bandit), Damarious Randall (Field)
Practice Notes
- On Thursday, sophomore kicker Zane Gonzalez became the first Sun Devil in school history to be named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza award in back-to-back seasons.
- Graham said that everything he has seen from quarterback Taylor Kelly this week indicates that he is back in rhythm and poised for a big game.
- Thursday’s post-practice interview session also turned into confession time: “We don’t emphasize the values and the character just because we want people to think we’re nice guys,” Graham said. “It’s because that’s what wins. That’s how you win, is get people to concede to the team. This is the best team I’ve had. Maybe not the most talented in every area, but the best team.”
- Graham’s “best team” he has coached will thus be faced with the “best team” that the Sun Devils have played to this point:
- “This is the biggest challenge we’ve had yet,” Graham said. “It’s the best football team that we’ve played to this point, best quarterback, best receivers. Explosives, that’s going to be the big key in the game, and obviously that’s a big part of our game plan is making sure we keep everything in front, keep that quarterback corralled. I feel good about our preparation.”
Follow Jacob Garcia on Twitter @Jake_M_Garcia or connect with him on LinkedIn.
