2009 College Football Predictions: ASU Red Wolves

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

ASU Red Wolves

2008 Record: (6-6, 4-3)
Coach: Steve Roberts, 8th year, (37-47 at Arkansas State, 86-70-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Doug Ruse (8th year)
Def. Coordinator: Kevin Corless (8th year)
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense, 8 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Corey Leonard)

Offense: ASU returns all of its major skill position guys from a unit that averaged 27ppg and 398.8 yards per game. The big question will be the offensive line, which returns two starters. They return both guards and senior TE J.T. Jordan (6-1, 274) should help in the running game due to his size. Senior QB Corey Leonard (6-1, 207) returns as the starter after an exceptional junior campaign. He threw for 2,347 yards with 16 TDs and also rushed for over 500 yards and four TDs. At running back, they return senior Reggie Arnold (5-9, 219) who rushed for 1,074 yards and seven TDs last season. They also bring back sophomore Derek Lawson (5-11, 214), who rushed for 695 yards and four scores in 2008. Senior receivers Brandon Thompkins and Jahbari McLennan each caught 32 passes last season and averaged better than 14 per catch.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 23.8ppg (53rd in the nation) and 336.5 yards per game (46th). Up front, they return three of four starters including senior Alex Carrington (6-5, 284), who was Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Last year, he recorded 19 tackles for losses and a league-best 10.5 sacks. At linebacker, the Red Wolves lost Ben Owens (87 tackles) to graduation. Junior Darious Glover (6-1, 220) is back after making 54 tackles. They feel sophomore LB Michael Adams (6-1, 245) has a bright future. The secondary returns three of four starters including junior safety M.D. Jennings (6-0, 172), who recorded 67 tackles and three pikcs. They also have a pair of senior corners in Paul Stephens and Daylan Walker.

Outlook: The Red Wolves open with a home game against Mississippi Valley State, which is followed by a road game against Nebraska. After a bye, they open their SBC schedule with a home game against Troy, in what could be their game of the year. They also face Iowa and Louisville on the road. ASU also takes on Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee State on the road.

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