Arizona State 44, Northern Arizona 13

The Sun Devils opened their 2016 season last night in newly renovated Sun Devil Stadium with a 44-13 win over Norther Arizona.  I had forgotten how frustrating it can be to watch the Sun Devil football team.  This game didn't seem anywhere near as close as the final score indicates, it was 10-6 midway through the 3rd quarter, against a lower division team before they blew it open late.  There is plenty of room for improvement moving forward.

Observations:

• Manny Wilkens looked good on his opening drive as ASU starting QB. 
• Lots of young and inexperienced talent on the Sun Devils this season. 
• Manny Wilkens is a much better runner than passer at this point. 
• It was good to see Cameron Smith back on the field for the Sun Devils. 
• Mark it down, N'Keal Harry is ASU's next great WR. 
• Nobody on the Arizona State defense really stood out to me. 
• Christian Sam in a walking boot is not a positive sign. 
• First Half Scoring:  Arizona State 10, Northern Arizona 3
• Second Half Scoring:  Arizona State 34, Northern Arizona 10
• Total Yards:  Arizona State 456, Northern Arizona 425
• Time of Possession:  Arizona State 26:26, Northern Arizona 33:34
• Turnovers:  Arizona State 2, Northern Arizona 0
• Not a complaint, but where were all the blitzes from the ASU defense?    
• I can see Tim White succeed at the next level even if on special teams alone. 
• ASU kicker Zane Gonzales closes in on the NCAA record for field goals. 
• It was a rough day for Arizona State punter Matt Haack.  
• Is it worth noting that Ray Anderson did NOT hire Todd Graham? 
• How is it possible that the PAC12 Network & Directv still haven't come to an agreement? 
• Ring that bell DJ Calhoun. A win is a win.  Just ask Washington State. 
• Up next?  Texas Tech next Saturday night @ Sun Devil Stadium.