Koetter's offenses enjoyed tremendous success at Boise State. Last year, the Broncos scored over 30 points in all 12 games, highlighted by 66-point eruptions in the final two regular-season games. You have to keep in perspective that this was accomplished against Big West competition and the Broncos also were led into battle by exceptional signal-caller Bart Hendricks.

Sun Devils at glance

2001 schedule Sept. 8 vs San Diego St. Sept. 15 at UCLA Sept. 22 at Stanford Sept. 29 vs San Jose St. Oct. 6 vs La. Lafayette Oct. 13 at USC Oct. 20 vs Oregon St. Oct. 27 vs Washington Nov. 3 at Oregon Nov. 10 vs Washington St. Nov. 23 vs Arizona 2000 results (6-6, 3-5 Pac-10) at San Diego St. W 10-7 Colorado St. W 13-10 Utah St. W 44-20 at UCLA L 38-31 California W 30-10 Washington L 21-15 at Washington St. W 23-20 Oregon L 56-55 USC L 44-38 at Stanford L 29-7 at Arizona W 30-17 vs. Boston College L 31-17

OFFENSE
At Arizona State, things will be a bit different for Koetter. Heading into fall practice, the QB position is reported to be very wide open. Jeff Krohn, the starter last year, lacked consistency in the spring, allowing junior Matt Cooper and physically talented 6-foot-5, 227-pound redshirt freshman Andrew Walter an opportunity to compete for the No. 1 job. Joining the Sun Devils in August will also be freshmen Chad Christensen and Lance Rhodes. At 5-11, 185 pounds and considered a top-flight all-around athlete, Rhodes may be given an opportunity at WR as well.

At tailback, the Sun Devils have great depth. Delvon Flowers, who has returned from a knee injury that sidelined him all last year, brings top breakaway speed to the position. Sophomore Mike Williams showed flashes of big-time ability last season, while former walk-on Tom Pace gives the Sun Devils a tough-as-nails type who battles hard for every inch of real estate. With so many options on hand, Koetter switched Davaren Hightower from tailback to safety in the spring.

The Sun Devils may not have a proven star at WR, but there is strength in numbers as well as several freshman who have the ability to make a name for themselves in the Pac-10. Donnie O'Neal, Shaun McDonald, Ryan Dennard and Justin Taplin all figure to see a great deal of action. Of this group, Dennard drew raves for his solid performance in the spring. The 6-3, 218-pounder is regarded as the possession type. The freshmen to keep a close eye on are Daryl Lightfoot (5-9, 170), Matt Miller (6-2, 180) and Lance Briggs.

Replacing Todd Heap at TE will be a tall order, although this spot isn't necessarily critical in Koetter's offense. The concern with this group is a major lack of experience along with the fact that there are only three players on scholarship. Junior Mike Pinkard figures to start, with blocking the strength for the 6-4, 265-pounder. Frank Maddox, slowed by a hamstring injury in the spring, and freshman Lee Burghgraef will be competing with Pinkard for playing time.

Up front, the Sun Devils only have to replace one starter from last year, RT Victor Leyva. Even though senior pivot man Scott Peters was out of action in the spring due to a knee injury, he'll provide ASU with a top-flight anchor throughout the 2001 season. The other top player along the offensive line is LT Levi Jones. Stepping in for Leyva at RT will be senior Kyle Kosier, who shifts outside from an OG spot to fill that void. In the spring, though, Kosier was limited due to a shoulder injury. Senior Marquise Maldrow will be stationed at LG, with either redshirt freshman Drew Hodgdon or sophomore Regis Crawford on the right side.

DEFENSE
The new Sun Devil defense will feature four linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs, one of which will be a rover type.

Leading the charge up front is talented sophomore DE Terrell Suggs. The explosive 6-3½, 244-pounder wreaks havoc from the outside as a sack artist and is also adept at stripping the ball loose. Overall, the Sun Devils have a ton of experience along the defensive line. Brain Montesanto will operate at the other DE spot, with seniors Kurt Wallin (12 stops behind the line last year), Tommie Townsend, Paul Glass and Danny Masaniai all figuring to contribute heavily at DT.

Solomon Bates is a real force at MLB, coming off a 2000 campaign that saw the 6-1½, 257-pound junior finish second on defense with 99 tackles. On the outside, the plan is to work both Eric Fields and Mason Unck into a rotation-type system.

If there is a concern on defense, it would without question be the deep patrol. The Sun Devils have to replace both starting CBs, Nijrell Eason and Kenny Williams, and must make up for the huge loss of rover/OLB Adam Archuleta. Currently, the rover spot is still to be determined. In the mix is former tailback Davaren Hightower along with a pair of redshirt freshmen, Riccardo Stewart and Mike Holloway. Of this group, Stewart may have the edge going into the fall. The Sun Devils do have some experience at SS and FS with senior Willie Daniel and junior Alfred Williams. The leading candidates to fill the void at CB are unproven redshirt freshmen Emmanuel Franklin and R.J. Oliver. Also looking to compete for playing time at CB will be JUCO transfer O.J. Hackett.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking game is set with senior P Nick Murphy (41.3 yard average last season) and junior PK Mike Barth, although the latter may have to hold off some competition in the fall.