Sun Devils hope to have learned from close losses

The Arizona State Sun Devils had their fair share of close losses last season, being on the short end of four games by a combined nine points.

If the Devils are to make good on their dreams of a Pac-12 championship, something is going to have to change.

ASU Head Coach Dennis Erickson, on Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo Tuesday, said the team can certainly learn from last year’s shortcomings.

“We talked about it a lot,” Erickson said. “We talk about it and obviously our players understand it.”

Erickson said mistakes can happen, especially in the heat of a game, but the key is understanding what it takes to win.

“I guess by losing some of those close ones you find out what it takes.”

The Sun Devils hope that’s the case, because while they are more talented this year than in any recent season, the self-inflicted wounds have caused as much damage as any to their seasons.

An older, wiser team should help minimize the errors, something the head coach is counting on.

“We have guys that have been through it and guys that have won and know what it takes to win on both sides of the football,” he said.

That growth will be key to ASU’s chances, as the schedule sets up well for them to make a run in the Pac-12 South.

The only question remaining is if they’re ready to take advantage of the opportunity.

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