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Arizona State football coach Todd Graham says this will be the biggest game he's coached in.

Graham's Sun Devils host the Oregon Ducks, who are ranked second in the AP top 25 and third in the BCS standings, in a Thursday night tilt that will be televised on ESPN.

It's a big game, and the head coach expects his squad to present a challenge for the favored visitors, especially since Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota will be making just his second Pac-12 road start.

"This is his first year and he's a special quarterback, very athletic and all that," Graham told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo Monday. "I'm telling you, there's something about going on the road -- especially coming to an atmosphere like we have here."

The Sun Devils are hoping to both sell out and blackout Sun Devil Stadium, even going so far as to create an online campaign against Oregon mascot "Puddles the Duck".

listen Listen: Todd Graham, ASU Head Football Coach
Todd Graham calls into the show to discuss the Sun Devils game against Oregon this Thursday night. He talks about the importance of game management and ASU's need to run the football if they are to come out on top. He also discusses the Devils need to keep the Oregon offense off of the field.
It's part of what comes with a highly-anticipated matchup like this one, as a win would push ASU to a 6-1 record and squarely in the national conversation as one of the country's best teams.

"I'm pretty fired up," Graham said. "Obviously it is a big challenge, but man, that's why you go into this business, why you coach."
6 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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    uoinmexico wrote...
    Update
    October 15, 2012 4:22 pm
    Mariota made his first Pac-12 road start against WSU and had a pretty decent game. It was a night game in Century Link Field, which Oregon won 51-26. I have been to every UO/ASU game for the past 10 years and have yet to EVER experience an atmosphere in Tempe that would be considered intimidating. ASU is a good team but their defensive stats against teams like Colorado, Cal, Utah and Illinois who have a collective 8 wins and 18 losses are not that good. They will find out how good (or bad) they are when they face UO.
  • Abuse
    HoffDuck10 wrote...
    asu's crowd intimidates no one
    October 15, 2012 5:42 pm
    The atmosphere at ASU hasn't intimidated anyone in years. Don't understand why Graham thinks its such a great fan base. You guys had to advertise this game like crazy just to sell it out. Pretty sad for a game this big. In my opinion Kelly hasn't played in a big game. It will be interesting to see how he handles it. UO will be the best defense ASU has seen all year. Should be a great game but UO has better defense, offense and special teams. I don't think ASU has a chance unless UO shoots themselves in the foot several times and ASU capitalizes on them. I'll be wearing all UO white. Go Ducks!
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    BloggingtheDevils wrote...
    Ducks will get lost in the blackout
    October 15, 2012 7:10 pm
    For those of you who don't think there will be an intimidating crowd at Sun Devil Stadium, it might be good to have a wet towel on hand! The ASU crowd, 72K strong, will knock Oregon back on its heels. The Ducks are used to playing in a glorified high school stadium. The Sun Devil faithful will be nuts on Saturday night.
  • Abuse
    JakeDavis42 wrote...
    Its easy to sell out when your the only
    October 15, 2012 8:47 pm
    Show in town. It also helps when you win. Love the people who rag on the fan base! Seems to only be fans from another state or Doug Franz. That being said Arizona States fan base is faulted due to many reasons! 1. Transplants! Lots of people live here and came someplace else. 2. Pro sports. With this economy who can aford ASU and Cardinal's tickets? Oregon can be beat! ASU has played Oregon tuff. The last 5 years! Hopefully with Graham and a little love from the officials The Devils come out on top! Should be a good game.
  • Abuse
    cmjone24 wrote...
    Agree with JackDavis
    October 16, 2012 11:44 am
    Teams like Oregon, Alabama, and LSU have an easier time selling out games because it's the only ticket in a town. ASU's stadium was expanded at a time (1977) where there was no other football team (or baseball and hockey)in town. The stadium is now over-sized for the fan base and there is major competition from other sports teams in town. When there are big games like this, however, the crowd is loud and rowdy. Last year's blackout against Mizzou was insane. If any of the OU fans think that playing in front of 70k screaming fans won't be an issue then you don't know football very well.
  • Abuse
    82CoronadoDons wrote...
    Love the Puddles spots
    October 16, 2012 8:29 pm
    I absolutely love the Puddles (I guess that's his/her name) the Duck spots on T.V. locally are absolutely hilarious. Whoever came up with that idea deserves a raise and I’d like to see it continued for some of our other PAC-12 rivals, especially that school down south.
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