Sun Devil Source Report Podcast: The road ahead after the USC loss

Nov 1, 2017, 1:34 PM

Arizona Sports

Few would’ve seen Arizona State’s first eight games of the 2017 season going this way.

A 4-4 record might not be surprising considering tempered expectations heading into the year, but it’s how ASU reached that point that is eyebrow-raising.

The Sun Devils lost to San Diego State and Texas Tech. They beat ranked Oregon and Washington teams.

So the 48-17 loss to the No. 21 USC Trojans on Saturday represented a predicted win out of a few, but considering all the promising signs ASU showed with wins over Washington and Utah the two weeks prior, it was a step backward.

Where do the Sun Devils sit heading into the final third of their schedule? The Sun Devil Source Report’s Chris Karpman, Zane Hopen and Kaelen Jones review the problems that appeared in the loss to USC and discuss where coach Todd Graham’s program stands with Colorado, UCLA, Oregon State and Arizona left on the regular season schedule.

Each week, the ‘Sun Devil Source Report’ podcast brings you the latest news, information and analysis of Arizona State football. Hosts Kaelen Jones, Zane Hopen and Chris Karpman of SunDevilSource.com bring you the most informative updates surrounding the Sun Devils.

Southern California running back Ronald Jones II (25) runs past Arizona State defensive back Chad Adams, center, and teammate Steven Mitchell Jr. (4) as he breaks into the secondary on a touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona State wide receiver N'Keal Harry (1) is up-ended by Southern California defensive back Chris Hawkins after a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona State defensive back Chase Lucas, right, breaks up a pass intended for Southern California wide receiver Jalen Greene during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (21) celebrates with teammate Deontay Burnett after Vaughns' touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold, right, and Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) congratulate each other following an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. Southern California defeated Arizona State 48-17. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California head coach Clay Helton, left, and Arizona State head coach Todd Graham shake hands following an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. Southern California defeated Arizona State 48-17. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California defensive backs Marvell Tell III (7), Jalen Greene (10) and Jack Jones try to knock down a pass in the end zone intended for Arizona State receiver Harry N'Keal, center, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State's Kyle Williams (10) came up with the catch for a touchdown to end the half. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) catches a touchdown pass as Arizona State defensive back Chase Lucas (24) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (21) eludes the tackle of Arizona State defensive back Kobe Williams on a touchdown catch and run during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (21) runs to end zone ahead of Arizona State linebacker D.J. Calhoun on a touchdown catch and run during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) throws a pass as he is pressured by Southern California defensive lineman Rasheem Green (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) is sacked by Southern California defensive lineman Rasheem Green (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Southern California running back Ronald Jones II runs the ball as Arizona State's Jay Jay Wilson closes in to make the tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

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