ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ESPN Analyst: Arizona State feels ‘like the best team in the southern division’

Nov 22, 2013, 9:40 PM

LISTEN: Ed Cunningham, ESPN college football analyst

This Saturday’s showdown between Arizona State and UCLA is big for both teams — a Pac-12 Championship Game berth is on the line — and it’s grabbed the attention of the national media as well.

On Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Friday, ESPN college football analyst Ed Cunningham couldn’t contain his excitement for the matchup.

“This is such a great game,” Cunningham said.

The Sun Devils can clinch the Pac-12 South with a win, and head coach Todd Graham said it’s the biggest game he’s ever coached in. Even with that pressure, and the challenge of playing in Pasadena, Calif., Cunningham is leaning towards an Arizona State victory.

“I like Arizona State in this game,” Cunningham said. “I think UCLA — they (have trouble) running the ball well, Hundley will throw it away. He’s a really good prospect, I just think he’s got a long way to go with mechanics.”

If Arizona State can slow down UCLA’s freshman sensation at running back, Myles Jack, and avoid the slow starts that have hurt them in big road games before, there’s no reason the Sun Devils can’t return to Tempe without a division title in hand. Cunningham believes that would be the right team to likely face Oregon in the conference championship game.

“Arizona State just has that feel,” Cunningham explained. “They feel like the best team in the southern division of the Pac-12.”

Cunningham is familiar with Arizona football, as he played for the Arizona Cardinals for four years and served as analyst for Arizona Rattlers games from 1995-99.

Arizona State Football

Head coach Kenny Dillingham...

Vincent DeAngelis

Defense stands out at Arizona State football spring practice with ‘attack the ball’ mentality

The Arizona State defensive line has impressed head coach Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward early in spring practice.

9 hours ago

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college footb...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham talks Jaden Rashada injury, revamped roster ahead of spring ball

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed quarterback Jaden Rashada's injury, revamped roster and NIL ahead of start of spring ball

6 days ago

Jaden Rashada on the football field...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Jaden Rashada dealing with thumb injury, will miss spring ball

ASU's Jaden Rashada won't be a full participant in spring ball due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand suffered earlier in the year.

8 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

13 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

14 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

15 days ago

ESPN Analyst: Arizona State feels ‘like the best team in the southern division’