ASU offensive line ‘bought in completely’

They are responsible for protecting the conference’s top-rated quarterback — in terms of passing efficiency, and opening up holes for a stable of running backs who together are averaging close to 190 yards per game.

They are the “strongest group of guys that really bought in completely and that lead by example” according to head coach Todd Graham. “I’m really proud of those guys.”

Those guys are the Sun Devils offensive linemen: five players which includes a pair of first-year starters and one who redshirted last season.

“I just think we did what (the coaches) asked us to do, to be quite honest,” right guard Andrew Sampson said.

“You just got to do your job each day out there,” added left tackle Evan Finkenberg. “You’ve got to make sure you’re learning your plays, make sure you’re executing each time.”

The offensive execution has been better than many expected through the first four games.

Only second-ranked Oregon (52.8) is scoring more points in the Pac-12 than ASU (41.2). And no team is passing with greater efficiency than the Sun Devils.

“I always had high intentions for this offense,” said three-year starter Finkenberg.

Of course it is what the team is doing rushing the football that brings the biggest smile from Finkenberg.

“It’s a lot of smash-mouth, power-down the football,” he said.

ASU is averaging 187.5 yards on the ground per game. That is fourth-best in the conference, a dramatic improvement from last season’s team that ranked eighth with 129.1 yards per game.

“It’s a lineman’s dream,” Sampson said. “We run the ball a lot. That’s what we like to do.”

Expect the Sun Devils to run the football alot Saturday at Cal. The Golden Bears’ rush defense is the worst in the Pac-12.

Follow @Vincemarotta