ASU vs. Stanford: Pac-12 defensive powerhouses go head-to-head

Phil Fraser, Ralphie Report: I think so. Accepting the fact that it was a far trip, an early game, and an option offense, I wasn't overly impressed with Stanford. Actually, after typing that maybe I need to rethink. That's a lot of negative variables.Still, I've been pretty surprised by ASU, so I think that they could hang.

Sean Reynolds, Block U: Hang? Maybe. Could be a good game.

Jason Bartel, Arizona Desert Swarm: Yeah, they'll hang. Don't think they'll win, but they can hang with anyone right now. Stanford struggled a little bit last week at Army, and ASU's shown that it can win a close game against a nationally ranked opponent. It'll be interesting to see if the Sun Devils defense can contain the Cardinal offense.

Josh Schlichter, Pacific Takes: I think ASU has the defense to hang with Stanford, but it will take a monumental effort from the Sun Devil offense to beat Stanford. Avoiding turnovers and winning the field position battle will be key if the Sun Devils want to steal one from the Cardinal.

Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: I would say yes, mainly because I don't think Stanford is a very dominant team. Even if the Cardinal win 11 or 12 games this year, I think more than half of them will be close games, and I think that the Sun Devils are good enough to take advantage of the openings that the Cardinal give them.

Anthony Cassino, UW Dawg Pound: Sure. If Army can do it, Arizona State can do it. Stanford plays a style of football that lets their opponents keep the game close, so pretty much anybody can hang with them. They played in 10 games last season that were decided by one score. They just don't have the horses on offense to pull away from anybody, so as long as Arizona State limit mistakes they'll be able to give the Cardinal a scare, and maybe even steal one.