Today marks almost 60 days until the Sun Devils kick off in their first game against Texas A&M. While you're waiting on the edge of your seat, here are 10 reasons why you should be excited for ASU's upcoming football season:
1. Mike Bercovici
The now senior quarterback, who displayed his power on the field last season during his three-game starting run, threw for 1,445 yards and 12 touchdowns (including the Jael Mary) last season. Berco was named captain for the 2015 season along with this teammates, and best friends, D.J. Foster and Jordan Simone. Berco is a force to be reckoned with on the field, and off the field he is in the prime example of a humble leader. His open letter to the Sun Devil community showed his renewed commitment to his team this season and made fans around the country pumped for the upcoming season. Follow him on twitter: @MikeBerco
2. Todd Graham
The 2013 PAC-12 Coach of the Year returns for his fourth season as a Sun Devil. In his time at ASU he has led us to back-to-back 10 wins seasons, which is the first time since 1973. He has also led the boys to three back-to-back bowl games. The Todd-Father has also changed the game in the classroom too, raising GPAs and recognizing those who get a 3.0 or above with a Scholar Baller Award. We should be looking forward to the path TG has put us on because he is creating a culture of winning, and we anticipate that to continue in the coming seasons. Follow him on twitter: @CoachGrahamASU
3. Renovated Sun Devil Stadium
THE STUDENT SECTION IS MOVING! We will no longer occupy Sections 32-35 and the upper bowl, our new home is now the north and south end zones, creating what Todd Graham calls a "Double Inferno." Students should anticipate a more interactive experience as no student will sit in the upper bowl. As the renovations continue the south end zone will become the hub of student activity in the stadium and will be completely finished by 2017. Follow @InfernoInsider for more information
4. Adidas
As of July 2015, ASU is officially an Adidas school and we will stay that way until 2022-2023. The eight-year contract for $33.8 million will give $4.2 annually, versus Nike's $2.1 million. Fun Fact: ASU was formerly Adidas for five years, ending in 2004, including the 2002 season, which was the year we won the PAC-10 Title ... Is this some form of foreshadowing? I hope so!
5. D.J. Foster
D.J. chose to forgo the 2015 NFL draft and will return to the Sun Devils for his senior season! The former running back, who had 1,081 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in the 2014 season, is being slotted into the wide receiver position that Jaelen Strong (now a Houston Texan after the 2015 NFL Draft) formerly dominated. D.J. has become a strong leader on the offensive line, and his connection to Berco on and off the field will help create magic this season. Follow him on twitter: @AState_8
6. Home Schedule
ASU is playing some extremely crucial games at home this year! We will face the reigning PAC-12 Champions, the Oregon Ducks, at home on Thursday October 29 and our neighbors down South, the University of Arizona, on November 21. Our home opener puts us against Cal Poly on September 12, then we play another out of conference game against New Mexico the following week. Our first PAC-12 opponent comes in the form of a Trojan from the University of Southern California on September 26. Mark your calendar for these awesome games, they will be important steps to reaching the PAC-12 Championship.
7. Texas A&M
Much like our Notre Dame match-up last year, the anticipation for the Texas A&M game is through the roof. The only difference is that it is a pre-season away game. This is the first time that ASU will begin their season away from Sun Devil Stadium, and this will be the first time that Texas A&M will meet the Sun Devils in football. Mark your calendars for September 5, and get ready to road trip it with your friends!
8. Re-Invented Camp Fargo
While the details are still hazy, the 942 Crew and Inferno Insider have vowed to reinvent how Camp Fargo happens in the coming year to give every student, from every campus, a fair chance at the front of the line. The tickets are still first come-first served, but the manner in which they will fill the student section is still a mystery. Continue to follow @942Crew and @InfernoInsider for information, and feel free to send your ideas their way!
9. Tailgating
Whether you head to Devils on Mill and College, Mill Avenue bars or traditional tailgates — football season is an awesome time to celebrate and meet new people. We Sun Devils have it the best because our weather is always perfect, but don't forget the sunscreen even for our October and November games! So, embrace it and hit up Devils on Mill or walk around the tailgates ... you never know who you'll meet or what fun things you'll experience.
10. Showing off your Sun Devil Pride!
Football season is probably the most fun time of the school year. How many days a week can you get decked out in maroon and gold, paint your face, color your hair, throw up your pitchfork and scream your head off for the Devils? The sea of gold that is the student section is the most beautiful sight! No matter what your walk of life, attending a football game can be that one thing that unifies us all as Sun Devils, and it is the perfect opportunity to let loose and go a little crazy for your school!
No matter what you're most excited for, this upcoming season is going to be an amazing one filled with many triumphs. Do your part by wearing gold, coming to games and cheering us on to victory!
Go Devils!
