Dallas, TX – In the first two parts of the DieHard Storyline this week, our staff covered specific details of the offense and defense for both teams in the Shamrock Series matchup between ASU and Notre Dame.

For the final installment, we take a closer look at three other areas that will have a direct impact on the outcome of the game and the future of Sun Devil football.

#FeartheFork

Coach Graham Returns to Texas

Make no mistake about it, this game means the world to Coach Graham. Although he has been downplaying the importance of this game in the big picture of winning the Pac-12 south, he wants to leave a positive impression on his return home to Texas.

Graham grew up in Mesquite, coached the Allen High School football team and is a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys. One of his coaching idols is the great Tom Landry. This is a special day for Graham and he will do everything in his power to make sure his team is ready and the Sun Devils make a great impression on the national stage.

Big Stage, Bright Lights, Huge Opportunity

It has been a while since Sun Devil football has stepped up when it mattered most under the bright lights. Although this game doesn’t have a big impact on the Pac-12 south, it means everything for national exposure for ASU, recruiting and the overall perception of Sun Devil football.

Is this team ready to take the next step? Hopefully, the team learned their lesson earlier in the season against Stanford and will be ready to rock and roll from the first play from scrimmage. We will find out what this team is made of later this afternoon and if they are ready to “Prove It.” These opportunities don’t come around very often.

The new “flame” helmet design for ASU football.

New Helmets, The ASU Brand & Sun Devil Nation

In the last episode of “The Drive” on the Pac-12 Network, the Sun Devils looked like a shiny new sports car that everybody wants. The team, coaches and fans showed that ASU football is one of the most attractive teams in the nation.

Today, they have a chance to take it to another level with radical new flame designed helmets and a fast paced, high scoring offense against one of the most storied programs in college football. Everybody will be watching to see the exciting brand of Sun Devil football, and it’s up to the team and fans to put their best foot forward and leave everything on the field in Dallas.

Today at AT&T Stadium, there are many storylines to follow and it’s time for ASU to seize the moment and live up to the hype. The promising future of Sun Devil football depends on it.

Sun Devil Nation invades Dallas, Texas today.