By James Romo for DieHardDevil.com

After watching replays of both ASU and Missouri games from last week, I don’t see this match-up as one-sided as many national analysts.  ASU comes in as a slight underdog, but has been able to find success in areas that were not previously counted on.  Here’s a to-do list for ASU to check off in order to stay unbeaten.

The Sun Devils face Missouri at 4 PM today on ESPN2. (Photo by Peter Vander Stoep)

Offense:

• The Cameron Marshall we know: Through the first two games, Marshall has only rushed for 73 yards and a 3.5 yard average.  To date, he has not shown the explosiveness we’ve seen over the course of his career.  With all of the weapons that ASU possesses on offense, they haven’t needed huge production from him…until now.  His between the tackles running against Mizzou will go a long way in keeping a stout Tiger linebacking core honest and opening up the short to intermediate passing routes for ASU’s quarterbacks.  Look for a ton of play-action if Marshall can be productive early.
• Wide Receiver production: A very inexperienced and unproven wide receiving core has got to find a big play go-to guy.  Most of Sun Devils’ passing attack has come from short passing into the flat or intermediate crossing routes.  Stretching the field against an above average cornerback tandem will help further loosen the Tiger defense and open up underneath routes that the ASU QB’s have been very accurate throwing to.
• Turn your ears off: ASU’s offense has enjoyed the comforts of home and not having to deal with opponent crowd noise.  Venturing into sold out 71,000 seat Memorial Stadium will be a different story.  Limiting procedure penalties and maintaining the desired fast pace of play will be critical in continuing to fire on all cylinders and keep the Mizzou defense on their heels.

Defense:

• Contain James Franklin: To date, the only big chunks of yardage the Sun Devils have given up were on plays that broke outside contain.  If the dynamic Franklin is allowed to get the corner, he can take off for big yardage or extend passing plays making an already shifty receiving core that much more difficult for the ASU secondary to cover.  Keep Franklin contained inside.
• Exploit the inexperience of the Mizzou offensive line: The Tiger O-Line has suffered a rash of injuries.  But it was starting LT Elvis Fisher’s knee injury on Saturday (out for several weeks) that prompted changes at three positions across the line.  That makes three projected starting linemen either out for this game or playing out of position, resulting in playing time for a true freshman, redshirt freshman, and former walk-on.  Will Sutton, Junior Onyeali, and Carl Bradford will need to continue their relentless penetration into the backfield.  And Mike Pennell and Jaxon Hood need to stuff the run while forcing Franklin into poor decisions and limiting his time to make plays.  ASU currently ranks in the top 10 nationally in tackles for loss and sacks.
• Prevent big plays: The ASU secondary will face its first big test this season against a true dual-threat QB.  Mizzou has scored 3 of its touchdowns on plays of over 40 yards.  A combination of pocket pressure, run stuffing, and assignment sound coverage in the secondary will stall a quick strike offense that often uses 4 and 5 receiver sets and spreads the field.

Special Teams:

• Just kick it: ASU cannot leave points on the field with missed field goals.  A still unproven place kicking game will need to put a miserable 2011 season behind it, and be a factor in what many predict to be a high scoring shootout.  ASU has a decisive advantage in the punting game, and Josh Hubner will need to continue to be a weapon in the battle for field position.
• Anything you can return, I can return better: The Sun Devils will face one of the only teams that can match their explosive kick/punt return game.  Missouri return specialist Marcus Murphy already has two TD’s on punt returns this season.  It is imperative for the ASU coverage teams to be disciplined in their lanes and sound in their tackling.  Jamal Miles and Co. need to continue the trend of breaking games open and creating momentum…Especially on the road.  A special teams touchdown for either team will go a LONG way in deciding this one.

Intangibles:

• Win the turnover battle.  ASU has lost 3 fumbles this season, each of them stalling drives inside the opponent’s 25 yard line.  Ball security and forced turnovers will be a huge factor in deciding what is sure to be a dogfight for 60 minutes.