Northern Arizona @ Arizona State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Northern Arizona 20, Arizona State 41

Arizona State kicks off the Todd Graham era against Northern Arizona, an experienced team looking to advance to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Sun Devils were picked to finish fifth in the Pac-12 South, but are hoping to accelerate their rebuilding plans behind playmakers such as running back Cameron Marshall and wide receiver Jamal Miles. Both teams struggled late last season, with the Lumberjacks winning only two of their last seven games. After starting 6-2 last year, Arizona State lost its final five games and fired coach Dennis Erickson. The teams last met Sept. 11, 2010, when the Sun Devils rolled to a 41-20 victory. The Lumberjacks haven’t defeated Arizona State since 1938 - a span of 13 games (0-12-1).

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: None

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (2011: 6-7, 4-5 Pac-12): Graham has named sophomore quarterback Taylor Kelly as the starter for the season opener, but redshirt freshman Michael Eubank is also expected to play. Marshall, who rushed for 1,050 yards and tied a school record with 18 rushing touchdowns last season, missed most of camp with an undisclosed injury. He returned to practice last Friday and expects to start against Northern Arizona. The offensive line returns only two starters, but the defense is an even greater question mark. The Sun Devils don’t have much depth in the secondary, and have struggled defensively during camp.

ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA (2011: 4-7, 3-5 Big Sky): Picked to finish ninth in the Big Sky preseason media poll, the Lumberjacks return eight starters from a unit that ranked 14th in the FCS last season in total offense. Zach Bauman led the Big Sky with 1,434 rushing yards last season, while senior quarterback Cary Grossart was first in passing efficiency. Northern Arizona ranked fifth in the conference in total defense last season, but its young secondary allowed more than 250 passing yards per game. Defensive tackle Tim Wilkinson and cornerback Anders Battle will lead the team's promising defense, which has added several key transfers.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jerome Souers begins his 15th season as Northern Arizona coach with a 76-82 career record.

3. The Sun Devils averaged the most penalty yards (79.8) in the Pac-12 last season.

3. Marshall is 14 rushing touchdowns away from tying the school record of 43, set by Woody Green from 1971-73.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 44, Northern Arizona 24