Offense: Arizona State's offense is likely to go out with a bang. The Sun Devils have nothing to lose with a lame-duck coaching staff coming up with the game plan. Coach Dirk Koetter, who is also the play-caller, likes to go with a freewheeling passing attack. The Sun Devils have had trouble throwing the ball all season, instead relying on the punishing running styles of Ryan Torain and Keegan Herring. Don't look for ASU to ignore the backs, especially with Hawaii's offense so lethal. A clock controlling, run-oriented approach might serve the Sun Devils best, but don't also be surprised if QB Rudy Carpenter lets it rip. Defense: The Sun Devils had one of the worst defenses in the country last season. ASU was No. 2 in total defense in the Pac-10 this year. The turnaround was brought about by an aggressive front line that has put pressure on quarterbacks and a secondary that prevents the big play. Hawaii will test both aspects in the bowl. ASU is accustomed to teams throwing in the pass-happy Pac-10. Safeties Zach Catanese and Josh Barrett is a combination as good as there is nationally. They almost dare you to go deep against them.
Special Teams: ASU has one of the most steady place kickers in the country in Jessie Ainsworth. After a slow start, the senior made four field goals apiece against Washington State and UCLA. He has made 13 of 18 attempts this season. The Sun Devils are also fifth nationally in kickoff returns with a 25.8-yard average, although they have no single standout player. P Jonathon Johnson has been erratic, averaging 41 yards, but there have been a number of shanks.
Hawaii
Offense: The most potent offense in the country, at least statistically, Hawaii led all Division I-A programs this season in total offense (549.9 yards per game), passing yards (432.2 per) and points per game (47.3). Many believe Hawaii's Colt Brennan is the best pure passer in the country, and he's also a threat to run. Defense: The defense has been improved for the most part this season, with second-year defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville having the unit taking chances all over the place and hitting as hard as any team in the country. Still, the defense allows too many big plays and lacks depth up front because of injuries.
Special Teams: WR Devone Bess has looked solid returning punts the last few weeks, while P Kurt Milne has just punted just 16 times this season. K Dan Kelly finished 11 of 14 on the year, and the coverage teams are decent. KR Ross Dickerson is among the nation's best, averaging 26.2 yards per return, including a 100-yard touchdown.
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