Better know a conference foe: Arizona State University

The wheels, which were valiantly but precariously maintaining contact with the bus during the first 5 games, finally fell off sometime early in second half at Stanford three weeks ago.  Ever since, the program has been in full free fall.  What we now see before us is a writhing heap of disillusionment, torn ACLs and concussed brain tissue.  But it's OUR writhing heap, dammit, and we love it.  Albeit with an aching sadness sort of love.

Listen carefully and you can hear Dan Hawkins, "Just need to fix the little things."

But continue on we shall because it's what we do.  And the road, it get's no less steep.  This week the Buffs take on the Sun Devils of ASU.  Let's meet our new Pac12 brother, shall we?

If the heat doesn't kill you, you'll wish it had

Wikipedia facts and stuff:

• Nobels: 3 (CU has 8)
• Astronauts: 0 (CU has 18)
• National Championships in Football: 0 (CU has 1)
• National Championships in Skiing: 0 (CU has 17)
• Heisman Trophy winners: 0 (CU has 1)
• Playboy #1 Party School awards: 1 (2007), (CU has 1, is the current champ!)
• Famous alums:  Pat Tillman (fallen hero), Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), Jimmy Kimmel (talk show host), Al Michaels (sportscaster), Nick Nolte (actor), David Spade (Joe Dirt), Barry Bonds (cheater), Reggie jackson (Mr. October), Phil Mickelson (buxom golfer)

She has powers

This is your brain on Tempe

"Sun Devils, yeah, woo!"

Lynda, is that you?

Fun fact:  The institution was called Tempe Normal School from 1885 to 1958 at which point it was renamed Arizon State University.  That's apparently when Nick Nolte enrolled.

Since mercenary Dennis Erickson showed up to coach the Sun Devils, ASU has become a football power.

"I will coach your football team for this many millions of dollars."

ASU is a talented team.  They are led defensively by linebacker Vontaze Burfict (which loosely translated from Catalan means "angel of death").  Offensively they are piloted by quarterback Brock Oswieller (which loosely translated from Hungarian means "beanpole rocketarm").  They are physical freaks who are really good at the football.

meet Vontaze

meet Brock

During the years of the Big 8 and the Big XII we Buffaloes were fond of saying, "At least we don't live in Lincoln/Ames/Columbia/Manhattan/Stillwater/Norman/Lawrence/Lubbock/College Station/Waco!"  But in the modern age of the Pac12, the chiding of opponents is not quite as satisfying.  After all, Salt Lake/Tuscon/LA/Palo Alto/Berkeley/Euogene/Corvalis/Seattle/Pullman do have some redeaming qualities.  However - this week we can safely pull out that old favoritie passtime.  Because Phoenix/Tempe is indeed a steaming shithole of a city.  

At least we don't live in Phoeniz!