Arizona State Football: 5 reasons Todd Graham is on the hot seat

Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Todd Graham coaches against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half of the 2016 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. The Mountaineers won 43-42. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) throws a 45-yard touchdown pass against the USC Trojans during an NCAA football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Must have success in 2017 with QB talent

Blake Barnett is the most talented quarterback Graham has had during his tenure. Many in the Arizona State fanbase have been frustrated by Graham’s inability to land blue-chip recruits from neighboring California. Barnett had plenty of other schools interested, but he managed to land the Alabama-transfer. Napier likely was a factor. Having a familiar coach calling plays made for a more comfortable situation.

Barnett probably liked the combined quarterback situation and opportunity to win at an elevated level. Sure, Cal had a reasonable quarterback situation but no real chance of winning the Pac-12.

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Arizona State was ravaged by injuries last season with three different quarterbacks receiving significant snaps at various points. Manny Wilkins received most of the snaps and returns this season, so Barnett isn’t guaranteed the starting job. However, on paper, Barnett is a much bigger talent.

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