Arizona State Football: 5 reasons why Sun Devils will struggle in 2017
By Zach Bigalke
1. Arizona State has no chance in the Pac-12 South race
The primary goal for any Power Five team is a conference championship. League titles put schools in position for major bowl berths and possible invitation into the College Football Playoff. Arizona State, despite its recent history, is no exception. Sun Devils fans are no different than other Pac-12 fan bases in wanting to see their team take the crown.
More: Arizona State Football: 2017 season preview, predictions
But that is a completely ephemeral dream in 2017. The Pac-12 South is getting consistently tougher to navigate. USC has emerged from its years of NCAA sanction as strong as ever and look ready to reclaim their spot atop the division. Colorado returns many of the parts that led the team to a surprise division title last year. Utah has fortified its roster with several key transfers. Even UCLA has hopes of a turnaround after getting back Josh Rosen from injury.
That leaves Arizona State languishing with its Territorial Cup rival at the bottom of the Pac-12 South standings. For a time it appeared that Todd Graham was positioning the Sun Devils for regular contention in the league. Now, though, those dreams seem far removed from reality.
Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017
Ultimately, Arizona State is going to stink when it comes time to play their Pac-12 schedule. There will be no division title in 2017 and no chance to play for the conference crown. Instead, the Sun Devils will be clawing merely to reach bowl eligibility.