The box scores don't lie. ASU could seriously miss turncoat quarterback Jeff Krohn this season.
The Sun Devils continued to take a double-barreled approach towards quarterbacking during their 46-13 win over Central Florida on Saturday. Coach Koetter once again summoned sophomore Andrew Walter after freshman starter Chad Christensen's first half ineptitude.
Meanwhile, the former ASU gunslinger that ditched his fellow Devils after last season's dismal campaign, had a sparkling debut at UMass-Amherst.
Through three quarters against Central Connecticut State on Saturday, Krusty the Krohn completed 15 of 30 passes for 198 yards and four touchdowns. But let's not get too excited.
Before we jump to tar and feather young Christensen, let's consider a very important fact:
Krohn beat up on Central Connecticut State. Though I can't name three players on the team, I'll venture to guess that Las Vegas would dub them underdogs if they ever came to Tempe.
As Krohn successfully shredded on one of the runts of the Northeast, Christensen continued to learn by default. He's already had to face Nebraska on national TV, in addition to a somewhat advanced UCF squad.
Though the freshman's right arm might seem like an errant pistol compared to the rifle Krohn showed off last season, he's already displayed true moxie and confidence. For a frosh, that's commendable.
But, still, it is troubling to watch Christensen one-hop passes and routinely under-throw his wideouts. Plus, it is simply irritating to see a starting QB get yanked (from a third straight game) in favor of a backup.
"Andrew has a real strong arm," said junior wideout Shaun McDonald of ASU second-stringer, who he connected with for two touchdowns on Saturday.
"When he comes in, you know he's gonna throw strikes. With Chad, it's his nerves or something."
Christensen isn't crying, though. Nor is he quitting, as Krohn did.
When he addressed the media following the UCF win, Christensen stated his opinion simply.
"I expect to be the starter," he said.
Also, Krohn's father was captain of the 1979 U of A team that made it to the Fiesta Bowl. With even the slightest bit of navy blue blood in his veins, perhaps it's best for Krohn to throw TD passes elsewhere.
As the season progresses, Sun Devil fans will surely be able to tell whom they'd prefer to root for.
A quitter? Or a fighter?
Contact Web Devil editor Michael Ferraresi at michael.ferraresi@asu.edu.
