Notre Dame senior quarterback Everet Golson runs with the ball in a game against Navy on Nov. 1, 2014. (Photo Courtesy of The Observer/Photo by Jodi Lo)What a difference 13 months can make.
On Oct. 5, 2013, the Notre Dame football team was unranked after two early-season losses and faced an ASU team that was coming off a huge win over USC that resulted in the firing of Lane Kiffin.
Quarterback Tommy Rees and wide receiver T.J. Jones led the Fighting Irish to a three-point win, clinched by a Dan Fox interception return for a touchdown with just over a minute left.
Now, with senior quarterback Everett Golson back, the No. 10 Fighting Irish (7-1) are looking to win their first game over a team currently ranked in the top 25 since defeating No. 14 Stanford 17-14 in week five.
Golson did not play against ASU last year as he spent the entire season suspended from the team.
He has been impressive in his early return from that suspension, showcasing the dual-threat talents that made him a Heisman dark horse earlier this season.
The senior has thrown for 2,311 yards and ran for 272, accounting for 29 touchdowns (22 through the air and seven on the ground).
Golson's favorite target in the passing game is sophomore Will Fuller, who leads the team with 46 catches for 599 yards and nine touchdowns. Production from other receivers has not nearly been what Fuller's has, but sophomore Corey Robinson is the closest with 29 catches for 393 yards and four touchdowns.
It is clear that Golson is a much different quarterback than Rees, who ASU played a year ago but it's the defensive side of the ball for Notre Dame that features most of the changes.
Much has been made of the roster turnover on ASU's defense, but Notre Dame underwent a similar facelift, as the Fighting Irish lost some notable contributors to graduation and the NFL while also suspending five defensive players for the entire 2014 season.
One of the team's leaders on defense will miss this week's game, perpetuating the change the Fighting Irish have endured.
Senior linebacker Joe Schmidt injured his ankle last week and is out for the season. He led the Fighting Irish in tackles with 65. He also had two interceptions and has forced two fumbles.
Schmidt will be replaced by Nyles Morgan. He has played in seven games this season, starting none, and has totaled eight stops. It will be important for him to have a good game replacing the standout Schmidt.
In pass coverage, sophomore Cole Luke has been around the ball the most, recording three picks. He also has broken up five passes and deflected eight.
The Fighting Irish are a much different team from last season, but also a much better one. The Sun Devils will have to account for Notre Dame's weapons in order to win Saturday.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Tonis_The_Tiger
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