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Arizona State vs. Cal: Previewing the Sun Devils' defense

The ASU Sun Devils and the Cal Golden Bears meet in Berkeley for an intriguing Pac-12 matchup. The Sun Devils defense has been tough, but they haven't been challenged as of yet.

Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire

It may still be early in the season, but this weekend's Pac-12 meeting between the Arizona St. Sun Devils and Cal Golden Bears is a big one. For the Bears, the team is struggling a bit with a 1-3 record and is essentially out of North division race with a loss. On the other hand, a win for ASU moves them to 2-0 in the Pac-12 with a schedule that isn't overly difficult moving forward.

Statistically, the ASU defense has been one of the better units around. They have allowed just 12.8 points per game, the 12th best mark in the nation. They've done a nice job at forcing turnovers and are coming off a 37-7 blowout over Utah. This all being said, a deeper look from California Golden Blogs shows the Devils are yet to truly be tested in 2012, and we don't know much about them:

I'm prepared for anything. I'll be ready if Arizona State's front seven continues to rack up sacks and tackles for loss against Cal's offensive line. I won't be shocked if Keenan Allen and his merry band of freshmen run rampant against a completely untested ASU secondary. I'm expecting 12 Brendan Bigelow carries, or maybe 2. I'll expect 250 yards or 500. Either way.

Kickoff from California Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT this afternoon.