OFFENSE

ASU suffered a huge blow in the offseason when starting quarterback Steven Threet retired because of post-concussion syndrome. Threet’s retirement leaves ASU woefully thin at the most important position. Junior starter Brock Osweiler is the only quarterback in the program with any experience, and he’s started only two games.

Osweiler has the physical tools — he’s 6'8" with a strong arm and good mobility — but his accuracy is a concern: He completed only 56.9 percent of his passes last season, and that won’t get it done in offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone’s no-huddle attack that places a premium on the quarterback getting rid of the ball quickly and putting it in the right place.

Compounding matters is the fact that ASU lost starting wideout T.J. Simpson to a torn ACL during spring ball; Simpson was the Sun Devils’ best deep threat.

Fortunately, ASU has enough receiving depth to make up for Simpson’s absence. More important, the Sun Devils should have their best rushing attack in years. Four starters on the offensive line return, as do a stable of talented running backs, led by junior Cameron Marshall.

But the season likely will rise or fall on Osweiler. And no one knows whether he can get the job done.

DEFENSE

The Sun Devils lost two of their three best defensive players in the summer. Tackle Lawrence Guy opted to turn pro after his junior year, and All-Pac-10 cornerback Omar Bolden suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury. With Guy and Bolden, ASU might have had one of the top-10 defenses in the country. Without them, though, the Sun Devils still have enough talent and experience to be one of the best units in the Pac-12.

They return four experienced players on the defensive front — sophomore defensive end Junior Onyeali could have a 10-sack season — and all three starting linebackers, including middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who may be the best defensive player in the country. Burfict is a beast — he led the team with 90 tackles last season — and the rare player who must be accounted for on every snap.

Bolden’s loss will hurt, particularly in a conference with so many talented quarterbacks. But ASU has enough athleticism and depth in the secondary to weather his absence.

SPECIALISTS

The Sun Devils should have an explosive return game — they have several players, including Jamal Miles, who can return punts and kickoffs. But redshirt freshman placekicker Alex Garoutte is a huge question mark. He was disturbingly inconsistent in spring ball.

FINAL ANALYSIS

In mid-April Arizona State unveiled new uniforms, new helmets and a new branding campaign entitled, “Fear the Fork.” But will they still be the same ol’ Sun Devils?

Dennis Erickson’s team hasn’t played in a bowl game the last three seasons. Erickson, whose contract runs through 2012, is considered to be sitting on one of the hottest seats in college football.

The good news: The Sun Devils return 11 starters and are considered one of the favorites in the Pac-12’s South Division. If that experience can turn the close losses of 2010 — ASU lost to Wisconsin, Oregon, Oregon State, USC and Stanford by a combined 20 points — into victories, the Sun Devils could challenge for a conference title. But if the ASU struggles again, Erickson may fear for his job.