Commentary

Erickson makes immediate improvement on Carpenter, Sun Devils

Originally Published: October 23, 2007

By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

Arizona State's football program toiled in mediocrity during Dirk Koetter's six-year tenure as head coach. Ultimately, it was Koetter's botched handling of a quarterback controversy that gave the administration an excuse to fire a coach who finished with a 40-34 record.

Less than two weeks before the 2006 season opener, Koetter selected senior Sam Keller as his starter. Then, one day after announcing his decision to the media, Koetter did an about-face and gave sophomore Rudy Carpenter the starting nod. Koetter spoke with 19 players at a meeting before reversing the decision. Keller immediately transferred to Nebraska and Carpenter was left to captain a divided ship.

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