This coming week will be one of the biggest and most important of the year in the Arizona sports scene.
NASCAR rolls into PIR on Thursday with Jimmie Johnson atop the point standings coming down the stretch in the Chase for the Sprint Cup title. The five-time champ has a seven point lead over Matt Kenseth with two races left in the season.
Arizona State football can’t afford to stub their toe this coming Saturday afternoon at Utah. Former Sun Devil head coach Dennis Erickson is the co-offensive coordinator for the Utes. But the bigger story line is ASU controlling their own destiny in the Pac-12 South race.
The Cardinals are home this Sunday to take on Houston. The Texans look like they are finding their footing with Case Keenum at quarterback. He put up some big numbers Sunday night against Indy. Former Cardinal defensive lineman Antonio Smith is part of a very good pass rush for the Texans that features JJ Watt.
The Suns haven’t looked the part of a team that was picked to win just 21 games. They are certainly a much tougher group than what I’ve seen the last few seasons. They will be home on Friday night against Denver.
It’s also opening week of the high school football playoffs across the state. Get on out and support your favorite high school team.
Brad Cesmat
