ASU is nowhere to be found on the new Top 25 AP Poll, which was released Saturday. The Sun Devils, who have received consideration as a borderline top-25 program this year by some outlets (most notably by Sports Illustrated, who recently ranked ASU No. 17) have also been found absent in several rankings.
The Sun Devils have suffered several key injuries this offseason to players such as cornerback Omar Bolden, wide receiver T.J. Simpson and (most recently) linebacker Brandon Magee. All three players, who were originally slated to be significant veteran contributors on a promising 2011 Sun Devil squad, have been lost for the season. These injuries are doubtless reflected in their ranking (or lack thereof) in the AP Poll.
The Sun Devils are still capable of having a great season. They still have top defensive player Vontaze Burfict, and a deep receiving corps for Brock Osweiler. ASU recently welcomed back running back Deantre Lewis, who has been dealing with a gun shot injury over the past several months. Lewis is arguably the Sun Devils' most explosive player and is a great addition to ASU's ground game.
The Pac-12 has three teams in the top 25: Oregon (No. 3), Stanford (No. 7) and USC (No. 25). Though ASU doesn't play Stanford this year, the Sun Devils will get a shot at USC on Sept. 24th and Oregon on Oct. 10th. ASU will also face No. 20 Missouri in the second game of the season on Sept. 9th.