To Todd Graham, it feels like Arizona State is preparing for a bowl game. The Sun Devils’ season opener against Texas A&M in Houston is that big, that important.
“It does,” said the ASU coach, approaching his fourth season in Tempe. “It’s really impacted our summer. I can just tell a sense of urgency with our coaches, with our players. You’re kicking off on the road, (against an) SEC West (school) in Houston -- that will get you working.”
The preseason No. 16 Sun Devils will turn up the intensity a notch when they open practice Wednesday with the first of two scheduled sessions: veterans in the morning, newcomers at night.