Tuesday's practice dwindled down and the large contingent of media stood around overlooking the intense atmosphere. Coach Todd Graham and his players understand the opportunity at hand, facing the reigning Big-10 Champions, the Wisconsin Badgers.

"Good Tuesday, we got after it today and I love our guys' attitude and how they are working," Graham said. "They know how good of an opponent they are playing and this is what we do this for. Guys are excited."

Sun Devil Nation may have been disappointed by falling outside the Associated Press top 25, but a victory over the Badgers would solve the problem. Heading into the ESPN clash, Graham believes turnovers, running the ball, and discipline will decide the outcome.

"The team that is the best disciplined team, the team that takes care of the ball the best or owns the ball, turnover ratio and the team that dominates run game is going to win."

All three areas of the game are continuously being drilled home by the entire coaching staff. Graham went on to praise the team's discipline, and how it puts them in position to win.

Projected starting safety Marcus Ball finally took off his sling after suffering a dislocated shoulder four weeks ago. Ball still sported the green non-contact jersey and didn't participate in any individual drills. The timetable for Ball to return hasn't been set, as the true freshman will have an X-Ray in the upcoming days.

Graham was asked about Ball's recovery and said: "Slow, we're taking it cautious and the X-Ray coming up, and then he'll start progressing."

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