the playoffs despite a 7-4 record that would have otherwise seemed like a success.

It was the first time the program posted back-to-back seven-win seasons since 1990.

The last three seasons, however, were a return to the middle of the pack for ASU with records of 5-6 in 2016, 6-5 in 2017, and the current mark of 6-4 this year.

Girsch is in his fifth year with the Rams since being hired as the defensive coordinator in 2014.

ASU's defense currently ranks fifth out of nine teams in the conference, allowing an average of 397.6 yards per game.

Last year, ASU's defense ranked second in the conference, and the Rams were first in 2016, when they were fifth in the nation.

Prior to joining ASU, Girsch coached at St. Ambrose University for 18 years,his last six as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. He was named the Mid-States Football Association’s Assistant Football Coach of the Year in 2008.

During his tenure at St. Ambrose, Girsch coached over 50 all-conference players and five All-Americans, and he was a part of seven MSFA Conference Championships. His defense finished in the top 25 in scoring five of his six years as the coordinator, highlighted by a No. 2 finish in 2009 and a No. 5 finish in 2011.

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