Expect to see a lot of Demario Richard in this game as the Arizona State Sun Devils compete against a Colorado Buffaloes team that can defend the passing game better than the running game. Arizona State (3-2) comes into this game looking to continue its recent success, having won three of its last four. The game will begin Saturday, Oct 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on PACN.
Arizona State beat UCLA 38-23 last week. Mike Bercovici had a big game passing the ball in the win, completing 27 of 44 passes for 273 yards, two TDs and one interception. D.J. Foster added 57 receiving yards and a TD on four receptions. Colorado didn’t have the same success as Arizona State, getting beat by Oregon 41-24. Nelson Spruce had a solid outing for the Buffaloes, totaling six receptions for 87 yards.
The Sun Devils, a 12-point favorite, will be looking to defend their home field when Colorado visits. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is currently unavailable.
While the Sun Devils have a good Straight Up (SU) record this season (3-2), they’ve played below expectations with a 1-4 record Against The Spread (ATS). The Sun Devils utilize their passing attack frequently. They pass 40.2 times per game, which is the 12th-most in the nation. Don’t anticipate many blunders and oversights from Arizona State. The Sun Devils are one of the least penalized teams in Division I (seventh), averaging only 35 penalty yards per game.
Across the field, the Buffaloes have been a poor bet so far this season, with a disappointing record of 2-3 ATS. Their SU record, 3-2, hasn’t been quite as bad. If earlier games are any indication, the Buffaloes will run the ball aggressively. They average 272 rushing yards per game, good enough for 13th in Division I. Shifting to the other side of the ball, the Colorado defense can dominate if it takes advantage of some favorable matchups. The Buffaloes are the best in the nation at preventing their opponents’ passing attack, allowing a completion rate of only 52.5%. The Sun Devils need to hold onto the ball if they want a shot against the turnover-minded Buffaloes. The Colorado defense generates 2.2 turnovers per game, 19th in the country. The Sun Devils defense usually doesn’t head in the right direction in the second quarter. They allow 11.8 points heading into the break this year, one of the worst in the nation.
Predictions: SU Winner – Colorado, ATS Winner – Colorado
Notes
Arizona State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games.
Arizona State is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona State’s last 5 games.
Arizona State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home.
Arizona State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona State’s last 12 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona State’s last 6 games when playing Colorado.
Both teams are 2-0 SU when leading at the end of the third quarter.
Per FBS ratings, Arizona State has an advantage in the passing game. Its offensive passing game (ranked 34th in the country) will face the 44th-ranked pass defense of Colorado, while its 60th-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 84th-ranked aerial attack of the Buffaloes.
