BYU-Arizona State football matchups and prediction: Recent showings mean Cougars have big question marks
Courtesy BYU Photo
BYU players run onto the field before the Big 12 game against UCF at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Arizona State matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe:
BYU offense vs. ASU defense
The Cougars haven’t been able to turn offense into points consistently in the last two weeks, which is definitely a concern as they face a Sun Devil defense that stymied Kansas State last week. ASU isn’t great against the pass, so BYU will need Jake Retzlaff to be poised and get the ball down the field to his playmakers.
Edge: Even
BYU defense vs. ASU offense
While certainly not being perfect, the Cougars have limited opponents and put their team in position to win for much of the season. This week presents some tough challenges as Sun Devil running back Cam Skattebo rarely goes down on first contact and ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt doesn’t turn the ball over (just four interceptions in 2024).
Edge: Even
Coaching
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff had the challenge of getting the Cougars to bounce back after a lackluster showing in the home loss to Kansas. Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham is one of the best stories of the season, leading a Sun Devil resurgence that was even less expected than BYU’s success.
Edge: BYU
Intangibles
BYU will be on the road in Tempe, although Phoenix is an area that usually supports the Cougars well. Arizona State comes in riding high as it has won three straight and is ranked, as well as being undefeated at home. It should be gorgeous weather, so that shouldn’t be much of a factor. Turnovers and penalties, on the other hand, will make a big difference in the outcome.
Edge: ASU
Key Matchup: BYU wide receivers vs. the ASU secondary
Chase Roberts, Darius Lassiter, Keelan Marion, Jojo Phillips and Parker Kingston have all made huge plays at times for the Cougars this year, but there have been a few missed opportunities as well. They need to get involved early and often to jump start the BYU offense. ASU’s pass defense allows just 216.6 yards per game and has 11 interceptions, so it’s not a pushover.
Edge: BYU
Prediction
BYU will do better at getting points on the board and will score a couple of touchdowns in the first half, but Arizona State will respond and the game will be close at halftime. The Sun Devils will get a big run from Cam Skettebo to take the lead, then the ASU defense will force a couple of field goals. The Cougars will have chances down the stretch but it will be the home team that makes the final play to defeat the Cougars.
Arizona State 27, BYU 22
