What the Big 12 lacks in elite teams, it makes up for in quantity. Four different schools in the conference are currently ranked inside this week’s AP Poll. That includes the defending champs, #21 Arizona State.
Moving to 5-1 won’t be easy for the Sun Devils. A visit to Utah can pose plenty of problems, even for this high-powered ASU offense. Can the Utes defend home field on Saturday night? Below is my prediction and pick for College Football Week 7’s game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Utah Utes.
Utah enters this contest as 9.5-point favorites (-115) over Arizona State, with the over/under set at 44.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Arizona State vs. Utah prediction, preview
Despite an early hiccup against Mississippi State, the Sun Devils have been an offensive juggernaut. Arizona State has put up 29.2 points per game, with multiple ways to hurt opposing defenses. Through the air, quarterback Sam Leavitt is a potential NFL-caliber draft prospect. Over five games, the sophomore has thrown for 1,039 yards and eight touchdowns. Unfortunately, Leavitt has already been ruled out for this contest. That leaves backup Jeff Sims in charge of this offense. The former Georgia Tech starter has plenty of experience. His dual-threat abilities will need to be utilized if ASU has any shot at winning this one.
On the ground, head coach Kenny Dillingham has had no trouble replacing Cam Skattebo. The Sun Devils have leaned on Raleek Brown; the junior has gained 506 yards on just 77 rush attempts (6.6 YPC). Backups Kanye Udoh and Kyson Brown have also chipped in with a combined 262 yards. Arizona State ranks third in the Big 12 with 215.4 rushing yards per game. If Leavitt sits, this group will need to put together its best performance of the season.
Number one in that category? None other than Utah. This is a team that plays old school, physical football on both sides of the ball. It all starts with quarterback Devon Dampier, one of college football’s most electric dual-threats. Through five games, he’s gained 1,027 passing yards and 258 rushing yards en route to 13 total touchdowns. The Utes are currently averaging 39.0 points per game. If that holds, it would be the highest mark in head coach Kyle Whittingham’s 22-year tenure with the school.
Still, as is always the case, this program prides itself on playing stout defense. Up front, most of the team’s pressure has been generated by John Henry Daley. The edge has 6.5 of the team’s 11.0 total sacks. As we’ve seen against Mississipi State, Leavitt can be coerced into mistakes if he’s feeling pressure. Ball-hawking safety Jackson Bennee (three interceptions) will be looking to snag any errant passes tonight.
Arizona State vs. Utah pick, best bet
If Utah is going to earn a win, it might need to find success in the passing game. Arizona State’s biggest weakness is a subpar secondary. On the defensive line, this group possesses several game-wreckers. ASU has already racked up 19 sacks, the fourth-highest mark in college football. However, the Utes boast one of the nation’s top offensive lines. Tackles Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano are potential first-round NFL Draft selections. Whoever wins in the trenches likely pulls this one out.
Even though this looks like a grind-it-out affair, 44.5 points feels too low. Regardless, it’s difficult to back the Sun Devils without Leavitt under center. Against a shorthanded ASU squad, Utah should take care of business in Salt Lake City.
