With a 4-2 in-conference record, Arizona State still has a shot at reaching the Big 12 title game. If the Sun Devils are going to have any chance at postseason play, winning out is a must. That means taking care of business at home vs. West Virginia. Can the Mountaineers play spoiler this weekend in Tempe?
Arizona State enters this contest as 11.5-point favorites (-108) over West Virginia, with the over/under set at 47.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
West Virginia vs. Arizona State prediction, preview
ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt (foot) is out for the remainder of the 2025 season. However, the Sun Devils still pulled off a 24-19 upset on the road last week vs. Iowa State, without their best player. Backup QB Jeff Sims delivered a masterful performance: 178 passing yards, 228 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. Expecting another phenomenal outing is probably wishful thinking. Still, the senior is one of the more experienced backup passers in the nation. That bodes well for Arizona State’s chances against a dismal West Virginia defense.
It’s no exaggeration; the Mountaineers are allowing the third-most yards per game in the Big 12 (400.8). However, most of their issues are due to a spotty secondary that gives up big plays. On the ground, WVU has held opponents to the conference’s third-fewest yards per carry (3.66). That could make things difficult on Raleek Brown. This season, Arizona State’s running back has gained 937 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Brown, if nothing else, is incredibly consistent. In each of his last four appearances, the junior has gained between 64 and 69 rushing yards.
As bad as its defense has looked, West Virginia’s offense has been even worse. The team is averaging 177.1 yards per game, second-lowest in the Big 12. However, the Mountaineers may have found an answer to their problems in Scotty Fox Jr. The true freshman was named starting quarterback in October. In the three games since, he’s thrown for 660 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. In addition, Fox Jr. gained 109 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. That includes two straight wins, over Houston and Colorado.
Still, it’s not as if Fox Jr. has much support from his teammates. Running backs Diore Hubbard and Cyncir Bowers have combined for just 532 rushing yards. Only one West Virginia pass catcher, Cam Vaughn, has surpassed 216 receiving yards. Arizona State’ defense ranks inside the Big 12’s top five in tackles for loss, sacks, and yards per rush attempt. The Sun Devils have held four of their last five opponents to under 400 total yards of offense.
West Virginia vs. Arizona State pick, best bet
Fox Jr. has been a much-needed spark for West Virginia’s dormant offense. Still, a three-game sample size isn’t enough to fully buy into this unit. On the flip side, Arizona State’s defense has been a stabilizing force all season. ASU’s secondary has had its issues, but the new-look Mountaineers aren’t likely to air it out. A convincing home win for the Sun Devils should be expected on Saturday.
