Sun Devils travel to Provo for a Halloween showdown
The last time the Sun Devils and Cougars were on the same field, fans were treated to two field storms and an important win on the way to the 2024 Big 12 championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. The stakes are swung to the opposite side this weekend, with the Sun Devils holding a chance to play spoiler.
That task will be monumentally more difficult against the No. 8-ranked BYU Cougars, coming off a 39-31 (2OT) loss to UCF last week, and looking to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Front and center for the Tempe faithful is the news that Jake Fette appears to be in line to get his first career start under center after filling in for the injured Mikey Keene and the ineffective Cutter Boley last weekend against Kansas State. Fette led the Sun Devils on two late scoring drives, teaming up with fellow freshman Cardae Mack to secure the win at home over the Wildcats. A game-time decision is still expected, pending Keene's recovery from his knee injury late in the first half.
Unfortunately for the Sun Devil defense, BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been one of the most difficult quarterbacks to disrupt, playing behind an offensive line that has allowed the fewest tackles for loss (13), and ranks in the Top-5 nationally in sacks allowed (4). That level of protection has allowed Bachmeier to play to his full dual-threat ability, throwing for 1,514 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 321 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Working in the Sun Devils' favor will be the backfield issues for BYU. Since the loss of LJ Martin, the Cougars have struggled to find their identity. That struggle came to full display in last week's loss as the collective backfield stalled to the tune of 3.2 yards per rush. The rush defense has been a little Jeckyll and Hyde as of late, holding Kansas State to 84 yards last weekend but getting torched for 244 and 260 yards against Baylor and Texas Tech, respectively. Defensive coordinator Brian Ward will need to preach the same disciplined play that helped shut down the Wildcats to help keep the BYU offense one-dimensional.
How does ASU upset BYU?
It's a tall order, but it can be done. First step is winning the turnover battle. The Sun Devils have forced just six turnovers to date this season, tied for 110th nationally. With the true freshman likely under center, the defense will have to step up to help minimize his raw play.
Second, the Sun Devils must establish the ground game early. Cardae Mack has put himself into a lead back role by running for 150+ yards in two of his last three games, surpassing Kyson Brown as the team's rushing leader. However, a rotation of backs, plus leveraging Fette's legs, will give the BYU defense multiple looks to prepare for and hopefully disrupt their balance.
Lastly, if the Sun Devil defense can avoid the explosive plays, they'll be able to force Bachmeier into a more measured style of play. Wide receiver Kyler Kasper and tight end Walker Lyons will be key players to avoid losing with BYU's "sail route" when looking for chunk yardage.
How To Watch
The Sun Devils and Cougars will kick off from Lavell Edwards Stadium at 12:30pm Arizona time on FOX. Connor Onion will have the play-by-play with Robert Griffin III providing color commentary. Tim Healey and Jeff Van Raaphorst will have the game on the radio waves for Arizona Sports 98.7.
Betting Information
BYU comes in as the heavy favorite at -16.5 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The Cougars are -750 on the moneyline, while the Sun Devils are +525. The over/under is 48.5.
Comments