BYU vs Arizona State Prediction
BYU comes into this matchup after a very disappointing loss to UCF last week, but they are still 6-1 on the season. The Cougars have been very strong on defense and they have allowed 24 or fewer in four of their last five. Arizona State has alternated wins and losses over their last five games, but they have allowed 53+ points in two of their last four. I don’t trust Arizona State’s defense and I definitely don’t trust the quarterback situation, so give me BYU at home.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars are 6-1 (3-1) this season after they lost to UCF in double overtime by a score of 39-31 last week. BYU trailed 17-14 at halftime and 24-21 in the fourth quarter, but they forced overtime, before getting the loss. The Cougars were out gained by a total of 463-373, went 8-17 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Bear Bachmeier threw for 257 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Kyler Kasper caught six passes for 129 yards and one score. Preston Rex rushed five times for 42 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, BYU defeated Notre Dame by a score of 28-24 and Iowa State by a score of 24-10. The Cougars have scored 33.1 points per game with 220.6 passing yards and 193.7 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 18.6 points against per game this season. Bear Bachmeier has thrown for 1,514 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions this season, while Legend Glasker has 28 receptions for 498 yards and four scores.
Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Preview
The Arizona State Sun Devils are 4-3 (2-2) this year after they defeated Kansas State by a score of 28-17 in their last game. Arizona State led 14-10 at halftime, but they trailed 17-14 in the fourth, before scoring the last 14 points for the win. The Sun Devils out gained Kansas State by a total of 359-278, went 4-15 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Mikey Keene threw for 160 yards, while Reed Harris caught six passes for 147 yards. Cardae Mack rushed 26 times for 159 yards and four scores in the win.
Prior to that game, Arizona State lost to Texas Tech by a score of 53-25, but did beat Hawaii by a score of 30-12 before that. The Sun Devils have scored 30.9 points per game with 267.4 passing yards and 144.1 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 29.9 points against per game this season. Jake Fette is expected to start at quarterback in this one, but he only has 58 passing yards this year.
Why the BYU Cougars will win
- BYU has won each of its last 11 games at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
- Arizona State has lost seven of its last eight road games in October.
- BYU has covered the spread in each of its last seven games at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
- Arizona State has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games in Utah.
- BYU has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 games at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
- The team ranked 8th in the AP Poll has won the first quarter in nine of its last 10 games.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Arizona State’s last six games against top-15 AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of BYU’s last five games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
BYU Cougars Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, LJ Martin ranks 6th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Carry (7.8) this season.
Arizona State Sun Devils Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Reed Harris ranks 5th amongst FBS players for receiving yards (800) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- BYU ranks T3rd among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (54.7).
- BYU ranks 134th among FBS teams for sacks this season (4.0).
- Arizona State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (30.1).
- Arizona State ranks 129th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (8.4).