Sun Devils 8-2 (6-1)

Tempe, AZ – Heading into the big Pac-12 South showdown on Saturday, there are some interesting angles to observe when comparing the statistics for #17 ASU and #14 UCLA.

Take a closer look at these current team trends for both programs and where they currently rank in the Pac-12 Conference.

Here are the 10 important categories that will be difference makers on Saturday…

1. Penalties

ASU – Ranked #1 with only 29 penalties for 237 yards

UCLA – Ranked last in the conference at #12 with 58 penalties for 538 yards

Advantage = ASU

2. Overall Team Offense

ASU – Ranked #2 averaging 476 yards and 43 points per game

UCLA – Ranked #9 averaging 390 yards and 30 points per game

Advantage = ASU

3. Passing Offense

ASU – Ranked #6 averaging 264 yards per game in the air

UCLA – Ranked #9 averaging 224 yards per game in the air

Advantage = ASU

4. Rushing Offense

ASU – Ranked #3 gaining 212 yards per game on the ground

UCLA – Ranked #7 gaining 166 yards per game on the ground

Advantage = ASU

5. Team Defense

ASU – Ranked #1 holding opponents to a total of 336 yards per game

UCLA – Ranked #7 holding opponents to a total of 417 yards per game

Advantage = ASU

6. Pass Defense

ASU – Ranked #4 allowing opponents to gain 225 yards per game through the air

UCLA – Ranked #6 allowing opponents to gain 246 yards per game through the air

Advantage = ASU

7. Rushing Defense

ASU – Ranked #2 allowing opponents to gain 111 yards per game on the ground

UCLA – Ranked #8 allowing opponents to gain 171 yards per game on the ground

Advantage = ASU

8. Sacks

ASU – Ranked #2 with 23 total sacks

UCLA – Ranked #7 with 14 total sacks

Advantage = ASU

9. Interceptions

ASU – Ranked #2 with a total of 14 interceptions this season

UCLA – Ranked #3 with a total of 11 interceptions this season

Advantage = ASU

10. Field Goals

ASU – Ranked #1 making 12 of 13 attempts for a .923 success rate

UCLA – Ranked #2 making 8 of 9 attempts for a .889 success rate

Advantage =  ASU

While all of this looks promising for the Sun Devils on paper, make no mistake, this will be a battle on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. The “X” factor in a high-stakes game like this is the mental preparation of each team. Players must be prepared to flow with adversity and momentum shifts, but remain undeterred in their confidence to win.

Since the Sun Devils are the visiting team in front of 80,000+ Bruin fans on Saturday, their mental space is vital.

Sun Devils Fight for Every Inch