While #6 ASU controls it’s own destiny, there are still some big games on tap that are in the Devils’ best interest in a run at a championship. Let’s take at better look at this weekend’s Pac 12 match-ups and their impact on ASU.

Cal at USC

The fact that Cal made a late run at their south state foes on Thursday night was impressive. But the Trojans’ defeat of the Bears helps our cause. SC now sits a 7-3 on their season with a 6-2 conference record.

After the Cal-SC game, here are the Pac 12 Division standings

Washington at #14 Arizona

That’s right; those Cats down south are ranked #14. While beating them as a top 10 team would be nice, which could happen when ASU heads to Northern Nogales in two weeks, I would much rather see UA lose now and give the Devils a bit of a cushion in the Pac 12 South.

A good day is when UA loses. A great day is when UA loses, and the Devils win. Go Huskies!

#23 Utah at Stanford

This game is a bit strange for Sun Devil fans knowing that we have beat both squads this year. I’m going to pull for the Utes for a couple of reasons.

First, I would like them to gain some confidence heading into their showdown next week with Arizona in Salt Lake. Also, as long as the Cardinal remain unranked, it makes Notre Dame suffer since their game with Stanford was arguably their best win. Go Utes!

# 6 ASU at Oregon State

This game could be scary coming off the big win last week. The Devils are 9-point favorites, but this is an abnormally late match-up (8:45 PM Arizona time) on the road. Historically, there have been many upsets at the hands of the home team in Corvalis.

While the Beavers have a top-notch quarterback in Sean Manion, they are 4-5 and struggling to make it into the post-season. If ASU can dismiss the notion of the “trap game” and play like they have in five consecutive wins since UCLA, the Devils will return to Tempe with their 9th win.

#1 Mississippi State at #5 Alabama

While this is not a conference game it is still big. We don’t care who wins, we just want a blowout so that the loser drops well below the Devils in the rankings and bumps ASU closer to the 4-team playoff should they beat Oregon State.

The reality is that if they win out, ASU will finish in the top four. However, a jump in the rankings at this high level will serve as a step forward for the national profile of the program now. I’m sick of Alabama, so I am hoping that Mississippi State can win in a route. Go Bulldogs!