Will So Receiver, Jaelen Strong, collect another 100+ receiving yards on Saturday?
The Devils’ Best Interest Week 7: Tempe, AZ – The Pac-12 football schedule is starting to hit its stride this weekend as ten teams face-off on Saturday.
Teams in the north and south are starting to reveal their true personalities by giving clear signs of who is a contender or pretender in the conference.
There is one Pac-12 game already in the books for week 7. Last night, a more-relaxed Trojan team dominated most of their home game vs UA. The cats scratched late to pull within a touchdown, but this game was not that competitive. USC, whom ASU beat 62-41, secured a victory over our rival and South foe. And for this, we are content!
As games unfold on Saturday, it’s another important opportunity for teams to take a step forward, especially the Sun Devils.
Colorado @ ASU
This is a must win game for sure. ASU needs to bounce back after a tough loss to Notre Dame, and recently the Buffaloes have been a team that can provide some healing.
There is no doubt that a loss here would cripple the Sun Devils for the rest of the season. Coach Graham has his players thinking forward as he should. This team needs to come out of Tillman Tunnel disciplined and focused in order notch their second Pac-12 South win of the season.
Currently, ASU is 25 point favorites, so it appears most people think they will handle the Buffs. Remember, despite their two losses, the Devils still control their destiny. They’re where they need to be, undefeated in the South. and can make it to the Pac-12 championship game with wins over Colorado,
It all starts this weekend for ASU against the Buffs, with three more formidable opponents to follow: Utah, UCLA and Arizona. The Huskies are at home tomorrow and should have some extra confidence with the feeling that they can hang with anyone in the country.
#2 Oregon @ #16 Washington
Washington looked very good against Stanford last week, and if it were not for some blown special teams plays, they could have earned the upset. The Huskies are at home tomorrow and should have some extra confidence with the feeling that they can hang with anyone in the country after last weeks’ performance against the Cardinal.
As Sun Devil fans, we want the Ducks to keep winning and stay in one of the top two positions in the polls. Things could change if Stanford beats Oregon later in the season, but for now we want the Ducks to keep rolling. Unless you have an allegiance to the Huskies, root for the quack attack. Ducks are favored by 13.5 points, but I see the outcome being much closer.
#5 Stanford @ Utah
Utah played tough at home last week against UCLA, but has an even bigger challenge ahead of them on Saturday as the Cardinal come to town. Since the Utes play in the Pac-12 South, we want them to get another conference loss, even if it’s from a team in the North Division. Additionally, a sustained high ranking for Stanford plays in to ASU’s strength of schedule.
Stanford is favored by 9 points here, but don’t be shocked if the Utes cover the spread. We want Stanford.
This could be a game worth watching. Both teams have four wins and are fighting to get to bowl eligibility before playing the toughest teams of the conference.
Cal @ #11 UCLA
UCLA, ASU’s likely competition for the Pac-12 South title, got a scare last week in Salt Lake City. Their opponent tomorrow is the lowly Bears. Cal is young team that has had a lot of injuries and aren’t a very good football team on top of that.
While I would like to see the Bruins get a loss, it is probably better for them to climb in the rankings so they can be ranked as high as possible when the Devils play them. UCLA is favored by 24.5 points, and I see them winning big.
Oregon State @ Washington State
In the grand scheme of things, this game doesn’t mean much to the Sun Devils. Both teams play in the North, and neither is ranked.
However, this could be a game worth watching. Both teams have four wins and are fighting to get to bowl eligibility before playing the toughest teams of the conference. Washington State has started their season strong at 4-2. Look for a high scoring game with lots of action.
The Cougars are favored by 1 point so that means that Vegas sees a very competitive game when these two meet up. Pick your team for this one, I will just be watching to get a preview of future Devil opponents.
Outside the Pac-12 Conference
While neither Wisconsin and Notre Dame are ranked, both have time to get there. And if they do, it boosts ASU’s strength of schedule.
From here on out, we should just keep our eye on the Top 25 and root for ranked teams to fall. Of course, there are exceptions here but the more teams that fall out of the rankings, the better the chance that a performing Sun Devil team can climb back into the Top-25.
But first, ASU needs to take care of Colorado tomorrow night at 7:00PM in Sun Devil Stadium.
Another Saturday Night in Sun Devil Stadium
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