Alright sports fans, strap yourselves in and get ready for what should be an epic weekend of football for the Sun Devils and the Pac-12 Conference. With so much on tap, let’s serve up this weekend’s games how how they will impact the Sun Devils. (cover photo courtesy of Shawn Griswold of @Devilstrength)

Fear Four Forks

# 20 Wisconsin @ ASU

This is what the Devils have been working towards for months, a chance to make a statement to the country by beating a quality opponent on national television.

In their first real test of the season, the blackout in Sun Devil Stadium takes place Saturday night with the Devils installed as 5 point favorites. My prediction is ASU 34 Wisconsin 20.

Tomorrow (SA) at noon, visit DieHard for the pre-game “what to watch” while final preparations, game planning and personnel tweaks are finalized by both teams for the 7:30mt kick-off in the House of Heat.

#16 UCLA @ # 23 Nebraska

This game takes place in Nebraska, but I don’t think it matters much. The experts have the Cornhuskers as 4.5 point favorites, but I don’t see any Big 10 team with the exception of Ohio State being able to keep up with the athleticism and speed of the Pac-12. I am thinking that the Bruins will win by 10, which is what we want for the conference.

#19 Washington @ Illinois

The Huskies are favored by almost 10 points at Illinois, but I don’t think it will be near that close. In another big win for the conference against a Big-10 opponent, I see Washington winning by at least two touchdowns. Advantage Pac-12.

#4 Ohio State @ California

The Golden Bears should have won last year in Columbus if it weren’t for a late game collapse. An upset here would be good for the conference and the Sun Devils, but this year the Bears are young and inexperienced with new coach Sonny Dykes.

In keeping with the Pac-12 trend, Cal has athletes and speed. The Buckeyes might be without their quarterback Braxton Miller. However, I predict an Ohio State win because like the past, they seem to meet opponents at opportune times. I do think it will be close. I am picking Ohio State by a touchdown.

Tennessee @ #2 Oregon

The Pac-12 should look good here, as Oregon should trash the Volunteers and the SEC Conference. Oregon is favored by 28 points, but since they are playing at home, I think they will win by at least 30. Oregon knows that if Alabama falls to Texas A&M again, they could claim the #1 spot in the nation. The Ducks will be on top of it, and this will be another solid win for the conference.

#5 Stanford @ Army

This should be a blowout for Stanford, and I hope it is. The Cardinal haven’t played any tough games yet, and that might play well into the chances of an ASU upset next week in Palo Alto. That being said, a victory would help them move up in the rankings should any of the teams ahead of them in the polls lose.

Fresno State @ Colorado

Nothing to get too excited about here, but we would like an upset by the Buffaloes to help the overall perception of the conference.

Boston College @ USC

Don’t ask me how, but the Trojans are favored in this game. While it is in Los Angeles, the lack of a passing game by USC is a cause for concern. We do not want the Trojans to be upset two weeks in a row, but that might happen. Since it is not a conference game, there is really no benefit to ASU if USC can pull of a victory for the Pac-12.

Southern Utah @ Washington State

The Cougars pulled off the upset last week when they beat USC on the road. They look to continue their winning ways in their first home game of the year against Southern Utah. Washington State is favored and should take care of business, which would help the Devils down the road when the two teams face each other.

Oregon State @ Utah

In the lone conference game of the weekend, the once ranked OSU Beavers travel to Utah to face the 2-0 Utes. From what I have seen so far, Utah looks good.

The Utes are favored, but the Devils want the Beavers to give Utah a conference loss. Since ASU will be playing the Utes and fighting with them in the Pac-12 South, it benefits the Devils to have the Utes take a few conference losses before their match up on November 9th.

UTSA @ Arizona

Yes, you read that correctly. While most Pac-12 teams have beefed up their non-conference schedules this week, the Wildcats scheduled another cupcake in the University of Texas San Antonio Roadrunners.

I don’t care what Coach Rodriguez says about how tough their opponent is this week, there is a reason why they are favored by 25 points at home. Cats shouldn’t have any problems in week three. Next week will be their first real test.

          Let the games begin. We’ll see how Week #3 plays out for the Pac-12 against some formidable opponents.