Utah vs. Arizona State: A Friday Night Showdown in College Football
As the sun sets on Friday, October 11, college football fans will be treated to a thrilling matchup under the lights when the #16 Utah Utes (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) travel to Tempe, Arizona, to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1, 1-1 Big 12). With both teams looking to solidify their standings in the conference, this game promises to be a pivotal moment in their respective seasons. Utah enters as a 5.5-point road favorite, but the stakes are high for both squads, especially for the Sun Devils, who have the opportunity to upset the Utes and potentially derail their playoff aspirations.
Game Overview and Betting Odds
Kickoff is set for 10:30 PM ET at Mountain America Stadium, with ESPN providing the broadcast coverage. The odds reflect a growing confidence in the Utes, who opened as a field goal favorite but have seen the line shift to 5.5 points as the week progressed. According to recent betting trends, a significant majority of the action is backing Utah, with 78% of spread tickets and 84% of the handle favoring the Utes.
Current Odds Snapshot:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Utes | -5.5 (-102) | -194 | O 45.5 (-105) |
| Arizona State Sun Devils | +5.5 (-120) | +160 | U 45.5 (-115) |
The Cam Rising Dilemma
One of the most significant storylines heading into this matchup is the status of Utah’s star quarterback, Cam Rising. After suffering a hand injury against Baylor, Rising has been sidelined for nearly a month and is considered a game-time decision. His absence has been felt, as the Utes have struggled to find their rhythm without him. Rising, a seasoned veteran and a Heisman Trophy candidate, was off to a hot start, throwing seven touchdowns in less than two full games before his injury.
In Rising’s absence, Isaac Wilson has taken the reins as the starting quarterback. However, the results have been mixed at best. Wilson has thrown more interceptions (7) than touchdowns (6) and has struggled under pressure, completing only 37% of his passes when facing a rush. This drop-off in production could be a significant factor against a Sun Devils defense that has been improving, particularly in their pass rush.
Arizona State’s Surprising Start
Arizona State has exceeded expectations this season, entering the game with a 4-1 record. Their only loss came against a solid Texas Tech team, and they have shown resilience and offensive prowess in their other outings. The Sun Devils are averaging over 30 points per game and rank second in the Big 12 in time of possession, thanks in large part to a potent ground game led by Cam Skattebo. Skattebo has emerged as a key player, ranking second in the conference in rushing and helping Arizona State average 218 rushing yards per game.
The Sun Devils’ offense has been a revelation, showcasing a better explosive play percentage than Utah and a significantly higher rushing success rate. With temperatures expected to be in the high 90s at kickoff, the heat could play a role in wearing down the Utes’ defense, which has already shown vulnerabilities against the run.
Defensive Matchups
While Utah boasts a strong rush defense, allowing only 161 rushing yards to Arizona in their last outing raises concerns about their ability to contain Arizona State’s ground attack. The Sun Devils have been efficient in their running game, and if they can establish the run early, it could open up opportunities for explosive plays through the air.
On the other side, if Cam Rising does play, he may face a tough challenge against a Sun Devils defense that has been stingy, allowing only 96 rushing yards per game at a rate of 3.0 yards per carry. If Rising is unable to find his rhythm early, it could lead to a long night for the Utes.
Prediction and Betting Pick
Given the uncertainty surrounding Cam Rising’s status and the impressive performance of Arizona State thus far, this matchup is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. The Sun Devils have the momentum and home-field advantage, and their ability to run the ball effectively could be the key to pulling off an upset.
Pick: Arizona State +5.5 (-120)
As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see how this intriguing matchup unfolds. Will Utah’s experience and talent prevail, or will Arizona State continue its surprising run and make a statement against a ranked opponent? One thing is for sure: this Friday night showdown is not to be missed.