The BYU Cougars aim to bounce back as they travel to face the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Arizona State -3.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
BYU vs. Arizona State
Saturday, November 23, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Mountain America Stadium
BYU’s First Loss: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
The Cougars suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 17-13 to Kansas on Saturday in a game defined by offensive struggles in critical moments.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff completed 18 of 28 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown but was hindered by an interception. Running back LJ Martin chipped in with 76 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Chase Roberts added five receptions for 71 yards. Despite totaling 354 yards of offense, BYU only managed a single field goal in the second half.
A highlight of the game was a marathon 17-play drive to start the third quarter, which consumed over 10 minutes and ended with a 35-yard Will Ferrin field goal. However, red zone inefficiency plagued the Cougars, converting just 2 of 4 opportunities and failing to score touchdowns on any of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
BYU’s final drive reached the Kansas 15-yard line with under two minutes left, but a false start and a series of short plays doomed the effort. On fourth down, Roberts was stopped three yards short of a first down, sealing the Jayhawks’ victory.
Arizona State Rides Momentum After Win at Kansas State
Arizona State impressed with a 24-14 victory over Kansas State on Saturday, led by quarterback Sam Leavitt, who passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Jordyn Tyson starred with 12 catches for 176 yards and two scores, while running back Cam Skattebo returned from injury to contribute 73 rushing yards on 25 carries.
The Sun Devils stormed out to a 21-0 halftime lead, capitalizing on Kansas State’s mistakes. Leavitt connected with Tyson for a 30-yard touchdown and later found Chamon Metayer wide open for a 16-yard score. Arizona State’s ability to convert opportunities into points proved decisive.
Keys to the Game
Leavitt’s ability to find Tyson and attack downfield was on full display against Kansas State. BYU’s secondary, which allowed just one passing touchdown against Kansas, must disrupt Leavitt’s timing and limit big plays. If BYU can apply pressure, they could force Leavitt into hurried decisions.
Conversely, if Leavitt is given time, Tyson’s playmaking ability could create significant problems for the Cougars.
BYU’s inability to score touchdowns in the red zone has been a recurring issue, and Arizona State’s opportunistic defense thrives on turning stops into momentum. If BYU continues to stall inside the 20-yard line, the Sun Devils could seize control by converting defensive stands into offensive opportunities.
Skattebo’s physical running style provided balance to the Arizona State offense last week. BYU’s defense, which limited Kansas to 17 points despite giving up yardage, must contain Skattebo to force the Sun Devils into a one-dimensional attack. Controlling the ground game will be key for the Cougars to limit explosive plays.
Retzlaff showed efficiency but struggled to finish drives against Kansas. Arizona State’s defense has demonstrated its ability to pressure quarterbacks and force mistakes. Retzlaff must avoid turnovers and sustain drives to keep BYU competitive. His ability to distribute the ball effectively will be pivotal in countering the Sun Devils’ pass rush.
Special teams and mistakes could swing this contest. Arizona State has excelled at turning opponent errors into points, while BYU’s methodical style leaves little room for miscues. A key turnover, blocked kick, or big return could be the deciding factor.
NCAAF Pick
This game pits BYU’s methodical, ball-control offense against Arizona State’s dynamic passing attack. While the Cougars’ red zone struggles could prove costly, their ability to limit explosive plays might frustrate the Sun Devils if Arizona State fails to capitalize early.
Ultimately, Arizona State’s edge in offensive firepower, led by Leavitt and Tyson, gives them a slight advantage. Expect a close contest, but the Sun Devils’ ability to create game-changing plays should make the difference.
NCAAF Pick: Arizona State -3.5 (-110) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
