It might be a little late for those with an early bedtime, but the Arizona State-BYU matchup should be worth staying up for. Both teams are 2-0 and ranked, so there should be a great vibe for tonight’s tilt in Provo.
For Arizona State, they are hoping to fill the vacuum created by USC’s downfall in the Pac-12 South. This is a team that is solid in all areas and might be underrated nationally.
The Cougars had a great season last year, resulting in quarterback Zach Wilson becoming the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. They are looking to show that the pipeline is deep as they prepare for life in the Big 12.
Arizona State Sun Devils (2-0) vs BYU Cougars (2-0), ESPN, 10:15 p.m. ET
Arizona State Sun Devils vs BYU Cougars Betting Odds
Moneyline
- Arizona State Sun Devils -162
- BYU Cougars +132
Total
- OVER 50.5 (-110)
- UNDER 50.5 (-110)
Spread
- Arizona State Sun Devils -3.5 (+100)
- BYU Cougars +3.5 (-122)
Arizona State Sun Devils vs BYU Cougars odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 9:20 p.m. ET.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. BYU Cougars Betting Outlook
Things were a little noisy this offseason for ASU. NCAA violations had many believing the direction of the program might have been compromised. They are 2-0 to start the season but have not covered in either game even though the competition was light. Perhaps they are just waiting for the bright lights of a real contest.
QB Jayden Daniels has looked alright, but he has also been the leading rusher for the Sun Devils. That is not the kind of offense they want, and it is not encouraging that the likes of UNLV and Southern Utah were able to push them off their strategy.
The defensive numbers look good, but you have to consider the competition. It is not going to be as easy to push around BYU. Linebacker Darien Butler has been a standout with a couple of sacks and a couple of interceptions in just two games. We will know a lot more about Arizona State after this game. If you were high on the Sun Devils before the season, this is the game you have been waiting for.
Cougars Seek To Avoid Holy War Letdown
This is the third straight game against a Pac-12 opponent for BYU. They were not impressive beating Arizona in Game 1 but they dumped Utah 26-17 in their rivalry game. The Cougars were at home but they were still +7. That rivalry probably goes under the national radar but it is a good one and in this iteration, it showed how physical the Cougars can be. Against a good Utah defense, they rushed for 231 yards and held the ball for more than 35 minutes. With the QB position not what it was a year ago the Cougars have changed their style of play. They are always one of the more physical teams in the country.
Unfortunately, on defense, they had trouble with the Utes ground game. They did limit the Utes through the air and thus kept the game right where they wanted it, in the trenches, but they gave up yards on the ground. Playing better quality opponents so far should be an advantage for BYU but there could definitely be a hangover from last week too.
College Football Betting Trends to Consider for Arizona State Sun Devils vs BYU Cougars
- Arizona State is 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
- The Sun Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last five games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
- The Sun Devils are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games against teams with a winning record.
- BYU is 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games against opponents with a winning road record.
- The Cougars are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as an underdog.
- The Cougars are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs BYU Cougars Best Bet
Arizona State -3.5
This one opened under the magic number of three but has since moved across it. Even though they are on the road I like Arizona State to win. They can compete enough in the trenches and Daniels gives them a big-time edge in creating some big plays to stem the tide.
This game won’t be as much of a heavyweight fight as the last game for the Cougars. The Sun Devils will be in and out and show some increased athleticism to win the game pulling away. You might be able to wait until closer to game time to get the best number on ASU. I think there will be late support for the home underdog.
