ASU Football: Best, average and worst case scenarios against Colorado

Lots will be at stake when ASU football takes the field against No. 21 Colorado. Here are three scenarios that could play out Saturday afternoon.

Arizona State’s Pac-12 schedule is in full swing. That means it’s time to “leave it on the grass.”

After knocking off Oregon State for their first conference win, the Sun Devils hit the road for a matchup with unbeaten Colorado. The Buffaloes currently sit alone atop the Pac-12 South race, leading ASU by half a game heading into week three.

With how things have shaped up, many feel this game could play a role in deciding the division’s champion. These teams have shown the most separation in a race considered to be “wide open.”

But there are some warning signs. ASU has yet to win a road game in 2018, leaving cause for concern in the Boulder elevation. On the other hand, the Buffaloes’ 4-0 record has come at the expense of opponents with a combined record of 1-16.

Questions must be answered to provide clarity in this competition. It can be expected we’ll get some of those answers Saturday.

Let’s take a look at three scenarios that could play out in the Sun Devils’ most important game of the season.

Best Case Scenario: Ahead of the Pac

ASU jumps to the top of the Pac-12 rankings, making a statement by defeating Colorado by double digits on their home turf.

The Sun Devil defense picks up where they left off against Oregon State, chasing after quarterback Steven Montez and stopping the run of Travon McMillian. The duress limits deep shots to Laviska Shenault Jr., who is limited to under 50 yards receiving and five receptions.

Eno Benjamin continues his hot streak, rushing for over 150 yards and two scores. His success opens up play action opportunities for Manny Wilkins, who eases into his long throws and hits more than four receivers for receptions.

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ASU pushes a 17-point lead at halftime before working a defensive battle in the second half. The Buffaloes struggle to adapt to Danny Gonzales’ 3-3-5 scheme, and after calling on him Wednesday, we see the best output from Jalen Harvey and the safeties while tackling.

The win becomes the Sun Devils’ most satisfying of the season. Three of ASU’s next four games come at Sun Devil Stadium, giving them a chance to open a bigger lead in the Pac-12 South.

Average Case Scenario: Some work to do

The Sun Devils run into Boulder and escape with a 3-point victory, but the concerns remain the same.

ASU’s defense struggles against the rush, allowing over 200 yards to the tailback duo of McMillian and Kyle Evans. Gonzales vowed an effort like this wouldn’t happen again, but at this point, it is now an issue.

They do enough, however, to pressure Montez and get stops late in the fourth quarter. The Sun Devil offense relies on the late heroics of Benjamin and N’Keal Harry to set up a chance for Brandon Ruiz to walk ASU off as time expires.

Like the defense, the offense does just enough to get the job done. Benjamin finds more success on the ground, but Wilkins overshoots two or three throws that could’ve added to a wider margin of victory.

At the very least, the Sun Devils get the job done and hold a divisional advantage. With winnable games ahead, it’s still possible to have a successful finish.

Worst Case Scenario: Division hopes doomed?

It’s a classic Sun Devil road game. ASU goes down early, finds a way to claw back but ultimately comes up short in another heartbreaking defeat.

The defense gets drilled early on, succumbing to the uncertainty of Colorado’s balanced offense. Montez eludes pressure, McMillian sustains scoring drives and the Devils can’t get off the field on third down.

The added time of possession gives the Buffaloes a chance to push ASU’s conditioning in the elevated terrain. With Colorado having three touchdowns before halftime, the Sun Devil offense is forced to engage in a Big 12-style shootout.

For a while, it’s enough. Wilkins makes the scoring indicative of last year’s team but gets winded while having to do more. The Buffaloes force a late turnover on downs or by contact, and ASU falls to 0-3 away from Tempe.

The loss puts ASU a game and a half back of the divisional lead. Yes, they’ll have opportunities, but it forces them to be perfect with teams like Stanford and Oregon still on the schedule.

Next. ASU Football: Colorado’s 4-0 start disguises weak schedule. dark

This won’t be the route they’ll want to take. At this point, the chances of advancing to a conference championship might be over.

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