A year ago, Arizona State was playing its first ever Big 12 conference game. It came on the road in Texas, and turned into a tough loss to the Red Raiders. It would mark one of just two conference losses all year, en route to a conference title win.
Now, Arizona State is on the road in Texas again for their first Big 12 game of the year. A road matchup with Baylor figures to be just as challenging as Texas Tech was a year ago, especially with the Bears' high-powered offense. The Sun Devils have been uneven through three non-conference games thus far, but a 1-0 start to conference play would be a huge boost.
What will happen? We've assembled our panel of experts to offer final predictions before kickoff in Waco.
Austen Bundy (2-1)
This is where the fun begins. As the Sun Devils open up Big 12 play against Baylor, head coach Kenny Dillingham needs to embrace the run game and return to his style of draining the clock on long, drawn out drives.
The opportunities for QB Sam Leavitt to air it out for WR Jordyn Tyson will be there but execution will be the key to winning. The defense has the personnel to hold the Bears to a minimum but will everyone show up with their A game? I think so.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 34-24
Andrew Hayslett (2-1)
The game will be heavily offensive with both teams scoring frequently.The teams will trade back-and-forth blows with the Arizona State prevailing on the last drive. Offensively, the running backs and Jordyn Tyson will continue to excel. Malik McClain will have a breakout game.
Defensively, Baylor will take advantage of the Sun Devils questionable pass defense as Sawyer Robertson will have over 300 yards. The Sun Devil defense will often be boom or bust with either sacks and tackles for loss ending drives quickly or give up huge chunk plays.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 37-31
Tom Hardon (2-1)
Arizona State enters this game very banged up, presenting a next man up mentality. Defensively, the secondary will be a target for Sawyer Robertson and the Baylor offense to exploit, but we've seen Sun Devil teams of the past step up in big ways when it's needed most.
Offensively, I'm looking at a breakout game from Raleek Brown to the tune of 150 yards against a weak Baylor run defense. The ball won't be completely taken out of Sam Leavitt's hands, as Jordyn Tyson will be a primary target downfield, and looking for Chamon Metayer to continue his dynamic performance from last week.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 41-38 (OT)
David Howman (2-1)
I hate to be the contrarian here, but I'm not very confident in Arizona State right now. The Sun Devils played better against Texas State, but it was (respectfully) just Texas State. Baylor has more speed, size, strength, and overall talent.
They've also got a head coach in Dave Aranda, who calls plays on defense now, that should have no problem rattling Sam Leavitt after seeing the way he's played thus far this year. Also, not for nothing, but Waco is a tough place to play. There aren't any cowbells, but it's a pretty strong homefield advantage. I see this one being close, but don't think the Sun Devils can prevail in the end.
Prediction: Sun Devils lose 44-38