It's been a long week for the Sun Devils following their deflating loss to Mississippi State on the road last week. They fell completely out of the Top 25 and most people seem to have written them off in the Big 12 race. But it's only one game, and not even a conference game at that.
Big 12 play will start next week, but before then the Sun Devils want to show they're still the team that won the conference last year and took Texas to double overtime in the Peach Bowl. To do that, they'll be facing off against another team from the Longhorn state, hosting Texas State at Mountain America Stadium,
The Bobcats, once thought to be a contender for the College Football Playoff last year, are 2-0 and looking improved over last season. But Arizona State should be playing with an edge to them after last week. What will happen? Our team of experts offers their final predictions on what we'll see tonight.
Austen Bundy (1-1)
If there was ever a get-right game needed by the Sun Devils, this is it. You're at home against a Texas State team that is less scrappy than last year's version. QB Sam Leavitt seems to still have a cool head despite a very embarrassing performance against Mississippi State in Week 2 but this will be the best test of his ability to rebound. Nothing short of dominance will be required to re-establish confidence in Tempe.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 34-10.
Andrew Hayslett (1-1)
The tight ends are ready to have a break out game against Texas State. They are going to collect the majority of Leavitt’s passes in what will be a get right game for the Sun Devils. The run game will be strong once again. Defensively, the Sun Devils will limit explosive plays to zero and the run defense will show up.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 38-9.
Aya Abdeen (1-1)
I can see how Arizona State can bounce back after a tough loss on the road last week. Sam Leavitt still has a lot of potential inside him and the ability to turn it around for the Sun Devils. Expect the team's defense to turn it up as well.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 40-7.
Tom Hardon (1-1)
Another week, another matchup against the RPO, though thankfully without the distraction of the cowbells. The welcoming confines of Mountain America Stadium should tilt the scales in the Sun Devils’ favor. After getting punched in the mouth on the final drive last week, the Devils will be out to get back on the winning side.
Kanye Udoh looks to be a featured back again coming off his breakout performance last week with Kyson Brown considered doubtful. Both offenses are high powered, but I like the Devils’ chances to adapt to the quick tempo that Texas State will bring. Going up against one of the lesser defenses in FBS, Arizona State should be able to score early and often.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 45-17.
David Howman (1-1)
Boy, I hope my colleagues are correct that the Sun Devils will roll. It's what we should see tonight, but it's also what we should've seen the last two weeks and we didn't. I think the Bobcats offense presents a lot of problems for the Arizona State defense, and that'll lead to a close shootout.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 45-41.