No. 24 Arizona State is feeling all of the momentum right now after upsetting Texas Tech a week ago, simultaneously vaulting themselves back into the Big 12 race and extending their win streak in Mountain America Stadium to 10 games.
Up next, they face a 6-1 Houston team whose only loss came to the Red Raiders. The Sun Devils, who will be without star receiver Jordyn Tyson and several other key players, are favored by 7.5 points. Is that too much confidence? We've assembled our panel of experts, featuring our two newest writers, to offer their thoughts and final predictions.
Austen Bundy (4-3)
It feels like deja vu all over again. The Sun Devils are 5-2 after losing two early season games (one without Sam Leavitt) and are poised to hit the gas over their remaining schedule. Could a return to the Big 12 Championship Game be on the horizon through repeating history? The answer to that question was begun last week against Texas Tech.
Houston isn't a Top 10 adversary but they can sure play like one. ASU can't afford to overlook any opponent going forward but I don't think Kenny Dillingham is going to let his players do such a thing now. No Jordyn Tyson means a clear uphill battle so somebody will have to step up for Leavitt downfield. The Sun Devils also don't lose at home but all good things come to an end, no? Not this time.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 28-27
Aya Abdeen:
Just last week, Arizona Statewas led by Jordyn Tyson, who played through a hamstring injury. Without Tyson this week, the question is which wide receivers will Kenny Dillingham and Sam Leavitt rely on again Houston. On the bright side, the Sun Devils' defense has been IMPRESSIVE against the very good offense-minded Texas Tech team last weekend. I expect the game to be a very close one with Leavitt making another game-winning play once again.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 30-23
Andrew Hayslett (4-3):
Arizona State get the lead early, but Houston will show why they are a good team and hang around for the majority of the game. Offensively, Malik McClain will have his breakout game with the absence of Jordyn Tyson. Defensively the line will bring its a game as they stop Houston quarterback Conner Weigman, who can run efficiently as well as pass efficiently.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 33-20
Muhammad Hashir:
With Sam Leavitt guiding the offense, the Sun Devils plan to balance quick passes with steady runs to counter Houston’s aggressive defensive front. Prince Dorbah, as an edge rusher, and Keyshaun Elliott, as a linebacker, will be important contributors to the containment of the mobile attack of Houston on the defensive side. The secondary, featuring Xavion Alford, must stay disciplined to prevent big plays downfield. It will be a tussle of physical power and push and pull, but the defensive side of ASU must produce sufficient pressure to win by a slim margin.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 27-23
Tom Hardon (4-3):
Hail Sparky, full of grace, forgive me for my transgressions.
Last week's game proved (most) of us wrong, and while on paper this looks like a game that Arizona State should easily win, Houston is not the same type of offense that the Sun Devils have faced to date. The absence of Jordyn Tyson will be noticeable, but look for Sam Leavitt to turn to Jaren Hamilton to build off of last week's breakout game.
All hands will be on deck in the passing game, look for a lot more Chamon Metayer involvement, as well as Jalen Moss and Cameron Harpole. Houston won't be looking to blow the doors off this one on every play, the only way Arizona State loses is if they play outside themselves and put themselves in difficult to overcome situations.
Prediction: Sun Devils win 27-17
David Howman (5-2):
After being the only one here to pick the Sun Devils a week ago, I have now moved into first place in our prediction standings. And in my first official act as king, I am once again going against the crowd.
Houston is the type of team that wins by forcing their opponent into mistakes. And as much as I have faith in this Arizona State team, they're already prone to making several mistakes. Jordyn Tyson covers up a lot of that, so his absence makes this even more daunting.
Prediction: Sun Devils lose 34-29