Fansided

Arizona State vs Utah preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson (7) hands off to running back Devontae Booker (23) during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson (7) hands off to running back Devontae Booker (23) during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona State Sun Devils vs. No. 5 Utah Utes

Arizona State has not exactly had the start to the season that it would have hoped, but the year after Taylor Kelly leaves the program, Mike Bercovici is still trying to make a name for himself at the quarterback position. A win over a top-five team like Utah would be a good start.

The Utes have been absolutely on fire this season thanks to Travis Wilson and Devontae Booker and another conference win would push their overall record to 6-0. Not many people would have thought that this team would be out of the middle of the pack and atop the Pac-12 at this point in the season.

Saturday night’s game in Salt Lake City, Utah, should be a closely-contested contest no matter what the experts say.

Details for Sunday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
Start Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Stadium: Rice-Eccles Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN app
Radio: For Arizona State radio affiliates, click here. For Utah radio affiliates, click here.
Ticket information: For ticket info, click here.

Keys to Victory

Arizona State Sun Devils

Utah is known for giving up a solid amount of passing yards, so it will be up to Mike Bercovici to really take it to the Utes and air it out, looking for a 300-plus yard performance. D.J. Foster is going to need to have a prominent role for the Sun Devils as well. He had over 1,700 all-purpose yards last season and 12 touchdowns, so he needs to get going this year.

Look for those two to connect early and often and get Foster involved in the run and pass game as the former running back is the most electric guy on the field at all times. If he gets involved, that will open up the rushing attack for Demario Richard against a Utah run defense that allows 140 rush yards per game.

Utah Utes

Utah needs to buckle down on the defensive side of the ball as Arizona State will likely try to take advantage of the average unit on the Utes’ side. Holding Bercovici’s passing attack to under 300 yards will be key and limiting the number of big plays by Foster and Richard will be huge also.

It’s tough playing in an unfamiliar position as the Utes were not supposed to be this solid when the season began, but the hot streak has led them to a 5-0 record and a top-five ranking nationally. Putting all the pressure of having a giant target on their back will likely be the difference between winning and losing this one.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Utah -6.5
Moneyline: Arizona State +210, Utah -250
O/U: 55.5

Prediction

Utah’s dream of a perfect season will nearly come to an end as Arizona State will have the ball with the clock running out and a chance to throw the ball into the end zone for a Hail Mary win. However, the Sun Devils will have the ball batted down as there is no Jaelen Strong to catch that toss-up pass this season and Utah will slimly come out on top.

Final Score: Arizona State 27, Utah 31

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