Game-by-game predictions
Game 1: vs. Kent State
The Golden Flashes come to town for the first battle of the season. Arizona State’s sweltering summer heat could be tough on the MAC opponent. Look for the Sun Devils to have a strong opener here and let Benjamin run the ball a heavy amount.
Result: Win
Game 2: vs. Sacramento State
Another easy win for the Sun Devils should come in the form of Sacramento State. The FCS opponent should serve as a tune-up game as Herm Edwards gets his program ready for the meat of their schedule.
Result: Win
Game 3: at Michigan State
This was the signature win for Edwards last season at home. However, this time it’s on the road in East Lansing. Conventional wisdom here is that Michigan State gets their win back at home as the Devils continue to work in some new pieces.
Result: Loss
Game 4: vs. Colorado
One of the disappointing losses for the Sun Devils last season was at Boulder. They would like to avenge that loss against a Colorado program that might be bad. It’s in Tempe and Arizona State will be fired up to right a 2018 wrong.
Result: Win
Game 5: at California
These two Pac-12 schools don’t play as often so it’s hard to predict what could happen when Arizona State visits Cal. The Golden Bears could be on the rise in the conference but do they have the offense to succeed. This could be a game where Arizona State squeaks out a close one.
Result: Win
Game 6: vs. Washington State
Mike Leach’s 2019 squad might not be as good as the one they had last year but they should still be incredibly talented. If Arizona State is still juggling quarterbacks at this point, this could be one that gets away from them as the Cougars can put up points in a hurry.
Result: Loss
Game 7: at Utah
The Sun Devils have had recent success against Utah. That confidence should be a good boost as they make the trek to Salt Lake City. Some early scores and forcing some turnovers on a defense with budding star Merlin Robertson could lead to another conference road win.
Result: Win
Game 8: at UCLA
This could be the trap game on the Arizona State schedule. We’ll get to Corvallis in a second, but the Rose Bowl has been hit and miss and a bit of a house of horrors for Arizona State. Each team has a game they shouldn’t lose each season and the second of two straight on the road usually leans that way. Chip Kelly’s program could gain a big boost from beating Arizona State at home.
Result: Loss
Game 9: vs. USC
The highlight of recent memory for Arizona State against USC has to be either getting Lane Kiffin fired or the Jaelen Strong Hail Mary at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Otherwise, it’s been the Trojans rolling into Tempe and giving the Sun Devils a disappointing loss. J.T. Daniels should be worlds better this season. Don’t be surprised if ASU has a letdown game at home.
Result: Loss
Game 10: at Oregon State
A cold-weather game in Corvallis has been a trap game for Arizona State before. That being said, if they’ve suffered some tough losses coming into this game, expect the Sun Devils to be playing with their backs against the wall as they want to make sure they’re in a position to win a bowl game. The Beavers couldn’t handle Benjamin on the ground last season and they probably won’t this season either.
Result: Win
Game 11: vs. Oregon
Last season, the Devils lost a tough game on the road to Oregon. This time around, the two should end up playing another classic battle. Justin Herbert’s last trip to Tempe resulted in a loss. Look for this game to come down to the wire. Herbert’s experience probably wins out here.
Result: Loss
Game 12: vs. Arizona
After the Territorial Cup comeback last season, the Sun Devils will be gloating plenty. This rivalry tends to favor the home team. That’s Arizona State this season and they end things at home on a high note.
Result: Win