BYU Facing Potential Letdown Against Arizona State in Week 3

BYU is back in the top 25 despite losing No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson this past season, sitting at No. 23.

The Cougars are coming off a massive win against No. 21 Utah last week. Beating a ranked foe is always important, but this meant more to the Cougars, who snapped a nine game losing streak to the Utes in the 'Holy War' rivalry game.

BYU won 26-17 and now need to turn around and face another stiff PAC-12 opponent in No. 19 Arizona State.

Beware of this matchup and the dreaded letdown spot for BYU on Saturday night.

Here are the odds, courtesy of WynnBET.

Arizona State vs. BYU Odds

Spread:

Arizona State: -3.5 (-115)

BYU: +3.5 (-105)

Moneyline:

Arizona State: -180

BYU: +150

Over/Under: 51.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

This line opened at Arizona State -2.5, but has been steamed up through a field goal and I agree with the move.

BYU won last weekend, but sustaining their level of play is going to be difficult despite being at home yet again.

Jaren Hall was explosive in the win, but can you count on him to do it again? He completed just 18 of 30 passes on five yards per attempt, but took eight carries for 92 yards on a gaudy 11.5 yards per carry. 

In addition, BYU converted 11-of-19 third down conversions and won the turnover margin by two. Everything went their way in the win, but don’t forget that this same team only beat Arizona by eight on a neutral field two weeks ago and were outgained in the process.

There is some painful regression coming for the Cougars, coupled with a serious emotional letdown after knocking off their long time rival.

Now, can the Sun Devils make them pay? The team hasn’t been challenged yet this season playing an FCS opponent in Southern Utah and a futile UNLV team. 

However, this is Herm Edwards' most talented team in Tempe, led by third year quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels is capable with both his arm and legs -- he rushed for 123 yards in the win over UNLV last week -- and should pose issues for a BYU defense that allowed nearly eight yards per carry to Utah. 

Not to mention, this is a Sun Devils defense that has essentially every starter back from last season, and should get a bump with the likely return Timarcus Davis, who tied for the team league in passes defended in the abbreviated 2020 season.

I’m going to hold out and see if there is some buyback on BYU with the hopes of playing this one at -3, but if not I’ll be looking to play their money line with another big favorite to get this down to even money.

There are two many concerning trends mixed with the impossible task of following up a performance like Saturday for me to back BYU in this spot on Saturday night.

Want to back Arizona State? Make sure to bet through WynnBet!