Arizona State
vs.
Colorado
College Football Pick
10/15/16
By Jason Green
Every Conference Game is big for every team, but this Pac 12 match up is HUGE since each of these teams is tied with Utah in a first place logjam in the South Division. Colorado is the big betting home favorite and after winning 2 in a row where they totaled 88 points they only scored 17 in losing their 2nd Game of the season falling to USC in their last Game.
Arizona State got over their first loss of the season to USC by beating UCLA in their last Game. The Sun Devils have a solid and balanced offense, but their issue this season has been on defense where they only rank tied for 98th giving up an average of 33 ppg.
The Sun Devils have covered the spread in 6 of their last 7 Games facing Colorado.
ASU was at home in their last Game in a 23-20 win over UCLA where they covered as an 8-point underdog. Colorado was on the road in their last Game losing to USC 21-17, but they did cover as a 5-point underdog. The Buffaloes have covered the spread in every Game this season.
The Sun Devils have to feel a little lucky to escape the UCLA Game with a win. They were outgained 443 yards to 275 yards and they committed 3 turnovers, but they forced 4 turnovers and that was key. In the Game they only had 196 yards and their run Game was shut down to the tune of only 79 yards.
ASU also has an injury issue at QB with starter Manny Wilkins missing the UCLA Game with an injury. If he cannot go freshman Brady White will get the start and in the Bruins win he passed for 179 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. RB Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage have combined for 746 rushing yards will have to play well and this is especially the case is they have freshman White under center. Colorado ranks 23rd in the nation in pass defense and 50th in run defense.
To say that ASU shut down the run in the UCLA Game would me a major understatement. They kept the Bruins to -1 rushing yards, but they also gave up a whopping 444 passing yards. Colorado has had injury issues at QB and a starter has not been named. However, the Buffaloes have a solid WR corps and will be going against an ASU pass defense that ranks dead last in college football.
The Sun Devils do rank 5th in the nation defending the run and while the Buffs have Phillip Lindsay and Kyle Evans in the backfield 2 of their top 4 rushers are injured QB’s.
ASU is a legit 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Games, but they are only 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road Games.
Colorado is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home Games, 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Games overall, and in their last 5 home Games the posted total has gone Under 4 times.
Jason’s Pick: This is a tough Game to call with all the injuries that the Buffaloes have. They have been a great bet this season and I think they will win this Game, but the Sun Devils will make it close and cover the 13-point spread.