| Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly is looking to bounce back from his first career three-interception game. (AP) |
Washington State (2-8, 0-7 Pac-12) at Arizona State (5-5, 3-4 Pac-12)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
Spread: Arizona State by 22
Watchability: One fading team and one team that faded long, long ago? The game is already fading from our memories.
Shining Stars: Washington State -- RB Teondray Caldwell. It doesn't say much about a team's running game when a 10-carry, 62-yard performance seems like one of the greatest days in the history of the world. But that's how bad the Cougars' ground game has been. Enter the ray of light, Caldwell, who had a -- gasp! -- 72-yard game earlier in the year, and added three receptions for 36 yards in WSU's 44-36 loss to UCLA. Arizona State -- DL Will Sutton. Not much hasn't been said about the manbeast that is Sutton, but wow. He's been just a terror for opposing offensive lines. He leads the Pac-12 in sacks and tackles for loss and should get some major postseason award consideration.
Who could steal the show: Washington State -- WR Brett Bartolone. Like Danny Amendola, another Mike Leach product, Bartolone sounds like a delicious pasta sauce. And he's just as sure-handed. With 46 receptions this season, and 20 in the last four games, he's become a nice target for the Cougars. Arizona State -- TE Chris Coyle. Coyle has been a bit hot-or-cold this year, but when he's hot, it's like he's on the sun. If he's actually a devil, too, that'd be weird. But when he brandishes his pitchfork he's pretty imposing: He had five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown against USC.
You going? Ranking the road trip: Look, if you're in the cold, and this is a chance to steal away to Tempe, by all means, go. Go. But don't go to watch good football. Go for the sun. Run to it, child.
Magic number for Washington State: 337.5. Well, the Cougars sure do pass the ball. WSU ranks first in the conference and sixth nationally with 337.5 passing yards per game, but that's a bit deceiving, as it ranks 91st in total offense at 370.4.
Magic number for Arizona State: 108.46. The Sun Devils boast one of the best pass defenses in the country, in terms of opposing passing efficiency. ASU's average of 108.46 leads the conference and ranks 14th nationally.
The game comes down to: Arizona State's ability to get pressure up front. If the Sun Devils force turnovers early, this one could be over in a hurry.
Prediction: Arizona State 38, Washington State 20
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