The San Diego State Aztecs host the red-hot Arizona State Sun Sun Devils this weekend in Week 3 NCAA Football action. Game time is set for 10:30 PM EST on Saturday, September 15 at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego. Fans can see the game on CBS Sports Network
Looking at this week’s college football odds, Arizona State is currently listed as a 4.5-point road favorite. That line has remained unchanged after the Sun Devils opened up at -4.5 earlier in the week.
San Diego improved to 1-1 on the season last weekend after beating the FCS Sacramento State Hornets 28-14. It was far from an easy victory, however, as the Aztecs actually trailed the Hornets 14-13 heading into the 4th quarter. In danger of dropping to 0-2 on the season, RB Juwan Washington lead a late charge as San Diego State scored 15 unanswered points. Washington was clearly the difference maker for San Diego State in Week 2, as he racked up 156 yards and 3 TD’s on 35+ carries.
The Aztecs are currently averaging 19.0 points per game on 346.0 total yards per game – 192.0 passing yards per game and 154.0 rushing yards per game. On the other side of the ball, San Diego State is currently allowing an average of 22.5 points per game on 308.0 total yards per game.
Arizona State is now 2-0 on the season after an extremely impressive come from behind victory against the 15th ranked Michigan State Spartans last Saturday. It looked like the Sun Devils where in big trouble heading into the 4th quarter, as they trailed 13-3 and had shown little offensively all game long. However, after recording 13 unanswered points, a last second field goal by K Brandon Ruiz put Arizona State on top for good as they pulled off the big upset.
QB Manny Wilkins went 30 for 48 against Michigan State while racking up 380 yards passing and a touchdown. New head coach Herm Edwards has been extremely pleased with his team so far, as the Sun Devils also beat UTSA back in Week 1. Arizona State is currently averaging 32.5 points per game on 463.5 total yards per game, which is extremely impressive. On defense, they are holding their opponents to an average of just 10.0 points per game on 298.5 total yards.
Although there is certainly some small concern about a bit of an emotional letdown after such a massive victory last weekend, I think the Sun Devils keep rolling this weekend against San Diego State. Despite having to play on the road, I think Wilkins and Co. just are too much of a threat offensively to let the Aztecs stay close in this one. Arizona State is currently averaging over 300+ yards through the air per game – and San Diego State has certainly shown that they are no defensive juggernaut after almost losing two consecutive games while allowing almost 300 yards to opposing QB’s in both Week 1 and 2.
It also won’t be as simple as stopping Wilkins for the Aztecs to find success on Saturday night. WR N’Keal Henry has repeatedly shown he is one of the best receivers in the entire country and has already record three touchdowns and 200+ yards so far this season. RB Eno Benjamin has also been quite effective for Arizona State and shown great versatility as a pass catcher out of the backfield as well. I just don’t see how San Diego State can slow down the momentum of this formidable Sun Devil offense this week – the entire group is really firing on all cylinders.
Arizona State is also 4-1 ATS over their past five games, while San Diego State is just 2-4 ATS over their past six games at home. The Aztecs have also struggled mightily as of late against teams with a winning record. While Juwan Washington will likely have another big game, San Diego State simply has too many question marks at the quarterback position to pull of an upset on Saturday. Both Christian Chapman and Ryan Agnew are completing under 65% of their passes, while the latter has already thrown two interceptions.
I think the Sun Devils put on another show in prime-time on Saturday night and cruise to another impressive victory. Wilkins should be able to record another 300+ yards through the air while Henry should find the end-zone once or twice as well. San Diego State might manage to keep things interesting for a couple of quarters, but I think Arizona State ultimately wins this game by at least a touchdown.