COLLEGE FOOTBALL
BYU enters with the better season profile on both sides of the ball, backed by a 33.1-point scoring average, 414.3 yards per game, and a defense that is giving up only 301.6 yards and 18.6 points per game. Arizona State has been solid offensively at 30.9 points and 411.6 yards per game, but its defense has allowed 29.9 points and 359.6 yards per game, which is a concern against a BYU attack that is efficient both through the air and on the ground. BYU’s 6.3 yards per play and 4.7 yards per play allowed are the cleaner combination in this matchup, while Arizona State sits at 5.2 and 5.4 respectively. Recent trend data also favors BYU’s side of the ledger, with the Cougars covering far more often than the Sun Devils so far this season.
BYU should control this game with the more efficient offense and the better defensive profile, which makes a lower-scoring BYU win the most likely outcome. Arizona State can score enough to stay competitive early, but BYU’s ability to limit explosives and finish drives points to a final score of BYU Cougars 27, Arizona State Sun Devils 20. That projection supports the Under and a BYU victory, with the total landing below the market number and the home team pulling away late without turning the game into a shootout.
