At the beginning of the season, it would have been tough to find anyone who would have thought Arizona State-Utah would be a big matchup in the Pac-12 South race. However, here were are, as both teams sit at 6-1 and 3-1 in the conference, tied with Arizona for the lead in the division. This might not be an elimination game, but it will be extremely important in the race for the division title.
How to watch Utah vs. Arizona State: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Who would have though this would be such a big game in the Pac-12 South?
Gene Sweeney Jr.
Both teams have had somewhat inexplicable losses in their only slip-ups. The Arizona State defense just sort of took the night off in a 62-27 drubbing by UCLA, while Utah somehow found a way to lose to Washington State coming off a big win at Michigan.
However, the Utes and the Sun Devils both rebounded nicely, and now, here we are, with each team poised to have its best season of the past few years. And the winner of this game could be headed for a Pac-12 title.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 11 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Online streaming: Fox Sports GO
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: Both teams are 6-1. Arizona State is ranked No. 14 by the College Football Playoff selection committee, while Utah is No. 17.
Vegas: Arizona State opened as a 2.5-point favorite, but the line is now up to 6.5. The over/under is 58.5.
Weather forecast: Mostly clear evening with a low of 62 degrees.
Two things at stake
The Pac-12 South title might be on the line, most importantly. This game might be bigger for Arizona State than Utah in that regard because the Sun Devils already have a loss to a division foe.
That said, Utah still has tough games against UCLA and Arizona coming up, so the Utes badly need this win if they’re going to win the division.
One big matchup
Utah offense vs. Arizona State defense: Arizona State started the season poorly on defense, but have played much better in recent weeks. That unit is going to have to continue to show that improvement if the Sun Devils are going to take down Utah. The Utes have had a resurgent team this season, and while the offense isn’t as highly-rated as Arizona State’s, it has still proven that it can grind out some games (USC) have success through the air (Michigan).
While the defense should be able to hold ASU within striking distance, the offense needs to do its part to win the game like it did against USC, and failed to do against Washington State. Meanwhile, ASU’s defense needs to put together its most consistent game of the year.
Further reading
Read House of Sparky for more on Arizona State and Block U for more on Utah.
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