3 years ago
286
Colorado (1-2) vs. Arizona State (2-1); 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sun Devil Stadium (Tempe, Ariz.)
TV/Radio: ESPNU/850 AM, 94.1 FM
Line: ASU -14.5, 44.5 over/under
Weather: 85 degrees, cloudy with 15% accidental of showers
What to know
Staying the course. CU manager Karl Dorrell promised to “wipe the slate clean” aft 1 of the worst violative performances successful programme past — 63 yards and six archetypal downs successful a 30-0 nonaccomplishment to Minnesota. A fewer days later, the biggest alteration was … Dorrell vowing to be much violative meetings? The Buffs haven’t scored successful 7 quarters, and they’re moving it backmost with struggling freshman QB Brendon Lewis and violative play-caller Darrin Chiaverini successful Tempe. Will that patience wage off?
Broussard’s health. Dorrell cryptically declared moving backmost Jarek Broussard “fine” up of the Minnesota game. Then the reigning Pac-12 violative subordinate of the twelvemonth proceeded to interaction the shot conscionable 5 times for 8 yards, with Dorrell admitting Broussard was inactive dinged up from an wounded sustained vs Texas A&M. If past week’s showing is immoderate denotation — backup QB Drew Carter was CU’s starring rusher astatine 9 yards — the Buffs could truly usage a steadfast Broussard.
Sloppy Sun Devils. After playing 2 FCS opponents to commencement the season, Arizona State face-planted successful Provo with 4 turnovers and 16 penalties for 121 yards successful a 27-17 nonaccomplishment to Brigham Young. In Year 4 of Herm Edwards’ “New Leadership Model” successful Tempe, the Sun Devils person been decidedly undisciplined. Aside from the existent NCAA probe into improper recruiting practices, ASU is 127th successful FBS astatine 106.33 punishment yards per game.
Dogged again. For the 2nd clip successful 3 weeks, the Buffs participate a crippled arsenic double-digit underdogs. Two weeks ago, CU made that 17.5-point enactment look silly, starring Texas A&M astir of the crippled earlier falling 10-7. The Buffs person covered 3 of the past 4 times they were double-digit dogs, winning erstwhile (+14.0 vs. Washington successful 2019). They are 2-16 wide successful specified instances (1-10 connected the road) since 2015 and person covered 8 times (four road, 4 home).
Key matchups
Lewis vs. ASU DBs. Lewis gets small alleviation a week aft submitting a dud against Minnesota (8 of 16, 55 yards). ASU has 2 preseason all-Pac-12 antiaircraft backs (Chase Lucas and Evan Fields) and has fixed up conscionable 143.3 passing yards per crippled with 5 interceptions this season. Lewis has crossed 100 yards passing erstwhile with CU (102 vs. UNC) and is the 104th-rated passer successful FBS. The freshman could truly usage immoderate casual throws aboriginal to re-establish immoderate assurance .
CU LBs vs. ASU RBs. After shutting down a Texas A&M tally crippled turned predictable by a first-quarter wounded to its starting QB, CU wore down against Minnesota (53 carries, 277 yards). Another deep, carnal backfield awaits successful Tempe. ASU moved the shot efficiently with backs Rachaad White (15-71) and Daniyel Ngata (8-82) vs. BYU, and that was without QB Jayden Daniels contributing overmuch connected the ground. Translation: LB Nate Landman should person his hands afloat erstwhile again.
Predictions
Kyle Fredrickson, sports reporter: ASU 17, CU 10
It’s a shame the Buffs are wasting their Top-25 defence by having a miserable offense. But CU fights to support this 1 person than astir expect.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: ASU 24, CU 7
The Sun Devils defence isn’t scary — but, connected paper, neither was Minnesota’s. Let’s support the barroom debased and accidental this: The Buffs volition score. Somehow. Just don’t inquire how. Or when. Or however often.
Matt Schubert, lawman sports editor: ASU 20, CU 13
The Buffs interruption their streak of scoreless quarters, but the losing skid continues.
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