NFL Tickets
Starting the season 3-0 is something the Arizona State Sun Devils need to do in order to prepare for a tough stretch in which they play three ranked conference foes in a row to start their Pac-12 season. Winning in week three is crucial to a team that needs confidence for the next month in order to stay in the conference title race.
It has been quite some time since the Colorado Buffaloes were a legitimate threat to win a conference title. In fact, the 1990s were the last time it was basically an expectation to see Colorado play in a postseason bowl game, but those days seem like a lifetime ago. A win against Arizona State could change that in week three at home.
Taylor Kelly is one of the best returning quarterbacks in all of college football and he is a huge reason as to why the Sun Devils have been consistently ranked in the Top 25 for the past couple of seasons. The senior quarterback has led the Sun Devils to a 2-0 record thus far behind his 430 yards and three passing touchdowns. Don’t forget he can tuck the ball and run if the pressure caves in on him as he also has 98 yards and a score on the ground. Jaelen Strong is Kelly’s favorite target, catching 13 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown on the season while Cameron Smith is a solid No. 2 option with five catches for 91 yards and a score of his own. Arizona State’s rush offense ranks seventh in the nation as junior running back D.J. Foster is on pace to have a career-year with 363 yards and four touchdowns on 10.7 yards per carry.
Colorado’s offense isn’t quite as impressive as Arizona State’s, but the Buffaloes have some solid pieces in place to ensure they are no pushovers to their opponents. Sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau has one of the most interesting names in all of college football and he might become one of the most improved quarterbacks in the nation if he continues at the pace he’s on. The young quarterback has passed for 559 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for another 50 yards on 13 carries. Nelson Spruce has been the sophomore QB’s favorite target as the two have connected 17 times for 249 yards and four touchdowns. Shay Fields is the next closest receiver with 14 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown. The rushing attack is not at all impressive as Christian Powell is the leading rusher with just 88 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Colorado allows an elevated 34.5 points per contest – good for 103rd in the nation. The Buffaloes haven’t been completely useless on this side of the ball, however, as they have allowed 385.5 yards per contest. Arizona State allows just 18.5 points per game and a mere 322.5 yards per contest. The Sun Devils do struggle a bit against the run, though, allowing 179.5 yards per game.
Arizona State will travel to Colorado to take on the Buffaloes at 10 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 13. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU.
PREDICTION: Arizona State 38, Colorado 17
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].
Share 
