Arizona State vs. Oklahoma State: Cowboys Head to the Desert to Take on the Sun Devils

Each Arizona State and Oklahoma State obtained their seasons off on the appropriate foot in Week 1 heading into their matchup in Stillwater on Saturday. The Solar Devils notched a 40-3 win over in-state FCS foe North Arizona, whereas the Cowboys gained a high-scoring 58-44 contest over Central Michigan.

School Soccer Predictions for Each Sport in Week 2

Arizona State (1-0) has a variety of new faces in this system when it comes to each gamers and coaches. The Solar Devils are anticipated by most to flirt with bowl eligibility this season, and a highway win over Oklahoma State would go a good distance towards that and set the tone for the season.

Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State squad, in the meantime, expects to as soon as once more contend for the Large 12 championship. The Cowboys (1-0) would really like this recreation to function nothing greater than one other tune-up earlier than starting convention play, nevertheless it will not be that straightforward.

Arizona State at No. 11 Oklahoma State

Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Dwell Stream: fuboTV (Begin your free trial)
Unfold: Oklahoma State -12.5
Tickets: As little as $55 on SITickets.com*

When Arizona State Has the Ball

The Solar Devils are led by quarterback Emory Jones. The Florida switch discovered his strategy to Tempe after beginning for the Gators final season forward of Anthony Richardson, who’s producing some Heisman Trophy buzz after serving to Florida upset No. 7 Utah final Saturday. Jones is pretty conservative as a passer, however he may be environment friendly. He is also loads able to doing harm on the bottom. Final week in opposition to Northern Arizona, Jones ran 11 instances for 48 yards and two scores.

When Jones appears downfield to cross, his favourite goal is Elijah Badger, who’s extraordinarily harmful after the catch. Within the pink zone, Oklahoma State might want to account for 6-foot-8 tight finish Messiah Swinson, who caught three balls for 50 yards within the opener.

On the bottom, when Jones is not tucking it and operating, Xazavian Valladay is the Solar Devils’ bell-cow again. The Wyoming switch eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice throughout his tenure in Laramie. He obtained off to an excellent begin final week, logging 15 carries for 116 yards and two scores.

When Oklahoma State Has the Ball

The whole lot begins and stops with one of many easiest quarterbacks within the nation, Spencer Sanders. He’s a dual-threat with a dwell arm who can management video games and fluster defenses on the bottom or via the air.

Sanders has a proficient corps of receivers to focus on, together with John Paul Richardson, Braydon Johnson, and Brenna Presley. Each brings a novel ability set to the desk and supplies Sanders with loads of big-play choices to think about earlier than he leaves the pocket.

The Cowboys want to cross or have Sanders run, however once they do resort to a conventional speeding assault, it appears like Dominic Richardson goes to be the man who will get the majority of the carries. Arizona State additionally will want to pay attention to operating again Jaden Nixon’s presence. When he is on the sector, he is as a lot of a pass-catching risk as any of Pokes’ receivers.

Closing Evaluation

Regardless of the double-digit unfold, these two groups should not all that totally different from each other. Each have new faces in key roles. Each have dynamic signal-callers. However just one is presently carrying the strain of handing over a New Yr’s Six-caliber season. Arizona State is enjoying with home cash and would be the looser staff. Search for particular groups and an underrated protection to maintain the Solar Devils within the recreation and preserve the rating nearer and decrease than many count on.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 24, Arizona State 20

Podcast: Full Week 2 Preview, Predictions and Picks In opposition to the Unfold

— Written by J.P. Scott, who’s a part of the Athlon Contributor Community. His work has appeared on SI.com, FoxSports.com, Yahoo! SBNation and Bleacher Report. He’s a three-time FWAA writing contest award winner. Comply with him on Twitter @TheJPScott.

*Value as of publication.