Prediction and Pick for Arizona State vs. BYU – College Football – Saturday, September 18, 2021

Most teams would have a significant drop-off if they lost a star-studded talent like Zach Wilson. BYU had a magical season last year and finished No. 11 on the season. BYU has not missed a beat, and the squad is 2-0 against the Pac-12.

The Cougars looked the part against Arizona and then stepped up their talents against Utah in a stunning upset.

Jaren Hall has been a remarkable signal-caller due to his quickness in the pocket. Hall has over 100 yards rushing. He has a partner in crime that helped with the production, and kudos to Tyler Allgeier.

The Cougar bruising back has been a load to bring down. Arizona State has talent on the defensive end, making this non-conference tilt a fun one to watch.

Ready to bet on this game? Let’s look at the latest odds, as well as my Arizona State vs. BYU prediction and pick.

The odds of winning the third game against the Pac-12 could be a challenge. The Cougars have won three of the past four games against the conference, but two have started the season.

BYU is 3-5 against the spread at home when they are an underdog of a touchdown or less. Arizona State is 1-6 against the spread as a road favorite of a touchdown or less. All of those games are from 2014 or more recent.

Here are your keys to victory for Arizona State and BYU in this non-conference clash in Provo.

The Sun Devils quietly have the fifth-ranked defense in FBS for total yards allowed (189.5). Merlin Robertson is one of the better tacklers in the country. The ASU star linebacker could play suffocating defense against Jaren Hall.

The issue that BYU will run into is defending star quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Arizona State may be far from a sure thing since they have had off-the-field concerns with potential violations of recruits.

Still, this team has Top 25 talent, and there is no reason why Daniels cannot torch BYU in stretches on the road. The matchup won’t feature many fireworks, but ASU has the goods to be the better and more complete team.

Daniels and Raachaad White are an impressive tandem in the backfield that should have their way against the physical style that BYU will bring. If they can avoid coughing the ball up, the Sun Devils will pick up the road victory.

Jaren Hall has some confidence similar to the way Zach Wilson played last year. Staying confident is vital for BYU, but time will tell how long they can keep it up.

Tyler Allgeier ran for 1,100 yards last season with 13 rushing scores. He hasn’t been too shabby this year, either.

Check out his 2021 stats through two contests.

BYU has a potent rushing attack. The physicality is what has separated them from the competition. Props need to go to Kalani Sitake’s squad.

BYU will win or lose to ASU based on the production in the red zone. The Cougars have the most efficient red zone offense in the FBS (T-1st). The Cougars have the No. 11 red zone defense as well.

If BYU can pin their ears back, they could win the turnover battle as well. The schedule opens up for the Cougars, so a 3-0 start would propel them towards another Top 25 finish.

BYU and Stanford pulled off some late-night upsets, and we could see more of the same this weekend.

This matchup comes down to the play of Jaydon Daniels. Charlie Brewer couldn’t play well enough against the swarming BYU defense, but Daniels is more talented.

The Sun Devils should win at least eight games this season. Herm Edwards will need to keep the team’s minds right.

ASU-BYU likely won’t be a blowout, but the Sun Devils have an edge at speed and should be able to pile up the explosive plays.

There is value on the Sun Devils here. This line would be closer to a touchdown if the Cougars had a loss or two.

Instead, BYU is scorching hot at 2-0, and the value is with Arizona State. Laying only three to four points is a gift.

The game will be tight for four quarters, but the Sun Devils should have a balanced attack. This team is a clear-cut Top 25 squad and will save some face for the Pac-12 conference after a pair has fallen victim to BYU.

Take Arizona State with the points. They will walk out of Provo with a victory of at least a touchdown.