[tps_title]Washington at ASU[/tps_title]
[tps_header]1 p.m., Pac-12 Networks[/tps_header]
WASHINGTON (4-5, 2-4) AT
ARIZONA STATE (4-5, 2-4)
1 p.m., Pac-12 Networks
Pointspread: ASU is favored by 2.5 points
— The line has shifted only a half-point from the Sun Devils being a 3-point favorite.
— The Sun Devils have been inconsistent all season despite being a trendy preseason pick for the College Football Playoff. Arizona State has had trouble taking care of the ball and been plagued by inopportune penalties, both firsts in four seasons under Todd Graham. The Sun Devils also have struggled at closing out close games, often making critical errors late in games to let it get away from them.
— Washington has been solid defensively most of the season, allowing the Huskies to stay in games. A young offense that’s been inconsistent has held them back. The last two weeks have been a prime example: Washington racked up 49 points in a blowout win over Arizona but then committed five turnovers in a loss to Utah, including a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
— The Huskies are 11th in the Pac-12 in both scoring offense (26.7 points per game) and total offense (354.2 yards).
— Arizona State has been one of the nation’s best teams at taking care of the ball under Graham, ranking among the nation’s best in each of his first three seasons. The Sun Devils have struggled in that area this season, ranking last in the Pac-12 with a minus-6 turnover margin. Arizona State has 17 turnovers overall with three of those coming in the red zone, where the Sun Devils are 11th with an 81.8 percent conversion rate.
— Washington has not had much luck in the state of Arizona lately. The Huskies have lost 11 of their past 13 games in the state, including to Oklahoma State in last season’s Cactus Bowl. Washington has struggled against Arizona State no matter where they play, losing nine straight to the Sun Devils.
— Mike Bercovici has had an up-and-down season after replacing Taylor Kelly as ASU’s quarterback. The senior has thrown for 2,473 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and his quarterback efficiency rating of 128.0 is 11th in the Pac-12. While some fans have called for the Sun Devils to give some of the younger quarterbacks a chance to prepare them for next season – namely redshirt freshman Manny Wilkins – Graham is sticking by Bercovici, saying it never crossed his mind to switch.
— ASU’s D.J. Foster broke the Pac-12 record by catching a pass in his 49th straight game last week against Washington State. USC’s Kareem Kelly set the previous record.
— Washington has outscored opponents 111-28 in the third quarter this season.
— ASU’s Jordan Simone leads the nation in solo tackles with 7.8 per game.
— The Huskies lead the Pac-12 in red zone defense, allowing 13 touchdowns in 32 trips inside their 20.
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington’s last 13 games
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Arizona State is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games
Arizona State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona State’s last 9 games
Arizona State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
My pick: ASU will win and cover
Steve Rivera’s pick: ASU will win and cover
Anthony Gimino’s pick: ASU will win and cover
