California at Arizona St – Preview and Prediction
ARIZONA ST 4 CAL (82.5)
Implied Projected Score: Arizona ST 43.25 Cal 39.25
MEGALOCKS LINE – Arizona St 6
The Game
This is actually going to happen. These two teams. Playing one another. The only thing missing is Texas Tech suited up ready to come in and give guys a break when the score is 99-97 at halftime. The Sun Devils are 3-0 after escaping with a win against UTSA while the Golden Bears are 2-1 with their most recent game a big win over Texas at home. PAC 12 time.
The Match-Up
Arizona St offense vs Cal defense
The Sun Devils did not look crisp or consistent vs UTSA last game but still managed to put up 469 yards of total offense. QB Manny Wilkins is still learning on the job but has completed 66% of his passes and only thrown 2 INTs. The real problem for Cal will be the devastating ground game that is ranked 16th in the FBS. Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage both have over 250 yards rushing already and Cal’s run defense will be powerless to stop them. When they get bored of running wild there are a number of fine receiving options as well.
Hawaii put up almost 500 yards on the Cal defense, San Diego St ran for 334 yards and Texas found a way to get 568 yards total offense. Arizona St is going to score a lot (#1 red zone offense) but Cal just needs to find a way to force a couple turnovers or make the Sun Devils settle for a FG or two. The good news is that Cal is always in the game with their offense.
Cal offense vs Arizona St defense
Cal has been equally, or maybe, even more impressive on offense. Davis Webb has looked great throwing for a million yards and 13 TDs. Vic Enwere has provided a spark at RB with 255 yards at 6.7 per pop. And we must talk about the UNCOVERABLE ONE – Chad Hansen – we leads the FBS in receptions (40), yards (546) and is tied for the lead in TDs (5). The Sun Devils are ranked #122 in pass efficiency defense and Texas Tech put up 55 on them at home.
Arizona St gets their leader on defense LB Salamo Fiso back this week, and if nothing else, that will give the team an emotional lift. It is possible to get pressure on Webb and the Sun Devils will have to do their best to generate some sacks and turnovers with pressure while not getting roasted in the air in the process.
MEGA Minutia
Cal has won 9 of the last 11 meetings SU…..The Sun Devils should be fresher than Cal if that means anything as the Golden Bears are coming off two close and hard fought games.
Summary
First one to 90 points wins ? We will take the better running game and feel that they are in a much better spot after Cal has spent a lot of emotional and physical energy already with a trip to Australia and nail-biting finishes vs San Diego St and Texas. Arizona St gets their emotional leader and best defensive player LB Salamo Fiso back this week.
Conclusion
Official play: Arizona St -4 -105