Arizona St at UTSA – Preview and Prediction

Arizona St at UTSA – Preview and Prediction

ARIZONA ST 19 UTSA (61)

Implied Projected Score: Arizona St 40 UTSA 21

MEGALOCKS LINE – Arizona St 18

The Game

Arizona St heads to the Alamo Dome with a 2-0 record and fresh off a 68-55 win over Texas Tech. That is not a typo. The Roadrunners are 1-1 and take a huge step up in class after facing Alabama St and Colorado St in their first two contests.

The Match-Up

Arizona St offense vs UTSA defense

The Sun Devils poured in 68 points last week vs Texas Tech and were devastating in the running game (301 yards) and efficient in the passing game (351 yards 0 INT). QB Manny Wilkins is developing into a dangerous QB and he has distributed the ball very well among all the receiving weapons. RB Kalen Ballage had 8 (EIGHT) TDs last week to set a PAC 12 record and is part of a fantastic one-two punch at RB. The Sun Devils had some worries coming into the season regarding the OL but it is performing well so far in their first two tests.

The Roadrunners have looked ok on defense so far (ranked #36 FBS total defense) but go from facing weak offenses to one of the best offenses in college football. Our biggest concern is their run defense as they allowed Colorado St to rush for 220 yards and now get the Arizona St JUGGERNAUT who possess a relentless ground game. Prognosis: grim.

UTSA offense vs Arizona St defense

QB Dalton Sturm has looked pretty good when he has had more than half a second to throw. The Roadrunners gave up six sacks last week (8 on the season) and could not get into any rhythm on offense due to the poor OL play. Arizona St has some injuries on defense and will be without star LB Salamo Fiso for the 3rd straight game due to suspension. This may help UTSA get a little bit done of offense.

MEGA morsels

UTSA is 2-1 ATS (#smallsamplesize) the past three seasons when Power 5 teams come to the Alamo Dome…..UTSA RB Jalen Rhodes has 117 yards rushing…..that leads all skill position players in yards from scrimmage.

Summary

UTSA have up 34 points a game last season. Now they are going to be better this year, but the question is, how bad will it get on Friday night against Arizona St ? Can they keep it within 20 points ? The short-handed Arizona St defense can be mighty hospitable to opposing offenses so you just never know. Ultimately, the UTSA offensive line scares us away.

Conclusion

Official play: None

Lean: None