Arizona State heads to Provo as a 16.5-point underdog against BYU with a new look at quarterback. Freshman Jake Fette is expected to start after coach Kenny Dillingham benched Cutter Boley, while freshman running back Cardae Mack earned National Freshman of the Week honors after rushing for 159 yards and four touchdowns. The Sun Devils' defense benefited last week from the absence of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, but the team appears to be entering a new era with its young playmakers.
BYU had been playing excellent football before an overtime loss at UCF following an emotional win over Notre Dame. The Cougars are averaging 1.5 fewer yards per play than during non-conference play, and their defense is facing tougher tests. With a spread accounting for more than one-third of the game's total, the Sun Devils' dual-threat offense has a chance to keep the game competitive.
San Jose State travels to face New Mexico as a 14.5-point favorite. The Lobos have scored just 42 points over the past two weeks, managing only 186 combined passing yards and 31 first downs in wins over Hawaii and North Dakota State. New Mexico's offense has struggled while playing a demanding travel schedule that included a trip to Hawaii, a home game against North Dakota State, and now a road game against the Spartans.
San Jose State's defense ranks third nationally with 29 sacks and fourth in sacks per game at 3.63. New Mexico quarterback Toa Fa'avae has been sacked 15 times in just 87 pass attempts. The Lobos' ground-and-pound approach faces a stiff test against a feisty Spartans defense, making a 14.5-point cover on the road a tall order for New Mexico.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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