Arizona State takes on Arizona after putting an end to a two game skid with a 55-34 win over UCLA. Things didn’t start well for the Wildcats after the first quarter ended with the Bruins in front 17-7 and quarterback Steven Threet on the sidelines with a concussion. Backup Brock Osweiler was phenomenal in relief, going 27 of 36 for 380 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. At a time when ASU needed a running game to help out their emergency fill in under center, the backfield and offensive line responded with Cameron Marshall’s 17 carry, 147 yard night paving the way to 211 yards and over 6 ½ yards per carry. ASU logged an impressive 595 total yards which is all the more eye opening considering they went virtually the entire contest without their number one signal caller.
The Arizona State defense had some issues stopping UCLA as they gave up 442 yards. Richard Brehaut had one of his best games of the season with 321 passing yards with a trio of touchdowns and an interception. The Bruins were able to run on a limited basis and were able drive the field at times as well as they were 8 of 19 on third down and totaled 30 first downs. The Sun Devils special teams had both a positive and negative impact with a 99 yard kick return but also gave up a 53 yard return. Their performance fell in line with their seasonal averages in that they are stronger versus the run than the pass.
Arizona has had the misfortune of playing Stanford and Oregon in the last three weeks, with the Ducks pulling away in the second half to come out on top last week 48-29. The Wildcats rolled up 506 yards, almost entirely on the passing of Nick Foles who went 29 of 54 for 448 yards and three touchdowns against a single interception. Juron Crimer’s only three catches were for scores including a first quarter 85 yard catch and run but eight players had receptions. It was one of Foles top performances of 2010, made even more impressive by the fact his production was accomplished with no help from the rushing attack and the Oregon defense knew what was coming. The issue was that most of his production came in the first 30 minutes and was not sustained in the final two quarters.
The Arizona defense gave up 557 yards to the Ducks but this game was really a tale of two halves where the Ducks exploded for 34 points after intermission after being held to a touchdown in each of the first two quarters. They were blitzed for 20 third quarter points which was when their offense needed to string together a few first downs and keep the ball away from Oregon who was gathering all the momentum. At the final gun, the Wildcats couldn’t stop the best offense in college football for 60 minutes and in particular their ground game which totaled 389 yards.
Arizona is one of the more balance teams in the game when looking at their ability to score and defend but their defense has gotten beaten up the last three weeks and their offense has not been able to keep up. Arizona State has shown the ability to both score and keep opponents in check but they have also been blasted on both sides of the ball at times. The question will be how well Brock Osweiler performs in a big rivalry and if the last game is any indication, I think he’ll be ok and I’ll take the touchdown…
AZ +6
I think you want ASU plus the points and Not AZ, right ?. Not trying to be rude like before. But when ASU is Called Arizona even Sparky becomes a Bad Man.......GL Tonight Bro.
I don't think I would have any influence on Vegas but nice thought bro.
AZ ST 2nd Half 
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