Arizona State football opens its season against Wyoming on Saturday looking to avoid a third straight 3-9 season as a program that has seen better days.
Entering the second year of the Kenny Dillingham era, there are many questions surrounding the Sun Devils. How will they work? What will the new team transfers look like? Will quarterback Sam Leavitt lead the Sun Devils to incredible success after being picked to finish last in the Big 12 news poll?
More importantly, how will ASU fare in its transition to the Big 12 Conference?
After the Pac-12 collapsed, the Sun Devils — along with Arizona, Colorado and Utah — moved to the Big 12, meaning they will play unfamiliar opponents through the 2024 season and into more.
Not only that: A tough non-conference slate leads to one of the toughest 12 games. Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports ranked ASU’s conference schedule as the second toughest among the teams 16.
Here’s a breakdown of which games look winnable on paper and which ones don’t.
Easy opponents for the Sun Devils
These games look harmless for Dillingham’s team.
Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. Wyoming — 7:30 p.m. (FS1): Wyoming finished 9-4 last season, surprising at times but recording its first nine-win season since 1996. Now, former defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel is taking over for Craig Bohl retired, looking to continue Wyoming’s success. This is the first time the Sun Devils and Cowboys have played since 1977, and Arizona State is 9-6 all-time against Wyoming. ASU is favored by 7.5 points in the game, according to odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Mississippi State — 7:30 p.m. (ESPN): Mississippi State went 5-7 last season and brought in several players through the transfer portal. While the Sun Devil faithful may question the team’s performance this season, the Week 2 matchup has the potential to go either way. MSU was picked to finish second to last in the SEC ahead of only Vanderbilt.
Thursday, September 12 at Texas State — 4:30 pm (ESPN): Texas State struggled defensively last season, allowing 32.8 points per game and scoring more than 35 points per game. The Bobcats were 7-0 when they scored 35 or more points and 1-5 when they didn’t. Kenny Dillingham’s offense needs to get points, points and points.
Saturday, Nov. 9 vs. UCF: UCF has the ability to compete in the Big 12, but it may take time. Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo is causing havoc on the floor, and UCF has struggled with its passing game in the past. UCF was 2-7 in 2023 when allowing more than 100 yards on the ground, and the Knights were 4-0 when giving up fewer.
Saturday, Oct. 19 Cincinnati: When they face Cincinnati, the Sun Devil defense needs to step up its running game as the Bearcats look to be one of the best in the nation in 2023. The Bearcats’ passing game was is a different story though, and this season, the Sun Devils have to do just that. try to use a team that turned the ball over a bit in 2023. Cincinnati was picked to finish 14th in the Big 12 preseason polls.
Saturday, Nov. 23 vs. BYU: BYU finished 5-7 in its first season in the Big 12 last year, and they’re looking to improve on that little bit of performance. Nothing went right for the Cougars offensively, as they got a lot of turnovers. The Sun Devils have the ability to find success. BYU was picked to finish 13th in the media’s preseason poll.
Saturday, Nov. 30 in Arizona: As for Arizona, the Territorial Cup always gives fans a show. It is the first time since 2015 that No. 21 Arizona ranked in the AP poll early. Quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan both return, showcasing an explosive offense. Arizona’s defense has improved and the depth across the roster has strengthened under first-year coach Brent Brennan. As usual, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether the game on Nov. 30 between the Sun Devils and Wildcats how will it go, so we include it here.
ASU football’s fiercest rivals
Saturday, September 21 at Texas Tech: With plenty of receivers and Tahj Brooks at running back, Texas Tech has a tough offense. Brooks ran for more than 1,500 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2023 and will once again be the centerpiece of the offense behind the Giants’ line. Arizona State’s defense will have to stand up for this one.
Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. Kansas: Kansas is ranked No. 22 in the preseason AP poll, and after jumping from 0-9 in 2020 to 9-4 in 2023, a healthy Kansas team could scare other teams in the Big 12. Offense It’s scary, the security is there. Headed to a team that finished fourth in the Big 12 preseason polls.
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Utah: While the Big 12’s inaugural season featured a lot of new(ish) faces, the Sun Devils will face a few familiar faces this season. This includes No. 12 Utah and No. 24 Arizona, two of the five teams from the Big 12. Utah was selected in the early media polls to win the conference. Arizona State will host Utah on Oct. 11, just six days after facing No. 22 Kansas. The Utes come to Tempe well rested after facing Arizona on September 28th and are now well-rested. The Sun Devils will only have six days off.
Saturday, December 2 at Oklahoma State: No. 17 Oklahoma State is competing against one of the top teams in the Big 12. ASU lost to the Cowboys 27-15 in Tempe last year and is looking for revenge this season. Oklahoma State received 14 first-place votes to win the Big 12 title.
Saturday, December 16 at Kansas State: No. 18 Kansas State is actually in the competition to win the big 12 and got 19 votes for the first place in 20 Utah. After finishing 9-4 in 2023, the Wildcats can and will be dominant on both sides of the ball. it is difficult for Arizona State to continue.
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