MACHINE CHOICE FOOTBALL: 21-10
Last year when these two teams met in Tempe, ASU outgained the National Title contenders by 212 yards but lost the game due to 7 turnovers. Consider that last year's ASU team only had 8 returning starters for that matchup. This year's team is clearly better, not only as seen by their record but also by the fact that they returned 17 starters this year. In contrast, Oregon's team was dismantled in the offseason and now tonight: no LaMichael James. The loss of James is obviously serious, and let me just point out that he was averaging 8.7 ypc!! He is not replaceable.
Tonight's Game: Osweiler regrouped after the rough start at Utah last week and ended up throwing for 325 yards and 3 TDs! The dirty little secret is that Utah actually has a better defense than Oregon's. I'm expecting Osweiler to erupt again tonight, as he has become better with each passing week. ASU's defense will give up some scores but they are far superior to Oregon's D-unit. ASU will cover on the strength of Osweiler and Gerrell Robinson, as well as at least three timely defensive stands.
Concerns: Oregon had four additional days to prepare, ASU is down one OL and the center is gimpy, ASU has no rushing attack. However, the loss of LaMichael James and ASU's far superior defense means that 14 points is way too many.
Predicted score:
Oregon 33
ASU 29
ARIZONA STATE +14
Last year when these two teams met in Tempe, ASU outgained the National Title contenders by 212 yards but lost the game due to 7 turnovers. Consider that last year's ASU team only had 8 returning starters for that matchup. This year's team is clearly better, not only as seen by their record but also by the fact that they returned 17 starters this year. In contrast, Oregon's team was dismantled in the offseason and now tonight: no LaMichael James. The loss of James is obviously serious, and let me just point out that he was averaging 8.7 ypc!! He is not replaceable.
Tonight's Game: Osweiler regrouped after the rough start at Utah last week and ended up throwing for 325 yards and 3 TDs! The dirty little secret is that Utah actually has a better defense than Oregon's. I'm expecting Osweiler to erupt again tonight, as he has become better with each passing week. ASU's defense will give up some scores but they are far superior to Oregon's D-unit. ASU will cover on the strength of Osweiler and Gerrell Robinson, as well as at least three timely defensive stands.
Concerns: Oregon had four additional days to prepare, ASU is down one OL and the center is gimpy, ASU has no rushing attack. However, the loss of LaMichael James and ASU's far superior defense means that 14 points is way too many.
Predicted score:
Oregon 33
ASU 29
ARIZONA STATE +14
