No. 14 Arizona State (-3.5) @ Washington TV: ESPN 10:45 pm Saturday
Daniel: The Sun Devils have rebounded nicely after getting smashed by UCLA a few weeks ago, putting together back-to-back wins over USC and Stanford. Washington is in the midst of a tough four-game stretch of playing Stanford, Cal, Oregon and ASU. The Huskies are 1-2 in that run so far with a tight loss to Stanford, a win over Cal and a big loss to Oregon. I think ASU just has the better team here and there’s enough of a difference to overcome going on the road. Look for a big night from QB Taylor Kelly, who recently told reporters he’s back to 100% health. Winner: ASU 28-21
Houston: Tough road trip for the Sun Devils, but this team impresses me more and more each week. They got absolutely hammered against UCLA at home a month ago – on a short week – but have rebounded very nicely by winning their last two games against Southern California and Stanford. The weather looks like it will be a factor as Seattle is supposed to be hit with off-and-on rain all day Saturday, so I look to which team has the better rushing attack. Arizona State’s D.J. Foster is the real deal and I like him in this game should things get messy. I think Arizona State has the more complete offense right now, and if they get Taylor Kelly back healthy then I think they can grind this one out. Uglier game than most are expecting. Winner: ASU 27-20
Reed: This is another tough one to pick. Arizona State looks like they’ll get starting QB Taylor Kelly back from the foot injury that’s sidelined him the last few weeks. Washington may be without starting QB Cyler Miles after he exited their loss to Oregon with concussion-like symptoms. The Huskies are playing the wait and see game with Miles. If Miles can go and is close to 100%, the Huskies have a great shot at the upset. If not, I like Arizona State to put up more points than Washington can possibly score with a backup, or banged up, QB at the helm. Winner: Sun Devils 34-27
Mark: The Sun Devils are an inexplicable 62-27 home loss to UCLA from getting some serious attention as far as the college football playoff is concerned. But the schedule offers opportunities for them to get back in the race, with matchups against Notre Dame, Arizona and maybe the Pac-12 Championship Game there to bolster the resume.
The Sun Devils are on the road and will need to contend with a very good Huskies defensive front. Washington is third in the nation with 27 sacks thus far in 2014.
Wait, why is Arizona State coach Todd Graham updating his LinkedIn page and asking Florida AD Jeremy Foley to connect with him? Seriously, do a google search on this guy. He and Lane Kiffin should get a timeshare together. Winner: Arizona State 35-28.
