Perhaps, in a stroke of fate, we decided to start doing staff predictions at the same time that ASU decided to take an epic nosedive against mediocre competition. We are now 0-8 on predictions for the games against UCLA and Wazzu, proving that being a fan can blind you from the reality of your situation -- mainly, that the Sun Devils just aren't all that good.
Anyway, today is the biggest game of the season. A blackout against the hated Arizona Wildcats. Can the Devils right the ship and continue to contend for the Pac-12 South crown? God, I hope so. Here's the predictions:
Brad Denny: This game is critically important not only for keeping the Territorial Cup and bragging rights in Tempe, but also for any hope the Sun Devils have of winning the South division. Despite their 2-8 record, the Wildcats are a dangerous opponent for ASU. Nick Foles leads the 4th ranked passing attack against an ASU secondary that can't cover anyone. Thankfully, the Wildcat defense is just as bad, if not worse. In a shootout that tops 80+ points and 1,000 yards of total offense, Brock Osweiler's five touchdown passes lead the way in a 45-41 ASU win.
Nikil Selvam: Both teams will score often in the first quarter, totaling upwards of 30 combined points by the game's second period as ASU clings on to a 17-14 edge. Brock Osweiler will continue his strong play against the Wildcats from a year ago and the Sun Devils will feed Cameron Marshall the ball often enough for the junior to bounce back from last week's dismal 37-yard rushing performance with a 100-plus yard outing. The ASU defense will stop Nick Foles and the Wildcats offense often enough in the second half to create separation, and Osweiler will seal the deal with over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns (one to Gerell Robinson, one to Jamal Miles). Behind strong performances by both Osweiler and Marshall, the Sun Devils win the Duel of the Desert 45-38. MVP: Brock Osweiler.
More after the jump.
Matt Levine: After two horrible weeks, the Devils are back home to play the Wildcats? My confidence level is low and I'm extremely disappointed in the Devils performance of late. So what happens in todays game? The Devils can't stop Foles and the Cats passing game. I think Foles will throw for 450+ yards and 3 TDs. It could be a rude awakening for the Devils and the end of the Erickson era. Prediction U of A 42 ASU 28. (So far my predictions have all been wrong...FYI.)
Cory Williams: I'm proud of Matt for actually making an objective choice, selecting the dreadful Arizona Wildcats to beat ASU. But to be honest, I would never choose such a blasphemous final result. The Sun Devils, sick and tired of losing on the road, come home to a sold-out Sun Devil Stadium. Frank Kush Field is electric from the word go, and ASU busts out the bag of tricks with another Jamal Miles touchdown pass to Aaron Pflugrad. Arizona counters with a very strong effort, as Nick Foles throws for 328 yards and three touchdowns, but the running game of the Wildcats has trouble moving the chains and cannot keep the game close. In the end, Brock Osweiler leads the Sun Devils to the 2011 Territorial Cup victory, throwing three touchdown passes in a 31-24 final result. MVP: Mike Willie, who makes two big TD grabs.