We here at House of Sparky are opinionated folk. When things go badly (like they have been for the past few years) this space becomes a "dear journal" where I express my sorrow. When things go well, it's like Mardi Gras, only with more beads.
Starting this week, we're going to do a weekly predictions thread where the writers will put their money where their mouth is. Nikil, Brad, Matt and I will all project the big plays, the final score, and the MVP of the game.
You're more than welcome to play along too. We will start coming up with prizes, accolades, free internets, whatever it is that the community wants.
Without further ado, here's the prognostications from the staff for the November 2 game between the Arizona St. Sun Devils and the UCLA Bruins:
Brad Denny: Road games, once ASU's biggest nemesis, now seem to be within their wheelhouse. Brock Osweiler should have plenty of time in the face of an anemic UCLA pass rush to pick apart their suspect secondary. If the ASU defense can limit the Bruin rushing attack and force the game onto UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince, the Sun Devils will win big in Pasadena. Score: ASU 34-17, MVP: Brock Osweiler.
Nikil Selvam: ASU has a chance to just about lock up the Pac-12 South with a win against the Bruins, and I expect them to come out sharp. Cameron Marshall will be explosive early, opening up routes for the wide receivers and letting the potent ASU offense flow. The Sun Devils will jump out to an early 7-0 lead behind Marshall and continue to score behind the arm of Brock Osweiler. ASU's inconsistency on the road will allow UCLA to score points and stay in the game, but in the end the ASU offense will pull away by moving the chains and putting up too many points. Osweiler ends the game as MVP with 250 passing yards and three touchdowns. Final: 38-28.
For the rest of the predictions, keep on reading.
Matt Levine: It's going to be a typical ASU road game. ASU will start out slow and get down early by 2 TD's. They'll climb back, riding Marshall for 3 TD's. A last 2nd stand by the D, solidifies win #7 for the Devils. ASU wins it 34-27. Cameron Marshall is the MVP.
Cory Williams: I've been to two of the last three games we've played at the Rose Bowl, and they haven't been pretty. We lost in 2005 and we looked horrible in 2009 when Samson Szakacsy was our starting quarterback. With that said, 2011 is a different year. We have a good quarterback and a potent offense. Gone are the days of Rich Olson, and Noel Mazzone has this team moving in the right direction. I expect the Devils to come out strong and squash UCLA early. ASU scores 17 before the Bruins make a field goal, and the game is never particularly close. Brock Osweiler is the MVP with 320 yards passing and three touchdown passes. Final: 42-24.
There you have it: all four of us think the Sun Devils will win, scoring between 34-42 points while holding UCLA between 17-28 points. Will we be right? Who knows. Go Devils!