ASU vs. Washington State: Staff Game Predictions

Kickoff is just a few hours away, Sun Devil Nation. Get ready.

As such, we give you our final game predictions for this crucial Pac-12 battle between Arizona State and Washington State.

Staff Prediction Overview

Brad	Cory	Ben	Nick	Kerry	Ryan	Cody

Brad Denny: ASU wins 38-17

It's hard to imagine a better tonic for what ails the Sun Devils than this home date against a Washington State team that is in the midst of off-field turmoil. While there remains a possibility of ASU getting caught in a trap game situation with a lowly opponent and the Duel in the Desert looming next week, the Sun Devils should be able to dominate this game defensively against a porous offensive line. On the other side, the offense figures to make plenty of plays against a weak secondary, and while this won't be a blowout, it should serve as a comfortable ASU win. Game MVP: Carl Bradford

Ryan Bafalouskos: ASU wins 45-30

OK, so I know I am alone here but I think Washington State is a dangerous game for ASU. The Cougars lead the Pac-12 and are sixth nationally in passing offense. So I am going to say the Cougars will score on the ASU defense that has been much maligned the past few weeks. That being said, it is senior day. And players like Cameron Marshall and Brandon Magee will not let this team lose on senior day. I think the ASU offense will bounce back in this game and light up the scoreboard. Game MVP: Cameron Marshall

Cory Williams: ASU wins 37-17

Ryan definitely isn't alone. We got beaten down badly by the Cougars last season, and Mike Leach is building himself a program that will be a challenge within a few years. ASU has to win this game or else we might miss bowl season, sadly. Fortunately, Taylor Kelly will revive his powers and the return of Andrew Sampson will shore up an offensive line that has been, well, offensive since his injury. Game MVP: D.J. Foster

Kerry Crowley: ASU wins 38-24

For the first time in their last five games, the Sun Devils play an unranked opponent. Let the cheers of joy be heard throughout Tempe as the Washington State Cougars come to town. After four consecutive deflating losses, the Sun Devils have their best chance to get bowl eligible so far. Despite the struggles and scandal surrounding the program, Washington State put up an admirable fight against UCLA last week that showed the progress Mike Leach has made in Pullman. The Cougars pass the ball with the best of them, but there's a good reason they have not won a Pac-12 game this year. In the end, Washington State has too many weaknesses to compete for a full 60 minutes. Will Sutton should feast on their patchwork offensive line, Taylor Kelly should shred their porous secondary, and the Arizona State seniors should finish their home slate with pride. Earlier this season, Mike Leach referred to his seniors as "empty corpse quality." On Senior Day at Arizona State, expect Todd Graham to let his bunch shine and lead the Sun Devils to a victory. Game MVP: Cameron Marshall

Nick Marek: ASU wins 45-20

Finally, the Sun Devils have a walk-in-the-park game in front of their home crowd on Senior day. This should be the easiest conference game for ASU against a 2-8 Washington State team. The Cougars allowed 44 and 49 points in their last two games and it should be no different this weekend from a Sun Devil team that is looking to get back on the scoreboard. Taylor Kelly and the three star backs should all have bounce back games against a weak opponent and this game will give ASU bowl eligibility. Despite the slight controversy on whether or not Kelly should be the starting quarterback, Kelly has already thrown for more than 2,300 yards as a sophomore in coach Todd Graham's new system. The Sun Devils cannot be pleased with their 0-4 skid so expect them to come out blazing in Tempe for one last time this season. My prediction is that a majority of the student section will probably leave at halftime due to boredom. Welcome back high-octane offense. Game MVP: Taylor Kelly

Ben Haber: ASU wins 38-17

After four straight losses ASU has a great opportunity to bounce back against Mike Leach's awful Washington State team. I believe this Sun Devil team is going to destroy the Cougars. Todd Graham's pedestrian 5-5 record doesn't accurately reflect the overall improvements ASU football has made. On the contrary, Washington State is 2-8 and riding a 7 game skid. This conference clash means both squads have similar opponents, yet drastically different outcomes. Let's apply the transitive property here, ASU defeated Utah 37-7 while Washington State lost 49-6 to Utah. The qb issues in Tempe seem minuscule compared to the problems in Pullman. In addition, it's senior day and the Devils are sick of losing. ASU will take out their recent woes against WASU. Expect Taylor Kelly to get back on track and prove why the entire HoS staff wants him starting. Game MVP: Taylor Kelly

Cody Ulm: ASU wins 41-24

If anything, I think the Washington State upset of last year might help. With it being Senior Day and all, those gentlemen playing in their last home game will have the added motivation of seeking revenge for what was the most painful loss of 2011 in my opinion. The Cougars aren't very good at stopping the run (162.4 yards allowed per game) or moving the ball on the ground themselves (32.9 YPG) which plays right into the Sun Devils' hands. Mike Leach's Air Raid can be a bit scary at times and I believe they will get their fair share of points but ASU's pass rush will allow them to earn some takeaways. And with those extra possessions, the Devils shouldn't have a difficult time breaking the 40-point barrier. Washington State at home is exactly the pick-me-up the doctors ordered which will allow them to recapture some much needed confidence before next Friday's Territorial Cup showdown. Game MVP: Marion Grice