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Kickoff is just a few hours away, Sun Devil Nation. Get ready.
As such, we give you our final game predictions for Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl battle between Arizona State and Navy.
Staff Prediction Overview
Brad | Cory | Ryan | Kerry | Nick | Tyler |
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Brad Denny: ASU wins 38-17
On paper, ASU has the advantage in every area. The Sun Devils have superior players at every position across the board, and Navy has shown over the past three years that they have struggled against BCS conference competition (just three wins over BCS schools). If ASU doesn't commit repeated self-inflicted mistakes in the former of turnovers and costly penalties, they should be able to cap the year with their eighth win. Game MVP: Brandon Magee
Cory Williams: ASU wins 42-13
It goes without saying that Arizona State is the more talented team. Discipline is always important, and Navy has that in spades. But the Devils are not afraid of discipline, especially since Todd Graham has come on board at ASU. Taylor Kelly's offense will need to methodically move the ball, as Navy is a team that thrives on time of possession. The ASU defense will wear down if it is forced to stay on the field too long, giving the Midshipmen a chance. But Will Sutton and the boys will be wrecking havoc on the interior of the Navy offense all day and will lead ASU to its first bowl win since 2005. Game MVP: D.J. Foster
Ryan Bafaloukos: ASU wins 34-17
I think coaching is the key to this game. How will the ASU defense handle the triple option? How good of a job has the coaching staff done preparing this team. Bowls games are about preparation and focus and usually the team with the better coaching staff wins. The fact is ASU will have the better athletes on the field in San Francisco so as long as they play their usual fundamentally sound football they will win this game by double digits. Game MVP: Taylor Kelly
Kerry Crowley: ASU wins 42-21
One of the greatest joys of bowl season is the opportunity to see rare match-ups such as the game between Arizona State and Navy. These teams have never shared the football field with one another, and the lack of familiarity increases the mutual senses of anticipation and excitement for the bowl game. Despite not having a common opponent, the Sun Devils can gauge the Midshipmen because of their famed triple option attack. Navy loves to run the football, and their style of play will take some getting used to from the Arizona State defense. Once Brandon Magee, Will Sutton and the rest of the gang settles in, expect the superior size and speed of Arizona State to take over. Offensively, the Sun Devils clicked against Washington State and Arizona and that should carry over against a Midshipmen defense that struggled against the likes of Troy and Penn State. The Midshipmen have won seven of their last eight, but their strength of schedule doesn't compare to that of the Sun Devils and that's why Arizona State will be prepared to execute and come out on top. Game MVP: Taylor Kelly
Nick Marek: ASU wins 38-20
Triple option Navy offense vs. up-tempo ASU offense will be an outstanding test for both defenses. Despite both teams being predominantly known for their rushing game, I think ASU's defense is better prepared to handle the Midshipmen. Navy will keep within striking distance in the first two quarters, but ASU will make second half adjustments on defense and will shut down their opponents attack. Will Sutton, Carl Bradford and Brandon Magee will dominate the defensive spotlight but it will take a full defensive team effort to win this bowl game and get the Sun Devils back on the map. The one thing that should concern ASU fans is that the Sun Devils have already allowed eight players to have over 100 rushing yards in a game. Fortunately, Taylor Kelly, Marion Grice, DJ Foster and Cameron Marshall are four weapons that can respond to the pressure. I am very confident that ASU will win its eighth game on Saturday and be crowned bowl champions. Oh yeah, this win will be even more special for Grice considering he just lost his brother. I am feeling an MVP kind of night from the junior transfer.. Game MVP: Marion Grice
Tyler Nickel: ASU wins 35-20
With the spread set at around 14.5 points, I have the Sun Devils winning by 15 and in glorious fashion. It would stand to reason that ASU defeats Navy by a solid margin given their recent victories over Washington State and Arizona. The Devils simply have the more powerful and speedy team, not to mention the outstanding coaching advantage they have with first year leader, Todd Graham. Graham has transformed this team into one that is hungry to win a bowl game after looking unmotivated against Boise State last year. Look for D.J. Foster to have a big day with the uncertainty surrounding Marion Grice after the shooting of his brother. . Game MVP: D.J. Foster