ASU Football vs. Utah: Staff Predictions

Brad Denny: ASU wins 17-14

Given how things have unfolded around the conference over the first quarter of the season, especially in the South division, this game holds great significance for each team. Not surprisingly, these two new rivals have several similarities. Both will be bringing fierce, aggressive defenses to the game, each offense is built around the run, and both ASU and Utah have had their issues on special teams of late. This should be a hard fought, evenly contested defensive battle, with yards and points at a premium. Given how ASU responded under duress a week ago, the attitude they have adopted under Graham and the home-field advantage, things are lining up well for a close Sun Devil victory. Game MVP: Chris Young

Ben Haber: ASU wins 27-17

ASU looks to get back on track against Utah after suffering a tough road defeat in Missouri. The Sun Devils have a couple key advantages: playing at home and facing Jon Hays (backup QB). Utah's solid defense will keep them alive and provide a difficult challenge for ASU's offense. However, the Utes offense is very mediocre, especially in the red zone. ASU's defense should have a field day, forcing turnovers/three and outs consistently. I believe Taylor Kelly fixes the turnover problems from a week ago. This game should be close, but could be a blowout if ASU plays like the first two weeks. Game MVP: D.J. Foster.

Ryan Bafaloukos: ASU wins 27-24

This is a huge game for Arizona State as we will see where the Sun Devils sit in the Pac-12 South after tonight's game. Against another backup quarterback the defense should make a major impact on this game. Expect the ASU defense to play fast, pressure the quarterback and force at least two turnovers. The ASU offense needs to get back to running the football and getting the ball in the hands of their playmakers. I'm calling for a breakout game from Cameron Marshall, and expect the senior to lead the Sun Devils to a narrow victory over the Utes. Game MVP: Cameron Marshall

Cory Williams: ASU wins 34-20

I am optimistic that the errors in the Missouri game were a culmination of a rowdy, hostile stadium, a young team, and a slow start on offense. Todd Graham will learn not to mess with a good thing under center and will leave Taylor Kelly in the game during successful, sustained drives. The home crowd and the heat will provide a lot of cover for the Devils, who will pull away in the fourth quarter to win by two scores. Utah can make this interesting, but ASU will show up big in their Pac-12 opener. Game MVP: D.J. Foster

Cody Ulm: ASU wins 31-20

Before the season began, I saw this game being when the wheels began to fall off after the Devils started 3-0. But with ASU already getting their letdown out of the way last week and Utah coming off a huge emotional win, I think this could be a bit of a one sided affair. John White will get his but Jon Hays is going to be asked to do too much and not step up to the challenge. I'm seeing at least five sacks on the day with at least three turnovers to go along with it. There aren't going to be many big plays to be found for Arizona State's running backs but I see D.J. Foster and Kelly building off their strong performances last week and making some plays in space. This offense will improvise and improvise successfully. Game MVP: Carl Bradford