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ASU vs. New Mexico: Betting lines examined, Sun Devils favored by 25

Arizona State heads to Albuquerque for a Saturday afternoon showdown with the Lobos.

By Cory Williams
Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

The Odds: Arizona State (-25), New Mexico (+25), Over/Under: 68.5

The Breakdown: Arizona State is looking to build on their efficient win against Weber State with a road contest against the New Mexico Lobos. UNM surprisingly lost a home game to UTEP last weekend, but don't take them lightly - New Mexico runs the triple option and can take advantage of a young team's defensive lapses. ASU's defense is a lot less experienced than the team that beat up on Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in 2012.

Arizona State's defense will have to learn how to play resilient football in an adverse environment. Any road game can be a minefield (see Arizona's near-loss to UTSA last night), but this game represents an opportunity to soundly win a game on the road and prepare for the tough schedule ahead.

Now, lets get to the analysis of the betting line.

All stats and odds are provided by OddsShark.

Terminology guide: ATS = against the spread. SU = straight up. OVER and UNDER refer to the total amount of points scored in the game compared to the line.

ARIZONA STATE

  • Arizona State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
  • Arizona State is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona State's last 7 games
  • Arizona State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
  • The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona State's last 6 games on the road
NEW MEXICO
  • New Mexico is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Mexico's last 12 games
  • New Mexico is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
  • New Mexico is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games at home
  • The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Mexico's last 6 games at home
ASU vs. UNM

The Sun Devils and Lobos have not played in 37 years, so any sort of analysis on the history between these two teams is a bit pointless. If you're interested, Connor did a great job breaking down the series history.

On a year-to-year basis, many things can change. Coaches are hired and fired, recruiting classes come in, and players improve through vigorous practice. Some things don't change, however, including tough conditions, weather, and the rigors of travel.

A game of football is a physical battle, but a road game can be a taxing mental experience for college athletes. They are away from campus, playing in front of a crowd that is cheering against them. While experience helps dull this blade, the Sun Devils have a young defense and many of their players will be playing their first-ever road game in college.

Does that mean the Sun Devils should be worried about a big upset? That seems a little unlikely. However, 25 points is a pretty large spread for a road team, even when the home team just lost to UTEP.

All that said, the Sun Devils are a top-25 program and will exert their will on the Lobos. I expect a big victory with room to spare. I'll take the over and ASU (-25).

Final score: ASU 52, New Mexico 17

Note: For entertainment purposes only.

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