Game To Watch: #19 Arizona State at #23 BYU: September 18, 2021

Arizona State visits BYU for a clash of top 25 teams on Saturday at 10:15 EST. The Sun Devils have won both of their games comfortably, but have not played any tough opponents yet. The Cougars have won back to back games against Pac 12 teams to start the season. Arizona State will look to break that streak as both teams vie for a 3 – 0 start.

Recent History

Arizona State has won 20 of 27 meeting between the two teams. BYU does however hold a two game win streak in the series. The two teams have not played one another since 1998.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Can Jaren Hall Continue His Strong Play?

BYU is replacing Zach Wilson at quarterback. He had a historic season in 2020, leading the Cougars to an 11 – 1 record and leaving big shoes to fill at quarterback. So far this season, Jaren Hall has done an excellent job of stepping in for Wilson and leading the team. Hall has been smart as a passer, completing 62% of his passes and throwing 5 touchdowns without an interception. He is also a dangerous runner, averaging 64 yards per game and 9.9 yards per carry. The Sun Devils present a tough challenge for Hall in game three. Arizona State has not played an opponent that can challenge their defense yet, but has suffocated opposing offenses. The Sun Devils have held opponents to 4.3 yards per pass attempt, they have not allowed a touchdown pass and have intercepted three passes. Against the run, Arizona State is only giving up 2.9 yards per carry which keeps the opposing offense off schedule. The stingy defense will attempt to slow down Hall who has gotten off to a fast start for BYU.

BYU’s Offensive Line Against Arizona State’s Defensive Front

BYU also replaced quality talent from their offensive line, but their new look line has performed well against two Pac 12 opponents this year. The unit lost Brady Christensen who was one of the best tackles in college football, but has continued it’s stellar play. The Cougars have only allowed one sack and have paved the way for a rushing attack that averages 196 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry. They will take on an Arizona State defensive front that lost one of their key contributors to injury but has still performed well early in the season. Defensive Lineman, Jermayne Lole is one of the best players in the country, but was lost to an arm injury during fall camp. The Sun Devils still have a talented front that features DJ Davidson and Tyler Johnson. Arizona State has done a good job of pressuring the quarterback, recording seven sacks in two games and are equally disruptive against the run. BYU will look to continue their strong play up front, but will be challenged by a disruptive defensive line for Arizona State.

Is Jayden Daniels Due for a Big Game?

Jayden Daniels is one of the best quarterbacks in college football. That said, because of a covid shortened 2020 and easy opponents the first two weeks of 2021, it’s been a long time since we have seen Daniels dominate a game. In 2019, he had a huge game for Arizona State when they took down Oregon 31-28. Daniels passed for over 400 yards with 3 touchdowns that game. Since then Daniels has not reached 250 passing yards in a game or thrown more than two touchdowns in a game. Against a BYU team that has been on a roll against Pac 12 teams this year it may be time for Daniels to turn in another star performance. The Cougars pass defense struggled against Arizona, but did a good job bouncing back against Charlie Brewer and Utah last week. They held the Utes to 5.7 yards per pass attempt and under 150 passing yards for the game. For BYU to win this game they will have to keep Daniels in check, but he is due to turn in a big game for Arizona State.

Prediction

BYU has beaten two straight Pac 12 teams, but will get a tougher test on Saturday. The Sun Devils defense will make the Cougars earn their yardage and force them to settle for a few field goals instead of touchdowns. Jaren Hall and Tyler Allgeier are going to make some big plays but the Sun Devils are well equipped to keep them from dominating the game. Arizona State has a balanced offense, but this week will be Jayden Daniels time to shine and he will deliver with a big game to pull out the win. Arizona State 28 BYU 23.

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Jayden Daniels.jpg Image taken by Steve Cheng, Bruin Report Online is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.