Free Pick: Arizona State (5-1) at Utah (3-2) 10/16/21

This is a big game in the PAC-12 as Arizona State has emerged as the favorite in the South division. The last time the Sun Devils came to Utah, they lost at BYU and went back to Tempe with a loss. The Utes have lost two games and they have been somewhat of a disappointment. They have gone through some turmoil at quarterback but they seem to have it straightened out and are on a two-game winning streak. Let’s see how these two matchup.

QUARTERBACKS: Arizona State has a dual-threat quarterback in Jayden Daniel. He has completed 96 out of 137 passes for 1270 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is also a big threat to run and has 55 carries for 412 yards and 3 more touchdowns. Utah has settled on Cameron Rising who has completed 56 out of 85 passes for 625 yards and 7 touchdowns. Advantage: Arizona State

RUNNING BACKS: Rachaad White has been the leading rusher for the Sun Devils with 77 carries for 438 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Utes have two guys, (Micah Bernard and Tavion Thomas), have 84 carries for 541 yards and are a good one-two punch. Advantage: Neither

RECEIVERS: Arizona State has Ricky Piersall, Curtis Hodges, and Shelton Bunkley who have combined for 49 catches for 747 yards and 3 touchdowns. Utah has Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid have 32 catches for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns. Advantage: Arizona State

DEFENSE: The Sun Devils are holding teams to 297 total yards of offense which has been the strength of the team. Darien Butler and Kyle Soelle have 78 tackles between them. The defensive line has put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and have accumulated 21 sacks. Utah always plays good defense, especially at home, but they haven’t been as stingy as usual. Linebacker, Devin Lloyd has 53 tackles (9 for a loss) with 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. Advantage: Neither

Arizona State can take a major step in winning the Pac-12 South with a victory at Utah. It is always dangerous going into Salt Lake City for a night game and this one is no different. Utah has two losses, but both of them have been non-conference games, and they still have a good shot to win the division. This shapes up as a slugfest. Arizona State is a 1-point favorite.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Utah +1