No. 21 Arizona State will host No. 14 BYU this Saturday in a crucial matchup for Week 13 of the college football season. Both teams are vying for a spot in next month’s Big 12 title game, making this encounter highly significant. Historically, Arizona State holds an advantage in the all-time series, leading 20-8.
BYU enters the contest following a narrow 17-13 defeat against Kansas at home, which dropped their Big 12 record to 6-1 and resulted in an eight-position decline in the College Football Playoff Rankings. Nevertheless, the Cougars maintain a viable route to the conference championship and could secure a title game berth with a win against Arizona State, provided Iowa State also loses to Utah.
On the other hand, Arizona State is enjoying a breakthrough season. After achieving a 24-14 victory over Kansas State, the Sun Devils have claimed five wins in their last six matchups. Tied for third in the Big 12, ASU would ensure their spot in the title game with victories against both BYU and Arizona in the following week. Current odds indicate BYU as +310 to win the conference, while ASU stands at +350.
Fans can catch the action live on Saturday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m. ET from Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, showcased on ESPN and available to stream on fubo.
The stakes are high as the Big 12 title picture reshapes following BYU’s recent loss, allowing for multiple teams to remain in contention. If BYU and Colorado win their remaining two games, they will face each other in the championship. Arizona State’s path to the title is equally clear: winning their last two games will secure their spot unless Colorado and Iowa State also win out while BYU stumbles against Houston.
Defensively, BYU stands out with a strong performance this season, recording 17 interceptions—tying for the most in the FBS. Their defense allows just 19.5 points per game, ranked 23rd nationally, and will face a significant test against ASU’s star running back Cameron Skattebo, who averages an impressive 169.1 scrimmage yards.
Under the leadership of Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State has transformed from a struggling team that finished 3-9 last season to a contender for the Big 12 title, marking an impressive turnaround in such a short time. Should they clinch the conference title and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, Dillingham would certainly be in contention for national coach of the year honors.
In terms of predictions, Arizona State appears to be in excellent form, while BYU has relied on late-game heroics to maintain its place in the playoff race. As they head into this pivotal game, it represents one of the most important home matches for Arizona State in the last decade. The Sun Devils, favored by three points, are predicted to come out on top with standout performances from Skattebo.
This matchup not only showcases two competitive teams but also reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where underdog stories like Arizona State’s are becoming increasingly common. Regardless of the game’s outcome, the progress both teams have made this season bodes well for the future of their programs.
In summary, this weekend’s game between Arizona State and BYU is not just a battle for conference supremacy but a testament to resilience and potential in college football.