BYU Football: How BYU can go undefeated in 2021
By Adam Gibby
Arizona State
This game is the biggest question mark on the schedule for BYU Football. If the Sun Devils are unfazed somehow form all of the NCAA violation and investigations, Arizona State could be BYU’s toughest game of the year, especially since BYU will be coming off an emotional week after playing Utah.
In all likelihood the team will be affected by this and may have players either opt out to save eligibility or be unmotivated if the NCAA gives a bowl ban or another consequence that will directly affect the current players.
For this preview, I will assume that the players will be negatively affected.
Arizona State should still be a high scoring offense. In 2020 the Sun Devils averaged 40 points per game including a 70-7 beatdown in the season finale against Arizona. ASU was a run first team that could be tough for BYU’s defensive front to handle, but if the Cougars can keep ASU in 3rd and 5 or longer situations, the Cougars should be able to get off the field since the secondary should outmatch the receivers from Arizona State.
There aren’t any big departures from the Arizona State defense, but they weren’t stellar in 2020 giving up 24 points per game. Again, if BYU has a good offense, which they should, the Cougars should score more than 30 in this game.