BYU Football: Score prediction for Arizona State vs BYU
By Adam Gibby
Other Areas
In this section, we will look at other areas of the game that will either favor BYU or Arizona State in this matchup.
Distractions: Arizona State is not distracted in this game. They are 2-0, hungry and have nothing to celebrate to this point. They are still in the same conference, and aren’t on an emotional high. This may lead to some quick points early for the Sun Devils.
Atmosphere: Arizona State hasn’t played in front of a true hostile environment since October 19, 2019 when they faced Utah in Salt Lake City. Provo is going to be loud and roaring again this week and it will be tough for ASU to grab and carry the momentum in this game as any big play by BYU will become an all out party in Provo.
Weather: Average temperature and elevation in Arizona State this time of year is about 100 F and is only about 1,100 feet above sea level. On Saturday night at kickoff, the weather forecast says it will be around 60F at Provo’s 4500 feet (5000?) above sea level. While 60F certainly is not cold, it is cooler than what ASU is used to. As someone who lived in Mexico for two years without air conditioning, I remember clearly coming home and freezing in a 72F home. Could the elevation and cooler weather play a role? Maybe, maybe not, but if does, it favors BYU.
Special Teams: BYU to this point in the season has had really special, special teams. Ryan Rhekow has bombed every punt he has kicked and Jake Oldroyd continues to be consistent and reliable from anywhere on the right side of the Y logo. For Arizona State, they are really struggling having gone with two field goal kickers already who are a combined seven for ten on extra points. Their punter Eddie Czaplicki is averaging 37 yards per punt. It’s early, but huge advantage goes to BYU here.