Arizona State Football

Arizona State ended last season on a 4-1 run on the totals, while Texas A&M played three over results for bettors in its last four games to close last season. So the defenses better be ready when the Sun Devils and Aggies meet for the first time ever on a supposedly neutral field in Houston on Saturday night.

Point spread: Aggies opened as three-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (see line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 31.1-22.8 Sun Devils

Why the Arizona State Sun Devils can cover the spread

Arizona State gets back 16 starters this season from a team that nearly won a second-straight Pac-12 South title last year. The Sun Devils return seven starters on offense, including three along the offensive line, and a senior at quarterback in Mike Bercovici, who's not exactly a newbie after throwing nearly 200 passes last season. Nine starters are also back on defense, including five of last year's top six tacklers.

Head coach Todd Graham has a good thing going in Tempe, and a victory over a quality opponent would certainly help in the grand scheme of things for this season.

Why the Texas A&M Aggies can cover the spread

Texas A&M also returns 16 starters this season, the most it's had in its four seasons under head coach Kevin Sumlin. Eight starters are back on offense, including quarterback Kyle Allen, last year's leading rusher Tra Carson and three along the offensive line. Also, eight starters return on defense, including the entire front line and three-quarters of the secondary.

The Aggies struggled through the second half of last season, with some turbulence at the quarterback position, but did manage to pull off a minor upset over West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl to finish 8-5. This year A&M looks ready to roll right from the start.

Smart pick

Texas A&M figures to own a home-crowd advantage for this game, playing just an hour-and-a-half drive from College Station, but the oddsmakers might have the wrong team favored in this game. ASU went 10-3 last year with just eight returning starters; this year it has double that figure. The Sun Devils might just win this game outright.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in eight of Arizona State's last 12 games on the road.

Texas A&M is 2-7 ATS in its last nine games.

Arizona State is 0-4 SU in its last four games vs. the SEC.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.

Big things were going to be expected of wide receiver Cameron Smith in his junior season after a strong sophomore campaign. However, a knee injury is going to cost Smith that opportunity.      

Continue for updates.

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Smith Out for 2015 Season

Tuesday, March 17

Arizona State received tough news on Tuesday, as wide receiver Cameron Smith is going to be out for the season due to injury. 

Doug Haller of AZCentral.com had the report:

ASU receiver Cameron Smith had knee surgery. Out for the season. Big blow

— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) March 17, 2015

Smith was a solid contributor in his sophomore campaign, catching 41 passes for 596 yards and six scores. With leading receiver Jaelen Strong heading to the NFL, Smith was likely going to take over as the team's top receiving option along with running back D.J. Foster, who caught 62 passes for 688 receiving yards and three touchdowns.  

Now, the Sun Devils will need other players to step up in Smith's stead.   

While Smith will be missing his junior season, the hope will be that he can return at 100 percent in his senior season and continue to progress as he did in his first two seasons. While it was always unlikely he could have replicated Strong's production this year, he certainly would have been a reliable target for the team. 

Unfortunately, that won't be the case due to his injury.

Although national signing day is less than a month away, Arizona State football's most impactful recruit might already be on campus. 

Todd Graham and the Sun Devils have compiled an impressive class, one that ranks 21st in Rivals' rankings, 20th in 247Sports' and 24th in ESPN's. Residing in ASU's class of 2015 are some milestones for the program, especially in the Todd Graham era.

First, as the fourth class under Graham, it's the first time his recruits will fully mesh with players who were all recruited by the current coaching staff. Secondly, it's the first class since Graham arrived that isn't heavily leaning on junior-college recruits.

In 2012, eight of the 23 players (34.8 percent) ASU signed were from either junior or community colleges. In 2013, 10 of 25 recruits (40 percent) were from those schools, and in 2014, six of 28 (21.4 percent) were also.

For 2015, just two of the Sun Devils' 19 commitments (per Rivals) are not high school recruits, equaling 10.5 percent of the class.

One of them, though, will prove imperative to ASU's success in 2015: Davon Durant.

The 4-star linebacker has a chance to have the same kind of impact of another Graham JUCO transfer, wide receiver Jaelen Strong. Two seasons and 157 receptions later, Strong entered the NFL draft prior to ASU's Sun Bowl win over Duke.

Strong came in and immediately filled one of the biggest needs on the team. Durant will do the same—but on the other side of the ball.

The staple of Graham's defense is the Devilbacker, a hybrid defensive end/linebacker. Last season, there wasn't a natural fit for the position, and it showed.

The first five games of the season, the Sun Devils allowed more than 450 yards per game. Graham shook up the defense after its win at USC, which put less emphasis on the position and played to the team's strengths.

It was partially successful, leading to a four-game winning streak and a three-game streak of allowing fewer than 17 points in any game. However, it's not a long-term fix.

Toward the tail end of the season, the defense from the start of the season reared its ugly head again. The Sun Devils didn't allowed fewer than 31 points in their final five games.

This shouldn't be the story in 2015, though, especially if Durant comes in and makes the immediate impact he's expected to. He won't be without competition. It's also far from a guarantee that Durant sticks at Devilbacker. 

Just last season, Graham switched up the Devil a handful of times. First, it was Antonio Longino, then Edmond Boateng, all while De'Marieya Nelson was in the mix there, as well as his traditional tight end position.

All the way back in spring practice last year, the favorite for the starting slot was Chans Cox, a heralded linebacker recruit expected to make an immediate impact. Sound familiar?

Don't expect Durant to go the way of Cox, who ended the season working with ASU's practice squad. He was a recruit straight out of high school, while Durant is coming in as a more polished redshirt junior.

While the Sun Devils cupboard was bare of Devilbackers last season, that shouldn't be the case in 2015.

Fellow 2015 commitment Jaason Lewis starred on both sides of the ball in high school as a running back and linebacker. With the embarrassment of riches ASU has in the backfield, Lewis projects as a linebacker in college and has a prototypical build for a Devilbacker.

Lewis could give Durant a run for his money, and so could plenty of others, although it likely won't be the previous Devilbacker candidates, Longino and Boateng. Both return next season, but Longino has cemented himself at weak-side linebacker, and Boateng hardly saw the field by the end of the season.

Even if Durant doesn't stick at Devilbacker, there's no reason to believe he won't find a fit on the defense somewhere. He's just too talented.

The only people who shouldn't be excited about Durant's arrival in Tempe are the rest of the Pac-12 (and Texas A&M, which plays ASU in the season opener on Sept. 5 in Houston).

Evan Webeck is a junior at Arizona State University, studying journalism at the Walter Cronkite School. He's interned at Sports Illustrated and covered ASU football. Follow him on Twitter or email him at ewebeck@asu.edu.

They're almost there.

With Saturday's 36-31 win over the Duke Blue Devils in the Sun Bowl, the Arizona State Sun Devils are one step closer to being among the elite in college football.

And it's all thanks to Todd Graham.

Graham took over a program that went 6-7 in 2011, which included a five-game losing streak to end the season, and has turned it into one of the Pac-12's most dangerous teams.

With a 28-12 record, Graham now has the second-highest winning percentage (.700) in school history of any coach with at least three years at ASU. He trails only Dan Devine—Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger's senior-year head coach at Notre Dame—who won 27 games and lost just three in three seasons.

And with that, @CoachGrahamASU has won more games in his first three years than any head coach in ASU history.

— Joe Healey (@JoeHealey42) December 27, 2014

Expect the trend to keep heading upward.

Arizona State's 2015 recruiting class ranks 22nd in the nation, according to 247Sports. Its 2014 class ranked 23rd, while the 2013 class (Graham's first) was ranked just 39th.

Clearly, the respect for the Sun Devils program is on the rise, and the proof is in the pudding. Graham is pulling down bigger and better recruits who should keep Arizona State's success at a sustainable level.

Todd Graham "The only way this team was going to finish was the way Pat Tillman finished... Holding up that trophy." pic.twitter.com/dqbbCUc534

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) December 27, 2014

On Saturday, the program's future was on full display as freshman running back Demario Richard accounted for all four touchdowns against Duke, rushing for two and catching two more.

The biggest question mark for Arizona State will be how it replaces senior gunslinger Taylor Kelly.

But the Sun Devils already found that answer earlier this season: Mike Bercovici, who famously connected with Jaelen Strong on the Hail Mary that beat USC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBlv56P7Tas

Bercovici is no one-hit wonder, though. He completed nearly 62 percent of his 186 pass attempts, threw for 12 touchdowns and only had four interceptions this year despite not being considered the bona fide starter.

His best performance was without a doubt the USC contest, where he racked up five touchdowns and 510 yards through the air—with no picks.

Had Arizona State not fallen into the trap against Oregon State, or had its late rally against Arizona come to fruition, the Sun Devils might have won their second straight Pac-12 South title and could have played spoiler to the Oregon Ducks.

For now, the Sun Devils will settle for a Sun Bowl victory. 

But they'll also take that bowl win knowing they're on the cusp of greatness. With several teams in the Pac-12 facing severe question marks in 2015 (Oregon without Marcus Mariota, UCLA without Brett Hundley, etc.), ASU could become the toast of the West next year. 

The latest decision from coveted recruit Davon Durant is in. The talented inside linebacker chose Arizona State, providing a major boost to the Sun Devils' 2015 class.

Doug Haller of AZCentral.com confirmed the school choice:

Davon Durant, considered the top junior-college linebacker in the country, on Tuesday signed with Arizona State, a key boost to the Sun Devils' 2015 recruiting class.

Durant (6-2, 240 pounds) had committed to ASU in October, but recently considered Oregon and Mississippi. He brings impressive credentials.

It's been a whirlwind process for the junior college star. He originally committed to South Carolina before switching his allegiance to Arizona State. The recruitment continued, however, with Oregon and Ole Miss among the programs that jumped into the heated race.

He told Andrew Nemec of The Oregonian earlier in the month that his parents' input was going to play a major role in the final decision.

"I'm still deciding. I'm waiting to hear back from my parents and see what they think about stuff," Durant said. "Once the (Oregon) coaches get out to meet my parents, I'll know for sure. Right now, I'd have to say I'm leaning toward Arizona State. They've already met my parents."

Durant is a 4-star prospect who rates inside the top 10 among junior college prospects, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He also checks in as the best inside linebacker coming out of the JUCO ranks for the 2015 class.

He played in five games for Butler Community College in Kansas this season. The sophomore racked up 46 total tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.

The experience he gained at that level should allow him to make a smooth transition. As a result, he figures to make a quick impact following the jump. He's definitely got the skill set necessary to become an impact defender.

Durant has good size (6'2'', 240 pounds) and has excelled in run defense. He attacks the line aggressively, shedding blockers with ease. And while he's not the best overall athlete in the class, he features enough short-area quickness to fill the key role in the middle of the defense.

The one area where he'll be tested is when he's called on in coverage. Athletic tight ends who can stretch the field vertically could give him problems. Aside from that, he's filled the numerous role of an inside linebacker very well.

Greg Powers of Scout notes he's also showed some promised coming off the edge:

Durant is a player who currently spends most of his time on the edge of the defense, shutting down his half of the field. He has a scary size/speed combination and will chase plays and run down ball carriers from one side of the field to the other. He is big and physical and makes sound tackles. Coming off the edge he asserts an abundance of pressure on the opposing offense. Instant impact LB.

It's a situation where the defensive coaching staff could move him around the defense to create matchup advantages. He'll likely spend most of his time on the inside. That's where he was able to set himself apart as a top recruit for 2015.

Durant should have little trouble making a swift impact next fall. His ranking and the widespread interest illustrate his talent. Now he just needs to prove it on the field.

Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong has opted to leave Phoenix early to take his talents to the pros in declaring for the 2015 NFL draft on Monday.  

The Sun Devils announced the news, via Bryan Fischer of NFL.com:

ASU announces Jaelen Strong will forgo his senior season and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) December 22, 2014

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report weighed in on Strong's draft stock:

Late RD1 player currently RT @BruceFeldmanCFB: #ASU star WR Jaelen Strong will skip his SR season & instead enter the NFL Draft.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) December 22, 2014

Strong will be joining another deep crop of receivers on the heels of a prior class that featured the likes of Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans and Odell Beckham Jr., among others. The Sun Devils star should be among the most sought-after prospects at his position.

At 6'3" and 215 pounds, Strong has the size to deliver at the NFL level right away as a weapon on the outside. His tremendous ball skills resulted in one of the best highlight-reel catches of the college football season in a big win over Notre Dame:

Rising to the occasion to such a degree in a high-profile game suggests Strong is ready for the professional spotlight. Posting back-to-back seasons of 70-plus receptions, 1,000 yards and at least seven touchdowns in the difficult Pac-12 conference shows that Strong has the chops to make the NFL leap, too.

There is reason to believe that Strong will be a first-round pick, so it's hardly a surprise he chose to forgo his final year at Arizona State. Senior Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly will no longer be in the fold in 2015, which had to have an impact on Strong's decision when he weighed all the factors.

With the number of underclassmen declaring for the draft likely to emulate last year's record number, there is a good chance high-quality but not elite prospects like Strong could fall to better teams. Depending on the situation he lands in, Strong could find himself as a big rookie contributor for a playoff contender.

Here's what Arizona State could be without in 2015: its starting quarterback, leading receiver, leading rusher, leading tackler and sack leader. 

Still, because of the experience on the roster, the Sun Devils could surprise everyone and win the Pac-12. Think it's impossible? Who saw Arizona as this season's Pac-12 South champions with a starting 22 full of freshmen and sophomores?

College football is good for at least one or two teams to come out of nowhere in any given season. Arizona State has developed a strong reputation under head coach Todd Graham, but Arizona and USC should be strong candidates to be preseason Pac-12 South favorites. 

That leaves the Sun Devils with a lot to prove. Here's how they get it done. 

Offense: Replacing Offensive Weapons is Key

Making assumptions is dangerous. With that in mind, let's make one anyway. 

Wide receiver Jaelen Strong and running back D.J. Foster haven't officially declared for the NFL yet. As Doug Haller of azcentral.com reports, however, both have submitted feedback on their prospects:

A small group of ASU players – including Strong – have requested feedback from the NFL Draft advisory board. They have not yet heard back. Players have until Jan. 15 to apply for the draft. The NFL is scheduled to release the official list of underclassmen Jan. 19.

For what it's worth, B/R's Matt Miller listed Strong as the No. 6 receiver in this year's draft, but he does not have Foster ranked among top running backs. To have one or both of those players return for one more year would obviously be a huge boost for Arizona State.

In the event that doesn't happen, though, the Sun Devils should still be in good shape at the skill positions. 

Arizona State would lose two things from Strong: production (75 catches, 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns) and the ability to make highlight-reel catches. The receiving group can pick up where it left off in at least one of those categories.

Cameron Smith, Gary Chambers, Ellis Jefferson and tight end Kody Kohl combined to catch 74 passes and 14 touchdowns. With the exception of Chambers, that group is made up of freshmen and sophomores. 

Potentially replacing Foster could be its own challenge because of the versatility he brought to the offense as a running back and receiver out of the backfield. As a freshman, though, Demario Richard was second on the team with 437 yards and rushed for two touchdowns. Graham told Tyler Lockman of Fox Sports Arizona that he's been impressed with Richard's ability to perform in crucial situations: 

It's hard for a young man that's 17 or 18 years old to come in here and do that. I'm really proud of his mental maturity and his toughness. That's the thing that has really impressed me -- his durability and toughness. We knew he was a great back, and he's really done well.

Interestingly, perhaps the position of least concern is quarterback. Taylor Kelly will depart, but junior Mike Bercovici played well in three starts this season while Kelly nursed a foot injury. Bercovici doesn't bring the same mobility to the quarterback spot that Kelly does, but he can sling the ball. According to his ASU profile, Bercovici's 488 passing yards against UCLA were the most by a Sun Devil quarterback making his first career start. 

Bercovici will be protected by an offensive line that should return most of its two-deep, minus its two tackles, Jamil Douglas and Tyler Sulka. The Sun Devils finished 11th in the Pac-12 with 3.08 sacks allowed per game, but they still won nine games. Barring injuries, this unit can't get much worse. 

The Sun Devils could have as many as six key contributors on offense depart, but turnover doesn't mean lack of experience. This is when Graham's recruiting efforts should mean little-to-no drop-off. 

Defense: Experience Must Pay Off

Whereas Arizona State's offense will have to reload, the Sun Devils defense has already gone through that transition. The knock on Arizona State heading into the 2014 season was the massive turnover on that side of the ball. Nine starters were gone, including Pac-12 defensive player of the year Will Sutton. 

The results ended up being better than expected, however. Though the numbers in major categories (points per game allowed, passing defense, etc.) were pedestrian, the Sun Devils ranked near the top of the Pac-12 in sacks per game (3.25) and tackles for loss per game (8.08). 

That aggressiveness was well-documented by Dan Wolken of USA Today in November: 

Two weeks ago in a victory against Utah, Arizona State blitzed on 68 of 78 defensive plays, often sending multiple linebackers or defensive backs. Then in last Saturday's 55-31 victory against Notre Dame, arguably the biggest win of Graham's career, Arizona State blitzed on 62 of 79 plays, disorienting quarterback Everett Golson so badly that he threw two interceptions for touchdowns and committed a pair of turnovers deep in his own territory.

Nearly all of Arizona State's defensive starters should return in 2015 to make up a junior- and senior-laden group. What little this defense does lose is noteworthy, though. Defensive end Marcus Hardison, who led the team in sacks, and safety Damarious Randall, who led the team in tackles, will be gone. 

That's where players like linebackers Salamo Fiso and Laiu Moeakiola, who combined for 21.5 tackles for loss, have to step up. 

Schedule: Important Home Games

The Pac-12 has established itself as arguably the second-best conference in college football next to the SEC. Particularly, the Pac-12 South was deep in 2014 with five bowl-bound teams with at least eight wins.

Opponent	Date	Location
Texas A&M	Sept. 5	Houston
USC	Sept. 25	Tempe
at UCLA	Oct. 3	Los Angeles
Oregon	Oct. 29	Tempe
Arizona	Nov. 21	Tempe

It's in a tough division, but Arizona State has a schedule that sets up nicely next season. Sometimes that's a necessary part of a title run.

USC, Oregon, Washington and Arizona all come to Tempe, per FBSchedules.com. Additionally, the Sun Devils have an attractive and potentially playoff-enticing nonconference game against Texas A&M in Houston in Week 1.

Every year is different, but the Pac-12 could set itself up again to where a one-loss team is playoff-bound. With a reloaded offense and a more experienced defense, Arizona State has the makeup of a team that can surpass expectations despite losing its statistically best players. 

Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com. 

One of the nation’s most explosive playmakers will come off the market on Wednesday when 5-star receiver Christian Kirk makes his commitment, per Rob Cassidy of Rivals.

https://twitter.com/Cassidy_Rob/status/544583568442134528

According to Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports, Arizona State, Auburn and Texas A&M are believed to be the finalists for the 5’10”, 191-pound Arizona speedster.

Regardless of where he ends up, Kirk is a threat to change the numbers on the scoreboard anytime he touches the ball.

But which program among his final group is the best fit for the nation’s No. 4 wideout in the 2015 class?

Arizona State

All three of Kirk’s potential landing spots offer their share of positives.

In the case of the home-standing Sun Devils, adding the dynamic Kirk would help mitigate the potential blow of losing All-American (h/t ESPN) wideout Jaelen Strong—who is a candidate to forgo his final season in favor of entering the 2015 NFL draft.

In fact, Kirk told Taylor Hamm of GigEm247 (subscription required) that replacing Strong is part of the Sun Devils’ pitch to him.

“ASU, with the season they are having, they are really pushing the fact they can compete at the top level,” Kirk told Hamm. “They are not the ASU they once used to be. They feel I can step in and take over for Jaelen Strong.”

Todd Graham and the Sun Devils have also put together a class that ranks among one of the best in the Pac-12.

The Sun Devils have a stud quarterback committed in 4-star passer Brady White, and Graham and his staff are in good position with White’s prep teammate and 4-star receiver Trent Irwin.

Adding the state’s top prospect would ensure that the Sun Devils arsenal is well-equipped to be one of the nation’s most potent offenses in the country for years to come.

Auburn

In recent years, Gus Malzahn’s offenses have been more prolific on the ground than through the air.

However, in 2014, the Tigers enjoyed their best season through the air since Cam Newton led them to the national title in 2010.

With Sammie Coates already announcing his intention to turn pro, and Duke Williams a candidate to follow suit, the Tigers depth chart is appealing for a player such as Kirk to step in right away.

Additionally, Malzahn has proven his acumen as one of the brightest minds in all of college football with his body of work as a coach and coordinator on the Plains.

There’s no doubt that he could put Kirk’s expansive skill set to use in the nation’s toughest division.

Texas A&M

Similar to Malzahn, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has found success with his high-powered offense since he arrived in College Station.

In the two seasons prior to the 2014 season, the Aggies offense finished in the top five nationally in total offense.

While they took a step back this year, Sumlin’s offense is still friendly to receivers. This season, four different receivers caught at least 40 passes, according to CFBstats.com.

Additionally, Sumlin has stockpiled some of the nation’s top offensive talent in recent classes—including landing 5-star passers in each of his last two classes.

However, per Ourlads, the Aggies have only one senior receiver on their depth chart. Plus, they also landed a number of talented receivers in the 2014 class—including former 5-star standout Speedy Noil, who is a similar prospect to Kirk.

I WILL win the Biletnekoff award one day

— Christian Kirk (@ckirk) December 12, 2014

Final Choice

Kirk’s final choice will boil down to what criteria he places importance on.

He shed some insight on the factors he will heavily weigh when he spoke with Hamm (subscription required) in late October.

I think the big thing is where I can go in and play early and make an impact as a true freshman. Just the scheme, and me being developed as a receiver, I think those are the two big factors right now. Up to this point, my comfort level is high with all these schools. I’m familiar with all the coaches, I’m familiar with all the players, so now it’s about where I can go in and play and get developed as a receiver.

Considering Arizona State offers him a chance to play early in a powerful offense, Kirk’s best opportunity may lie within his home state.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Since Todd Graham and Rich Rodriguez took over at Arizona State and Arizona, respectively, the Sun Devils are 2-0 both straight up and against the spread against the Wildcats, putting up 99 points in the two meetings.

In a game that could decide a division title, 9-2 Arizona State and 9-2 Arizona battle it out for the Territorial Cup, and perhaps more, Friday night in Tuscon.

Point spread: This game remained off the board mid-week at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 29.7-27.9 Sun Devils

Why the Arizona State Sun Devils can cover the spread

The Sun Devils rebounded from their loss at Oregon State two weeks ago to beat Washington State last week 52-31, covering as 15-point favorites.

ASU trailed in the second quarter 21-7 but went on a 45-3 run for the win and the cash. So at 6-2 in conference play, the Devils are tied with UCLA and Arizona for first place in the Pac-12 South. But Arizona State would lose a tiebreaker with the Bruins because of that 62-27 loss back in September, so there's no back door.

The Sun Devils are 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in games this season against teams already bowl eligible. And last year, they pounded Arizona 58-21, easily covering as 11-point favorites.

Why the Arizona Wildcats can cover the spread

Since a 17-7 loss to UCLA earlier this month, the Wildcats have won three in a row, including a 42-10 romp over Utah in Salt Lake City last week. Arizona jumped out to a 21-0 lead and never looked back, eventually outgaining the Utes 520-384, grinding out 298 yards on the ground, and winning the turnover battle by a 4-1 margin.

So at 6-2 in conference play, the Cats are in exactly the same boat as Arizona State—in need of a victory and a Bruins loss to make what would be their first appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Finally, Arizona might be looking for revenge after last year's debacle in Tempe.

Smart pick

This game will be played at 3:30 p.m. ET Friday, the same time that UCLA hosts Stanford. If the Bruins fall to the Cardinal, which is possible, the winner of this game would go to the Pac-12 championship tilt.

Arizona holds a short edge on offense, but it took a hit at a key spot last week when quarterback Anu Solomon suffered an ankle injury; his status for Friday is uncertain. And the Sun Devils hold a short edge on defense.

So the smart money here resides with Arizona State to extend Arizona's ATS home losing skid to six games.

Betting trends

• Arizona State is 6-1 SU in its last seven games.
• Arizona is 1-4 ATS in its last five games when playing Arizona State.
• Arizona is 0-5 in its past five home games.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds-tracker app.

Every conference has a stadium that should have its own episode of the Twilight Zone. For the Pac-12, Oregon State's Reser Stadium fits that description.

It's where the hopes and dreams of highly ranked teams go to die.

That's exactly what happened in Saturday night's stunning 35-27 win by Oregon State over Arizona State. As Brett Edgerton of ESPN tweeted, it was the fifth time since 2000 that an unranked Beavers team beat an Associated Press Top 10 team at home:

This would be 5th time since 2000 that an unranked Oregon St beats an AP top-10 team at home. Would tie with Arizona for most nationally.

— Brett Edgerton (@EditorEdge) November 16, 2014

Oregon State coach Mike Riley is one of the noted "good guys" in the business, but he's crushed the soul of some great teams.

The Sun Devils may not be one of those great teams in the traditional sense, but at No. 6 in last week's College Football Playoff rankings, they did have their eyes on a playoff spot.

"When you're sixth in the country, you go into a place and you're going to get everybody's best performance,'' Arizona State coach Todd Graham told Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic. "We got Oregon State's best shot tonight. We weren't prepared for it. They deserve the credit."

That's all but officially been thrown out the window now. Between a loss to a .500 team that dwells at the bottom of the Pac-12 North and a blowout at the hands of UCLA, Arizona State no longer has a shiny resume.

Its best win, depending on your view, is either over USC on a Hail Mary or over Utah, which currently sits in fifth place in the South Division.

That brings to light another point: The Pac-12 South, with the exception of Colorado, is anyone's division to win.

Pac-12 South in a nutshell: pic.twitter.com/Liuj3ebbDC

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 16, 2014

UCLA, at 8-2 overall and 5-2 in the Pac-12, has come full circle and controls its conference destiny with remaining games against USC and Stanford. However, the Trojans technically lead the South by a half-game.

Overall, the first- and fifth-place teams in the South are separated by no more than two games.

There's a lot of depth in the Pac-12 South, but few, if any, truly great teams—not unlike the rest of the college football landscape.

Jeez, those Pac-12 standings. USC moves into first if Oregon State holds on but three other teams would have 2 Ls too.

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) November 16, 2014

Things are different in the North Division, where Oregon has secured a spot in the conference championship game and controls its path to the playoff. The second-place team in that division is 5-5 Stanford, which also happens to have a losing conference record after falling to Utah 20-17 in double overtime.

As strange as it sounds, two road games against Cal and UCLA could mean the Cardinal is in danger of losing out on bowl eligibility for the first time since 2008.

To see the conference champion of the past two years drop off this far is surprising.

All of this leads to the question of whether the Pac-12 really is the second-best conference—it feels like there are good divisions rather than good conferences in college football—behind the SEC like it was pegged in the offseason.

Last week's CFP rankings would indicate that the committee still thinks so. The Pac-12 had five ranked teams—Oregon, Arizona State, UCLA, Arizona and Utah—which was tied with the Big Ten for second-most by any conference.

The SEC led all conferences with seven.

Team	Record	Conference Record	CFP Ranking (Week 11)
USC	7-3	6-2	NR
UCLA	8-2	5-2	No. 11
Arizona State	8-2	5-2	No. 6
Arizona	8-2	5-2	No. 14
Utah	7-3	4-3	No. 23
Colorado	2-8	0-7	NR

What's more, though, is that all five of those Pac-12 teams were ranked at least one spot higher in the CFP poll than the Associated Press poll.

Those numbers are bound to shift this Tuesday when the committee releases its updated rankings. Whatever those rankings are, though, this much is becoming clear: The Pac-12's best, and probably only, playoff hope now is Oregon.

Everyone else in the conference may be on the outside of the Top 10 looking in depending on where the committee places the Bruins, who were off this week.

After Arizona State's loss, it's tough to find a definitive No. 2 in the Pac-12. That's not a good thing if one of those teams were to upset the Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football.