Arizona State's expert predictions for the BYU-ASU game

TEMPE, Ariz. — Ahead of BYU's crucial matchup against Arizona State on Saturday, The Daily Universe sent students to Tempe to cover the biggest game in the Big 12.

We talked with three students who cover ASU athletics — Adam Kunin, Patrick Holleron and Ryan Sykora — to gather more information on the Sun Devils and who they think will come out on top Saturday.

Question: Besides running back Cam Skattebo, who is Arizona State's MVP?

Adam Kunin: QB Sam Leavitt

The way that he has matured over the course of the season has been really remarkable. Even at the start of the season the turnovers never really came. We're still waiting for that game. The way that he's been able to command the offense, especially in a game against UCF last week where they didn't even have Skattebo, he's still able to find a way to get them the win.

[Head coach Kenny Dillingham] said it best, he has that dog in him. The fourth quarter/second half is when he elevates his play and I think that is really impressive considering the fact that he is only a redshirt freshman.

Patrick Holleron: WR Jordan Tyson

You've seen the growth from [Tyson] throughout the season. Ever since the Kansas game he has gotten better and better. He's been scoring multiple touchdowns in games, getting at least 70 or more yards and getting more receptions. You just don't see that that often midseason. He's continuing to get more confident each week and you see that factor into their passing game. He makes it so it's not just the Cam Skattebo show. You now have this other weapon that can take over the field.

Ryan Sykora: Offensive Coordinator Marcus Arroyo

Last year the offensive line and the protections weren't there, so you couldn't do it with the offense. Other than Leavitt, Arroyo is the biggest change this year from the last few years at Arizona State. Arroyo is an NFL guy who has great pedigree as a play caller. It's been 50/50 run-pass splits which has allowed Skattebo to be used a lot more and has highlighted Leavitt a lot better.

Question: What's the biggest change between year one and year two for head coach Kenny Dillingham?

Adam Punin: I don't know if a lot has changed. I think everyone around the team saw it, they just needed to get the right guys. It's gonna take time to get that full transfer and recruiting class in, but now you are now seeing the seeds that he planted early on starting to take root and grow. His culture is really shining through. Everyone in the building is committed and on board with his vision.

Patrick Holleron: I think the decisions on the coaching staff and adding a guy like Hines Ward who has played in the NFL has had an impact.

Also the energy around the team has been better than it was because of the bowl game ban last year. I think that was a black cloud that hung over them last season, but now they can put that to bed and just focus on playing.

Ryan Sykora:
The most underrated thing about Kenny is the amount of places he's been and going out of his comfort zone. You go to Memphis, you go to Florida State, you go to Oregon, he spent a year at Auburn, you go to all these different places and learn different things from different people. That's why he's been so successful. He's got all these different avenues to call upon from everywhere he's been.

Question: What's the key to an ASU victory over BYU?

Adam Kunin: Getting BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff under pressure

Retzlaff has been really good when he's not under pressure this season and Arizona State has not really been a team that can create pressure without blitzing. They're also a team that hasn't blitzed a lot in general this season. If they let Retzlaff sit back and have time, then he'll pick them apart.

Photo by Jordan Burr

Patrick Holleron: Cam Skattebo coming back from injury

I think a big question is how does Cam Skattebo look a week after coming back? Last week against Kansas State he made some plays, but you could definitely tell that he wasn't fully back, How much better will he look from last week to now?

Ryan Sykora: Making up for the lack of defensive pressure

Arizona State is one of the worst teams in the country in pressure rate. That's not even amongst power four conferences, that's all 134 teams. They trust their secondary. They have a lot of dudes that can go get the ball and make plays, but Retzlaff is too good at dissecting defenses.

Question: What's the scariest thing about BYU?

Adam Kunin: BYU's ability to win close games

It's almost been mystifying the way that BYU has just found ways to win. Last week was the first week where a bounce didn't go their way. Arizona State has also been a team that is good in close games. You're getting a clash of two teams that are great in close games, it is almost unexplainable.

Patrick Holleron: BYU's stout defense

BYU's defense is something that ASU hasn't necessarily seen in terms of overall talent. I think it's going to be tricky for Kenny to figure it out and how to game plan for that.

Ryan Sykora: BYU's offensive skill players

I think Darius Lassiter is one of the more underrated receivers in college football. You can just find any little way to get him the ball with how versatile he is. I think they set up the passing game really well with LJ Martin too. BYU has playmakers this year that they don't usually have. When you have the best receiver, running back, and quarterback, you have enough to win those close games.

Photo by Sienna Puckrin

Final Score Predictions

Adam Kunin: 35-28 ASU over BYU
I think we have a QB duel on our hands, a shootout. The over/under was set at 48.5? I'll go over. ASU is going to have to pass since BYU is so good against the run as of late. I think it is going to have to be won through the air. It'll come down to the end, and ASU with a home crowd will have enough to get that final scoring drive.

Patrick Holleron: 38-34 ASU over BYU
ASU will rely on passing and guys not named Cam Skattebo to make big plays down the stretch. I think it's going to come down to the very last play. Walk-off. It just has that feeling about it.

Ryan Sykora: 31-28 BYU over ASU
I don't know if I trust Arizona State's special teams and kicking game in a high scoring game. It will come down to who has the ball last, but I just don't trust the special teams enough.