Arizona State Sun Devils (2-0) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (2-1)
Saturday, September 26, 4:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Georgia -11.5

Sam’s Take (20 – 7):

Here are the facts: Georgia is battle-tested already, as the Bulldogs have played three quality opponents with great coaching and talent (especially on offense), while ASU has played two cream puffs.

Does that mean ASU can’t win? No. We still don’t know what the Devils are capable of. But we do know what Georgia is capable of and I don’t think ASU stands a chance if the game becomes a shootout.

Georgia’s offense is clicking on all cylinders right now. QB Joe Cox has been tremendous the last two weeks and A.J. Green may be the best receiver in college football. The Bulldogs also have a variety of other offensive playmakers, so the Sun Devils D cannot cheat too much on Green (as Arkansas did with little success last week). The Devils will need a huge day from DE Dexter Davis and DT Lawrence Guy in order to stop the run and pressure Cox.

Offensively, ASU must continue to play turnover-free football (as was the case in the first two games). QB Danny Sullivan has been solid, but now he will have to prove that he can make plays down the field because I am not sold on the explosiveness of the offense at this point. Losing a Groza Award winning kicker like Thomas Weber to injury doesn’t help either, as he was arguably ASU’s best offensive weapon.

I expect Arizona State’s defense to put up a strong fight, but I also think the unit will be on the field too much. Unless the Devils offense turns it up to another level this Saturday, I think Georgia’s high-powered attack will be too much.

Prediction: Georgia 33 – Arizona State 17

Arizona State Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Kyle Williams - Williams is ASU’s best hope for generating explosion plays, and he will have to deliver on punt returns and as a receiver for the Sun Devils to have a chance.

Georgia Player to Keep an Eye On: TE Orson Charles - A fast, athletic tight end that may be the Bulldogs biggest mismatch option. The freshman is starting to emerge as a reliable target for Joe Cox.

Dave’s Take (20 – 7):

Blowout home win over Idaho State. Bye. Blowout home win over Louisiana-Monroe.

Now the real fun begins; the first road game of the season and it’s against a ranked opponent whose offense has looked downright lethal.

The Sun Devils haven’t done anything in their first two games to change my opinion about how strong their defense is, but this game will really give them a chance to enforce that opinion.

After losing a surprisingly low scoring game in the opener against Oklahoma State (24-10), Georgia has gone into full shootout mode, outshooting South Carolina 41-37 and Arkansas 52-41. The offense has been fantastic, but the defense has been anything but, averaging just under 5 touchdowns surrendered a game (34 PPG).

If the game devolves into a shootout, Georgia will likely overpower the Sun Devils. But if Arizona State’s defense can play their game, I think ASU has a very real shot of winning this one, especially if Georgia’s defensive efforts don’t improve.

With the limited information at my disposal, I just don’t know enough about the offensive line and Danny Sullivan starting in a hostile environment to take the Sun Devils in the outright upset here. I do predict, however, that Georgia will have their hands full for most of the game.

Prediction: Georgia 28 – Arizona State 24

5,382 Responses to “Week 4 Game Matchup: Arizona State Sun Devils VS. Georgia Bulldogs”