Title: Colorado and Arizona State Look for First Pac-12 Win in Final Matchup Before Departing for Big 12
Subtitle: Both Programs Anticipate a Bright Future in the Big 12, but Focus on Securing a Pac-12 Victory
Date: October 6, 2023
In their last matchup as Pac-12 conference opponents before their move to the Big 12 in 2024, the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona State Sun Devils are still searching for their first conference win of the season. As they approach the midway point of the season, one team is guaranteed to break into the win column.
Colorado entered the season with a buzz of excitement under Coach Deion Sanders, following a blistering 3-0 start. However, the team has faced setbacks with back-to-back losses. On the other hand, Arizona State started the season with a victory but has since lost four consecutive games, including two in the Pac-12.
The upcoming match on Saturday will mark the 14th overall meeting between the two teams since Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011. Although Arizona State holds a 10-3 edge in the series, the Buffaloes are favored to win this time around.
Both programs have undergone significant changes in personnel, with new coaches who have embraced the transfer portal. Colorado led all FBS teams with 51 portal additions, while Arizona State was second with 31. This unconventional approach to roster building may become the new norm in college football.
For Arizona State, the rebuild under Coach Kenny Dillingham has been challenging. The team was hit with a self-imposed bowl ban due to alleged NCAA violations committed under the previous coaching staff. The Sun Devils have also faced injuries at the quarterback position, leaving them with limited depth. Despite a solid performance by Trenton Bourget, who threw for 344 yards in their last game against Cal, the team still fell short.
Colorado’s Prime Time hype has somewhat faded after losses to Oregon and USC, where they allowed a total of 90 points. The team has also dealt with injuries to key players, including Travis Hunter and Shilo Sanders. The offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A loss to a struggling Arizona State team could harm Colorado’s momentum going forward.
The matchup between Colorado and Arizona State will be televised on Pac-12 Networks, with a live stream on fubo. SportsLine predictions favor Colorado to win by four points. However, the Buffaloes’ defense, which ranks last among power-conference teams, raises concerns about their ability to win comfortably on the road.
Both teams are eager to secure their first Pac-12 victory, and this final matchup will provide an opportunity for one of them to break their winless streak. As the game approaches, fans and experts will be closely watching to see which team emerges victorious in this chapter of their series. Excitement for their future in the Big 12 looms, but for now, the focus remains on finishing strong in the Pac-12.