Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates with his teammates after their 35-31 win against the Kansas Jayhawks at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 5, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Chris Williams (9-3)
Big hit for Arizona State to be without its top receiver. I feel like Iowa State’s offense might out-perform playing indoors compared to what it has experienced for most of the last month and a half. Cam Scattebo is insane, but Iowa State’s defense generally fares well against semi one-dimensional teams. It feels like Iowa State has unfinished business in Arlington. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 23
Rob Gray (9-3)
Iowa State vs. Arizona State – The Sun Devils lost their 1,000-yard receiver, Jordyn Tyson, to injury, so they’ll likely lean even more heavily on talented tailback Cam Skattebo to post big gains in the ground and through the air. Arizona State’s quarterback. Sam Leavitt, has been efficient and productive (21 touchdown passes, five interceptions) with Tyson in the lineup, so expect the Cyclones’ defense to work hard to cover up tight end Chamon Metayer (five touchdown grabs) in order to force some mistakes. ISU’s been good at controlling the clock offensively most of the time in recent weeks, and if it can get solid production from it’s run game — and win the turnover battle — a playoff berth looms on the horizon. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 24
Connor Ferguson (10-2)
Iowa State takes advantage of Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson’s absence and limits Cam Skattebo (as much as a defense can try to do). The game gets harder for Arizona State with the lack of special teams it has in the kicking department – they were having tryouts for a new one six weeks ago and the replacement is 1/3 on field goals. The Cyclones have some extra motivation from being completely left off all-Big 12 offense and defense first teams and brings home the biggest win in program history in Arlington. Iowa State 30, Arizona State 23
Jeff Woody (10-2)
I feel probably more confident than I should, because there has hardly been a team as hot as the Devils. But without Tyson, Iowa State can focus hard on the Sun Devil’s dynamic running game. But the ultimate difference is special teams, where ISU has a distinct advantage. Cyclones win a fun one. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 21
Grant Mahoney (11-1)
With ASU’s top WR, Jordyn Tyson, out indefinitely with an injury, the Sun Deviled Eggs will look to run their offense even more through Cam “run through a MFs face” Skattebo. They have other serviceable weapons at WR and will need another WR to step up in Tyson’s absence. If the clones can contain Skattebo (easier said than done) and not allow a no-name WR to go off, I expect ISU to win this by two scores and punch their ticket to the CFP – using the lack of first team all big 12 selections (0) as added motivation. Iowa State 31, Arizona 21
Jackson Pence (10-2)
This has been a season of first’s for Matt Campbell and his program. The first 10 win season in school history, the first 7-0 start since the 1900s, etc. I think the staff learned a lot about the 2020 title game and are ready to continue this historic season. The defense played so well last week against a very good Kansas State rushing attack. But Arizona State is a whole other beast. Cam Skattebo might be the best running back in the nation with over 1,400 yards rushing. Iowa State will need to keep him in check in order to have a chance to win this game. There is no doubt the offense has to be better in a game with this magnitude. Rocco Becht can’t afford to make any catastrophic mistakes. I do think that Iowa State will be able to run the ball some to take a little pressure off of Rocco. Iowa State has a chance to play in a College Football Playoff game. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would happen. They are one win away. Iowa State 34, Arizona State 24