ASU football predictions against Kansas

TEMPE, Ariz. — ASU football is hosting their first Big 12 conference game in Mountain America Stadium history on Saturday. The Sun Devils welcome a 1-4 Kansas Jayhawks team to Tempe.

ASU is 0-1 in Big 12 play following a loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock on Sept. 21. KU is also winless in conference play, with losses against West Virginia and TCU.

The Sun Devils are favored by 2.5 points (Draft Kings). Here are the Sun Devil Daily staff predictions for the game.

ASU football predictions

ASU 34 Kansas 27

Sometimes records can be deceiving. This seems to be the case with Saturday’s matchup between Arizona State (3-1) and Kansas (1-4). Despite not winning a game in over a month, the Jayhawks have held 4th quarter leads in all but one of their games. Kansas seems like a team that’s simply due for a win. However, coming off the bye I think the Sun Devils will be hungry to get back in the win column in front of a packed Mountain America Stadium. Look for ASU to return to its identity of running the football field and forcing turnovers defensively, which should propel it over Kansas. – Adam Kunin

ASU 27 Kansas 24

Kansas has struggled mightily coming out of the gate but has improved their running game quite a bit. I think both teams will struggle in the beginning with the hot temperatures. Whoever has better fitness will win this game. – Cooper Burns

ASU 34 Kansas 27

ASU has had two weeks to think about its first loss of the season. It was a game where everything that could’ve gone wrong, did go wrong. Dillingham talked about simplifying the playbook and playing physical. Kansas is a lot better than their record shows and will make this a difficult game for the Sun Devils. But with an extra week of preparation and home-field advantage, I think ASU can get it done. Look for the Sun Devils to stay committed to the run game, and hold off the Jayhawks. – Douglas Santo

ASU 42 Kansas 24

Overall, I think this game will rely a lot on the defense to turn into additional offensive possessions. ASU ranks No.9 nationally in turnover margin which has been a huge reason why they are 3-1 this season. Their loss to Texas Tech was the first game in which they lost the turnover margin this year. We are going to see a hefty amount of ASU running backs to wear the defense down of Kansas in this heat, let’s not forget that it is going to be approximately 106 degrees at kickoff. The defense is going to be flying around the field as well and putting a ton of pressure on Jalon Daniels. I think Kenny Dillingham is going to try to start early, and he won’t take his foot off the gas. Hot take: ASU’s defense has two turnovers with one of them being a scoop and score off a Daniels fumble. – Jordon Leon

ASU 25 Kansas 21

Kansas has had a major slump lately, losing four games in a row. ASU will be playing this game with a bit of a chip on its shoulder after the loss to Texas Tech. Not to mention, ASU is coming off of their bye week fully rested. The Sun Devils will need to look out for Kansas’ ground game, as they have averaged over 200 rushing yards per game this season. But this isn’t anything new to ASU as they have done a good job slowing down the run keeping opponents on average under 100 yards per game this year. The Jayhawks’ biggest problem will be trying to stop or at least slow down ASU RB Cam Skattebo, but with Skattebo’s 433 rushing yards this season and five TDs, it will be a tall task for Kansas. – Truitt Robinson

ASU 31 Kansas 24

Arizona State is favored in this game, and for good reason. The Sun Devils are off to a strong start in 2024, while Kansas is trending in the opposite direction. With high expectations this season, the Jayhawks have stumbled to a 1-4 record. This team is still talented, led by quarterback Jalon Daniels, but this is a game that ASU football needs to win if they want to prove they belong in the Big 12. – Brendon Pricco

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