ASU is fresh off of claiming bowl eligibility after annihilating Oklahoma State 42-21 last week and will look to keep the momentum going as the Sun Devils host R.J. Harvey and UCF.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Overcoming a lengthy weather delay, Arizona State left Stillwater after destroying the Cowboys last Saturday. Sam Leavitt completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns, Cam Skattebo scored three touchdowns from 274 all-purpose yards and Jordyn Tyson had eight receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Crushing Arizona 56-12 a week ago, quarterback Dylan Rizk started and passed for 294 yards and three touchdowns, R.J. Harvey rushed 22 times for 184 yards and three touchdowns and UCF snapped a five-game losing streak.
Here is everything you need to know if you plan on watching, listening, or going to the game:
TV/Radio
Matchup: UCF (4-5, 2-4) at ASU (6-2, 3-2)
Game Time: Saturday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. MST
Venue: Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
TV: ESPN2 (Brian Custer, Rod Gilmore, Lauren Sisler)
Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Tim Healey, Jeff Van Raaphorst, Kevin Turner, Jeff Munn)
Betting
ASU: Open: -3.5 | Spread: -2.5 | Moneyline: -145
UCF: Open: o56.5 | Spread: +2.5 | Moneyline: +125
Over/Under: 55.5
Odds from ESPN Bet
ASU/UCF connections
- UCF head coach Gus Malzahn was the coach at Auburn when Kenny Dillingham was his offensive coordinator in 2019. The Tigers went 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the SEC when the two worked together.
- Central Florida offensive line coach Herb Hand and ASU defensive back coach Bryan Carrington were part of the coaching staff at the University of Texas in 2020.
- Former Sun Devils long snapper Gage King was at ASU from 2019-2022 and is now on UCF.
- Arizona State senior offensive assistant David Gibbs was the safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator with the Knights from 2021-23.
- When Arizona State starting quarterback Sam Leavitt was at Michigan State last year, he played with UCF tight end Evan Morris.
- ASU running back Raleek Brown, wide receiver Jake Smith and UCF defensive back Tre’Quon Fegan were all at USC together in 2023.
- UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson and Arizona State linebacker Jordan Crook were both former Arkansas teammates for the past two seasons until this year.
- Four former Cincinnati Bearcats are going head-to-head against each other on Saturday. Sun Devils defensive end Justin Wodtly (21-23) and tight end Chamon Metayer (22-23) will go up against UCF running back Myles Montgomery (22-23) and linebacker Deshawn Pace (20-23).
- ASU offensive lineman Cade Briggs and UCF linebacker Jesiah Pierre played for Texas Tech last year.
- UCF wide receiver Trent Whittemore was a Florida Gator with ASU CB Kamari Wilson in 2022.
Prediction (Season Record: 5-3)
Arizona State 34-24 UCF
Both teams are coming off of blowout victories, but they each still have concerns heading into this matchup. ASU star running back Cam Skattebo (undisclosed) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (stinger) are both out while UCF is still trying to figure out who the program’s starting quarterback is after the position has been one of its weak points this season. Still, Arizona State has Leavitt back under center after tearing Oklahoma State apart and Kyson Brown is more than capable of filling in for Skattebo for the time being. UCF’s Harvey is arguably one of the best running backs in the Big 12 and can destroy defenses if given the chance.
The Sun Devils have already achieved bowl eligibility which could cause complacency to arise, but the players have said multiple times that the job is not finished and they want to fight for a spot in the College Football Playoff. While it may be challenging with two crucial players like Skattebo and Elliott injured, the next-man-up mentality that ASU has instilled this season will continue as ASU will beat UCF and continue hunting for a national ranking.
Game Day Schedule
If you plan on heading to Tempe and want to be involved in the pregame festivities, remember to wear gold.
Here is what is available throughout the day leading up to the game:
- The team will walk into the stadium, aka the “Devil Walk,” at 2:45 p.m.
- Gates to get inside Mountain America Stadium and find seats/concessions open at 3:30 p.m.
- The Sun Devil band will have a pregame performance at 4:45.
- Stomp the Bus at 5 p.m.
- Kick-off at 5:05 p.m.
Everything you need to know for tomorrows game vs UCF ⤵️
????: https://t.co/6ekSOZYL17#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/BpZmI7Pd5n
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 8, 2024
UCF coach Gus Malzahn praised Kenny Dillingham, believes he has done ‘super job’ at ASU
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
