Arizona State vs. Kansas State College Football Week 12 Picks: Are the Sun Devils Overlooked?

Arizona State Survived Against UCF

Sam Leavitt delivered an impressive performance with three touchdown passes, including two to Jordyn Tyson, as Arizona State edged past UCF 35-31 on Saturday.

The game featured five lead changes, showcasing a tight battle throughout. The decisive moment came with 4:55 left when Leavitt connected with Tyson on a 13-yard touchdown pass. Tyson finished the game with 99 yards on seven receptions. Leavitt completed 16 of 25 pass attempts for 161 yards and added 22 rushing yards on 11 carries.

Arizona State had to manage without star running back Cam Skattebo, who missed the game due to a shoulder injury. In his absence, Kyson Brown stepped up, carrying the ball 18 times for 73 yards.

Despite outgaining Arizona State 406-260 in total offense, UCF was plagued by costly mistakes, including five false-start penalties and a missed 46-yard field goal that clanged off the goalpost in the fourth quarter, dashing their comeback hopes.

Kansas State’s Loss Against Houston

Houston staged a rally in the fourth quarter to defeat Kansas State 24-19 on November 2. The Wildcats, after forcing a Houston punt with 40 seconds remaining, made a final push to the Cougars’ 39-yard line. However, quarterback Avery Johnson’s last-second throw was batted down in the end zone, sealing the victory for Houston.

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman cited poor fundamentals and technique as critical factors in the loss, coupled with the team’s struggles in the run game, which yielded just 89 rushing yards.

“We weren’t running the ball a lick,” Klieman said. “Our inability to rush the football makes it harder to throw.”

Johnson completed 23 of 39 passes for 238 yards, tossing a touchdown and two interceptions. He connected with Keagan Johnson on a seven-yard scoring pass with nine seconds left in the first half, giving Kansas State a 16-10 lead at the break. Keagan Johnson ended with 76 receiving yards.

DJ Giddens contributed 50 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Wildcats, who managed to outgain Houston 327-232 in total offense but fell short where it mattered most.

Key Matchups

A compelling matchup awaits, as both teams look to overcome their inconsistencies and leverage their strengths. Arizona State’s offense, led by Leavitt, will look to build on their momentum, while Kansas State aims to bounce back from their loss at Houston.

Sam Leavitt vs. Kansas State’s Secondary

Leavitt’s performance against UCF, highlighted by three touchdown passes, showcased his ability to manage pressure and find his key target, Tyson.

Tyson’s 99-yard, seven-catch outing last week proves he is a reliable downfield threat. Kansas State’s secondary will need to step up to contain Leavitt’s passing game and prevent crucial gains, especially in high-pressure situations.

Arizona State’s Ground Game vs. Kansas State’s Defensive Line

Without Skattebo, Arizona State’s running attack shifts to Brown, who managed 73 yards on 18 carries last week. The Sun Devils will need Brown to find gaps and maintain a balanced offense.

Kansas State’s defense will look to clamp down on Arizona State’s run game to force Leavitt into predictable passing situations.

Kansas State’s Offense vs. Arizona State’s Defense

Kansas State, led by Johnson’s arm, showed they could move the ball effectively through the air with 238 passing yards against Houston.

However, Johnson’s two interceptions were costly, and the Wildcats’ 89 rushing yards underscore their struggles on the ground.

Arizona State’s defense will need to capitalize on this inconsistency by pressuring Johnson and limiting rushing lanes to disrupt the Wildcats’ rhythm.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Both teams have shown that mistakes in crucial moments can be game-changing. Arizona State benefited from UCF’s penalties and a missed field goal to secure their recent win, while Kansas State fell short at Houston due to turnovers and missed opportunities.

The team that controls turnovers and avoids penalties will have the upper hand in this game.

The Pick

This game is likely to be a seesaw battle with moments of brilliance from both offenses. Arizona State’s reliance on Leavitt and Tyson’s chemistry could give them an edge in key moments, but Kansas State’s disciplined defensive play and ability to force turnovers may disrupt Arizona State’s plans.

In the end, Arizona State’s recent offensive spark and Kansas State’s struggles to sustain drives could tilt the game in favor of the Sun Devils. Expect Leavitt to find Tyson for a big play or two and at least cover this large spread.

College Football Pick: Arizona State +9 (-115) at Bovada

Arizona State +9 (-115)

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