Thunderbirds (0-0) vs. State Sun Devils (0-0)
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Arizona State Sun Devils August 31, 2023 — Southern Utah recently concluded a season with a record of 5-6, including a 2-4 record on the road. The coaching staff remains consistent, led by head coach DeLane Fitzgerald in his second year. Defensively, Kohner Cullimore, who led the team with 76 tackles, returns. Payton Payne achieved 4.5 sacks, while Quadir Lockett-Smith managed 6 pass deflections. The team’s optimism is fueled by the substantial returning production on both offense and defense. Despite challenging seasons in Cedar City and a lack of success since 2017, this upcoming season holds the potential for a positive change.
The Arizona State football program is ushering in the Kenny Dillingham era following a season with three wins. The 33-year-old former Oregon offensive coordinator is taking on his inaugural head coaching role, supported by a team of rookie coordinators. Notably, Arizona State has avoided consecutive losing seasons since 2015–16. Certain vulnerabilities persist while the team boasts a strong quarterback and dynamic receivers. Enhancements are required in the running back department, and the offensive line’s reliability needs improvement. Defensive production also calls for enhancements. Moreover, the team is under the guidance of a young and inexperienced head coach as he embarks on his coaching debut.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Game Info
Time: 10:00 PM ET.
Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023
Venue: Mountain America Stadium, Arizona
TV: PACN
Thunderbirds QB Justin Miller and Devils QB Jaden Rashada
Justin Miller is back at quarterback after completing 65.4 percent of his passes for 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. While Isaiah Wooden and Timothy Patrick, a receiving duo, combined for 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns, Braedon Wissler earned 444 yards on the run and scored one.
The quarterback position will presumably be filled by Justin Miller, a transfer from Notre Dame who collected 2,200 passing yards and 24 touchdowns on 287 pass attempts. Eljhah Badger, Giovanni Sanders, and Jalin Conyers, the receiving trio who helped ASU gain 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns collectively, are back. ASU lost most of their running back output, including 1,000-yard rusher Xazavian Valladay. Chris Edmonds is back on defense, Anthonie Cooper led the Sun Devils with 2.5 sacks. Chris Edmonds is back on defense after 50 tackles while Jordan Clark had 2 picks.
Odds/Point Spread: Arizona State Sun Devils -21, Total Odds: 37
The defense will be strengthened by a potent offensive strategy from new Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and many transfers and returning players. The return of its star quarterback from the previous season, who will keep any defense on its toes, will allow Southern Utah to counter Arizona State’s aerial attack despite losing some of its finest skill position players.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Trends
- The Southern Utah Thunderbirds are 0-10 SU in their last 10 games.
- Southern Utah are 0-13 SU in their last 13 games on the road.
- The Thunderbirds are 0-8 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Pac-12 conference.
Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Trends
- The total stayed UNDER in 5 of Arizona State’s last 6 games against an opponent in the Western Athletic Conference.
- Arizona State is 7-0 SU in their last 7 games played in August.
- The total stayed UNDER in 7 of Arizona State’s last 8 games played in week 1.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Trends
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Arizona State Sun Devils: Kenny Dillingham, a new coach at Arizona State, will bring a strong offensive plan and many transfers and returning players to bolster the defense. Although Southern Utah lost some of its best skill position players, it will be able to counter Arizona State’s aerial attack thanks to the return of its starting quarterback from the previous year, who will keep any defense on its toes.
Free Pick and Prediction: Arizona State Sun Devils will win 35-13.
