Southern Utah vs. Arizona State 2021 College Football Week 1 Odds and Preview

By Carlos Chacon • August 31, 2021

Arizona State has seen improvement since the introduction of Herm Edwards, going 17-13 in three seasons with the 67-year-old veteran coach. Meanwhile, Southern Utah failed to kick off their 2021 NCAA football season on a positive note after falling to San Jose State 45 to 14. This time around, they get a chance to bounce back from the loss as they travel to Arizona to take on the Sun Devils this Thursday. Arizona State lines up for their first game of the season and looks on pace to make some waves in the Pac-12 this season.

College football brings more heated action this year, and NitroBetting makes sure you get acquainted with the most anticipated games through our exclusive preview. Find every piece of information you need to know down below, including event details, key team and player data, and the latest betting odds. Furthermore, we go the extra mile to provide you with the latest betting trends and expert betting predictions geared to bring you closer to the best picks. Don’t forget to check out the latest 2021 College Football odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Southern Utah vs. Arizona State Game Information

It's GAMEWEEK. pic.twitter.com/M1zv4MOjbM
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) August 31, 2021

When: Thursday, September 2, 2021, 10:30 PM ET
Where: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
TV: Pac-12 Network
Radio: KSUB 107.7 FM (Southern Utah) / KMVP 98.7 FM (Arizona State)
Live Stream: CBS Sports
College Football Odds: Southern Utah (TBA) / Arizona State (TBA)

Why Bet on the Southern Utah Thunderbirds?

Southern Utah failed to win its opening game. In the Thunderbirds’ first game of the season, they were overrun by the San Jose State Spartans by 31 points. It was a difficult game for the Thunderbirds from the get-go as they trailed by 21 points by the end of the first quarter. Justin Miller recorded 117 yards on 15 of 29 passing, but it was wide receiver Jude Cockett who tried to pull Southern Utah out of the rut with a pass to Justin Miller that produced a trick play touchdown. Meanwhile, Phillip Brown had 32 yards on two receptions by the end of the game.

Defensively, AJ Stanley topped the unit with 6 tackles (3 solo), while La’akea Kaho’ohanohano-Davis was right behind him with 5 tackles (3 solo). Kobe Singleton tried to turn the game around with 3 tackles and an interception, but they struggled to level the scoreline early on. If the Thunderbirds want to get their first win of the season, it would require them to produce more creative plays. It’s a good thing that the offensive line allowed one sack, while the defense produced an interception, but they have to step up to make this one close.

Why Bet on the Arizona State Sun Devils?

Plenty expects the hosts to spark a strong start into the season. With Herm Edwards leading the charge for the team, we are bound to see new strengths come out of Arizona State. But to get going, they have to overcome the test that comes in the form of a Southern Utah team. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will be the center of attention of the offense following an impressive 2020 campaign.

Last season, he documented 701 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and an interception. With that, the team should retain its run-heavy tactics. In the previous season, the team ranked sixth in the nation with 264.2 rushing yards per game.

Looking at the backfield, the Sun Devils get their straight back with returnees Rachaad White, Chip Trayanu, and Daniyel Ngata. The trio can start to build traction against Southern Utah’s shaky defense that gave up 5.8 yards per carry in their last game. Ultimately, Arizona State looks like the better team coming into the game with a more composed lineup.

Southern Utah vs. Arizona State Betting Trends

Southern Utah is 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Southern Utah allowed their opponents to score 20 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games.
The totals have gone over in 5 of Southern Utah’s last 5 away games.
Arizona State is 3-2 in their last 5 home games.
Arizona State is 2-3 against the spread in their last 5 home games.
The totals have gone under in 2 of Arizona State’s last 5 home games.

Southern Utah vs. Arizona State Expert Betting Predictions

It’s been a great few months for Arizona State, and having home-field advantage is a huge plus for the team. That being said, we expect Southern Utah to have a difficult time matching the pace of the Sun Devils. There’s a good chance that they cover the spread, but getting ahead of the scoreline is only possible if they capitalize on every error that Arizona State makes and make sure that their defense is on point. Ultimately, Arizona State is likely to control the contest and have the upper hand for the most part.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 College Football season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.