Pac-12 Predictions: Picks every game against the spread for Week 3

Sep 12, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Kody Kohl (83) catches a fourth quarter touchdown pass against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

 New Mexico Lobos At Arizona State Sun Devils

Tempe, Arizona

The Line: Arizona State – 24

That line seems a bit high given the trouncing the Sun Devil took in week one, only to follow that up with a poor performance in a close win against the FCS Cal Poly Mustangs. New Mexico is coming off a loss to Tulsa where the Lobos gave up 600 yards of offense. In a meeting of two disappointing teams, it is hard to know which squad shows up to play. Catch this game on the Pac-12 Network 6:00PM, pacific time, on Friday.

Keys To The Game:

Arizona State had trouble stopping the triple option of the Cal Poly Mustangs, and now they face another team that likes to run the option in New Mexico. The Lobos ran the ball 47 times against Tulsa despite trailing during most of the game.

If the Arizona State run defense does not step up, this could be an interesting game. On offense, the Sun Devils need to stop making poor decisions. Against Cal Poly, the team seemed to do the wrong thing at the wrong time over and over again. This week, they need to play smart, efficient football. The Lobo defense is abysmal, and if Arizona State just executes, their talent should propel them to an easy victory.

Prediction:

After watching two horrific performances by the Sun Devils, there is no way I am taking them while giving up 24 points. I fully expect Arizona State to win, but 24 points is too trusting of a team and an offense that has failed to get into any kind of rhythm. There is also the fact that New Mexico runs a scheme that has given this Sun Devils team problems.

This is a bad matchup, even if the talent gap is wider than the Grand Canyon. Look for the Sun Devils to come out on fire, desperate to prove they are still an elite program. However, mistakes will slow them down and eventually they settle in to an unimpressive yet comfortable win. The final score? Arizona State 42, New Mexico 21.

Next: Georgia State At Oregon