Stanford Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

When you look at Arizona State, you can’t help but to realize they took an unexpected step back in 2016 with a 5-7 overall record and just two wins in Pac-12 play. If Todd Graham wants to stay away from the hot seat, he needs to lead the Sun Devils back to relevance and a bowl game in 2017.

Fortunately, he will have a wealth of talent to choose from at the quarterback position. In fact, he has returning starter, and junior, Manny Wilkins back under center along with Alabama-transfer Blake Barnett, a sophomore. Those two have been engaged in a fierce battle this offseason and it’ll be interesting to see who starts by Week 5.

If it’s Barnett, I believe that gives the Sun Devils the best chance to win. He has a strong arm and was one of the top quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school.

Unfortunately, the shuffle at quarterback through the first few weeks will cause some discontinuity between the receivers and whoever is starting. That will work in Stanford’s favor as the Cardinal secondary will feast on the starter and send him home with his tail between his legs.

This one won’t be a blowout, per say, but it won’t be all that close.

Final: Arizona State 17, Stanford 33 (4-1, 2-1 Pac-12)