Arizona State Football: 5 bold predictions for Sun Devils vs NC State in Sun Bowl

5. Todd Graham will go out on high note after coaching final game for ASU

Over six seasons in Tempe, Todd Graham went 46-31 prior to this year’s Sun Bowl appearance. Arizona State went bowling in five out of his six seasons at the helm. It wasn’t enough to save Graham’s job, as he learned of his termination the day following a 42-30 Territorial Cup win over rival Arizona.

Despite pulling off upsets of Oregon and Washington and returning to the postseason after last year’s blip, it was an inconsistent season for the Sun Devils. Graham didn’t do enough to gain the confidence of his bosses, and Arizona State is embarking in a very different direction with a new corporate approach led by Herm Edwards.

Rather than installing one of its coordinators as an interim head coach, however, the Sun Devils are letting Graham stick around to coach the Sun Bowl. With nothing to lose, Graham will calmly coach a stellar game. The Sun Devils will allow some points to a strong NC State offense, and they could get gashed on special teams. But they will control the clock and deflate the Wolfpack’s chances of pulling out a win.

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Look for a forgotten backfield to emerge triumphant as Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage both threaten the 100-yard mark at running back. Manny Wilkins will have fun connecting not just with Harry but his other receivers as well, putting up his first 300-yard game since September. Not only will the 6.5-point underdog beat the spread, they will win outright as Graham goes out 47-31 for his tenure in Tempe.