Sun Bowl 2017 Preview, Prediction: Arizona State vs. NC State

Todd Graham coaches one final game for Arizona State in the Sun Bowl against NC State. How will the Sun Devils fare against the Wolfpack on Friday?

Though Arizona State finished second in the Pac-12 South in 2017, it wasn’t good enough to save Todd Graham’s job. The sixth-year head coach of the Sun Devils was informed he was done in Tempe after a 42-30 win over rival Arizona in the Thanksgiving weekend Territorial Cup game. But he was allowed to stay on to coach the Sun Devils one last time.

They prepare for a showdown at the Sun Bowl in El Paso against NC State. The Wolfpack emerged as the surprise runner-up behind ACC champion Clemson. NC State has never played in the Sun Bowl before, and they head to west Texas with a chance to win nine games for the first time since 2010.

Will Dave Doeren’s team complete its breakout season with NC State’s second consecutive bowl victory? Or will Todd Graham get the last laugh on his way out the door from Arizona State? Either way, it will be a fun Friday showdown for fans with one eye toward the long New Year’s weekend.

Here’s how to watch the Friday showdown between Arizona State and NC State in the Sun Bowl:

Date: Friday, Dec. 29
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: El Paso, Texas
Venue: Sun Bowl Stadium
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBS Sports Online

Keys to Victory

Arizona State’s offense has been solid throughout 2017, and it will need its skill players to come up big again. Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage need to combine for a big day in the backfield. N’Keal Harry will need to find the soft spots in a porous NC State secondary. And Manny Wilkins will need to prevent turnovers and efficiently distribute the ball.

When they are on defense, Arizona State will need to generate turnovers. If they can get an interception or two off Ryan Finley, it would force the Wolfpack to become even more one-dimensional on offense.

NC State will look to avoid relying too much on the pass. To do so, they will need Nyheim Hines to have a big day running the ball. Hines could also make a major difference on special teams, both on kickoffs and punts. To win the field position battle and put points on the board, Doeren and his staff will rely on Hines in several phases of the game.

The Wolfpack defense will need to limit big plays. With multiple stars in the backfield and a strong passing game, Arizona State can beat teams in various ways. They have been especially dangerous as an underdog, so NC State will need to keep Arizona State from gaining any lead. Should they fall behind, the Wolfpack will find it tough to claw out of the hole.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Sportsbook Review

Point Spread: NC State -6.5
Over/Under: 59.5

Prediction

The Wolfpack are going to get a big passing game from Ryan Finley. That won’t necessarily be a positive thing, as it will come on a day when he is force to throw the ball more than 50 times. NC State will be playing from a deficit for much of the game, chasing after Arizona State.

Dave Doeren’s team will keep things in reach for much of the game, and they will stay within a single score for the entire contest. But every time the Wolfpack manage to put points on the board, Arizona State will answer with a score of their own to match.

Next: SMQ: Are we really seeing more bowl blowouts in 2017?

In the end, it will come down to defense. NC State will have the ball late with a shot at driving into field-goal range to force overtime. Finley will instead look to beat the coverage and win in regulation. He will misread the offense, and the Sun Devils will get their second interception of the game. It will prove pivotal as Graham heads out of Tempe as a winner.

Final Score: Arizona State 38, NC State 35