Arizona State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2021 season

Southern Utah’s 2021 spring season was a nightmare as the Thunderbirds went just 1-5 in a shortened campaign and it was painful to watch because every loss was by less than 10 points.

In fact, they lost four games by three points or less and the fifth defeat was by just eight to end the season against Northern Arizona. That doesn’t mean I believe that they’re going to bounce back and beat a team like Arizona State this season.

No, this one won’t be close because, well, Arizona State isn’t an FCS foe.

Final Score: Southern Utah 7, Arizona State 41 (1-0)

The 2020 season was forgettable for UNLV as well as the Rebels finished 0-6 in the first year of Marcus Arroyo. They weren’t competitive in any game, losing all six by at least 13 points.

In the first two games, the Sun Devils will face teams that combined for a 1-11 record a year ago in the FCS and Mountain West.

Arizona State should have no problem scoring big on the Rebels’ defense which ranked 119th in the country last year and 113th in scoring. They will also hold the Rebels’ offense in check as it finished just 108th in total yards and 119 in scoring last year. This game won’t be close.

Final Score: UNLV 10, Arizona State 45 (2-0)