Rising cannot throw. All dump offs and screens. I actually thought ASU’s defensive scheme was terrible (lots of 2 deep and zone with almost no downfield passing threat), yet Rising was still awful. We have the best pass defense efficiency in the country and will make Utah completely one dimensional. Bernard is good, but Jay Hill will scheme to stop him. If our offense can get us ahead, they will have to pass.

Other side of the ball - we will run the ball well on Utah. Utah’s D is solid but not the world-beaters the media makes them out to me, particularly in the running game. Our backs are returning and our OL is improving. We will control the game.

Unless Rising is healthy again or Isaac Wilson is playing and is vastly improved, this will a repeat of 1996. Utah will have to hope for lots of turnovers to make it a game, and I don’t see that happening.