It’ll be 86 degrees and sunny when the No. 9 Arizona State Sun Devils take on No. 10 Notre Dame, the Jesuit outfit long opposed to devils of all kinds. The Fighting Irish have never lost to ASU in three meetings–but this game is of a different magnitude. With both teams at 7-1, it’s reasonable to believe they each have legitimate playoff hopes–despite some uneven play that makes Notre Dame, in particular, hard to figure. (The Irish gave up 39 points against Navy, for goodness sake.)
Arizona State relies on youth in its offense, a recipe for unpredictability but also for brilliance. Freshman Demario Richard can carry the ball against anybody, it seems, and if he bogs down his fellow frosh Kalen Ballage can also punish defenses. Both teams can score. Remember, the Irish won after giving up 39 against Navy and won again giving up 43 against North Carolina. The pressure is on both teams to apply the pressure–ASU has allowed 11 sacks on a fragile Taylor Kelly in two games. But pressure can result in opportunities, too. A sure future NFL wide receiver, ASU’s Jaelen Strong could run wild if Kelly can get him the ball. Bedeviling Notre Dame hasn’t proved as easy as it might have seemed this season after it had to suspend a bunch of players early for misconduct–especially given its very tough schedule. But ASU has the goods to make it a Devils day. If they don’t, Notre Dame may be a lock for a playoff spot, given the team’s popularity and financial power. No. 10 Notre Dame (7-1) @ No. 9 Arizona State (7-1) 3:30 PM ABC