Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats Betting Odds, Analysis, Pick

Since Todd Graham and Rich Rodriguez took over at Arizona State and Arizona, respectively, the Sun Devils are 2-0 both straight up and against the spread against the Wildcats, putting up 99 points in the two meetings.

In a game that could decide a division title, 9-2 Arizona State and 9-2 Arizona battle it out for the Territorial Cup, and perhaps more, Friday night in Tuscon.

Point spread: This game remained off the board mid-week at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 29.7-27.9 Sun Devils

Why the Arizona State Sun Devils can cover the spread

The Sun Devils rebounded from their loss at Oregon State two weeks ago to beat Washington State last week 52-31, covering as 15-point favorites.

ASU trailed in the second quarter 21-7 but went on a 45-3 run for the win and the cash. So at 6-2 in conference play, the Devils are tied with UCLA and Arizona for first place in the Pac-12 South. But Arizona State would lose a tiebreaker with the Bruins because of that 62-27 loss back in September, so there's no back door.

The Sun Devils are 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in games this season against teams already bowl eligible. And last year, they pounded Arizona 58-21, easily covering as 11-point favorites.

Why the Arizona Wildcats can cover the spread

Since a 17-7 loss to UCLA earlier this month, the Wildcats have won three in a row, including a 42-10 romp over Utah in Salt Lake City last week. Arizona jumped out to a 21-0 lead and never looked back, eventually outgaining the Utes 520-384, grinding out 298 yards on the ground, and winning the turnover battle by a 4-1 margin.

So at 6-2 in conference play, the Cats are in exactly the same boat as Arizona State—in need of a victory and a Bruins loss to make what would be their first appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Finally, Arizona might be looking for revenge after last year's debacle in Tempe.

Smart pick

This game will be played at 3:30 p.m. ET Friday, the same time that UCLA hosts Stanford. If the Bruins fall to the Cardinal, which is possible, the winner of this game would go to the Pac-12 championship tilt.

Arizona holds a short edge on offense, but it took a hit at a key spot last week when quarterback Anu Solomon suffered an ankle injury; his status for Friday is uncertain. And the Sun Devils hold a short edge on defense.

So the smart money here resides with Arizona State to extend Arizona's ATS home losing skid to six games.

Betting trends

• Arizona State is 6-1 SU in its last seven games.
• Arizona is 1-4 ATS in its last five games when playing Arizona State.
• Arizona is 0-5 in its past five home games.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds-tracker app.