Sun Bowl 2014: Odds, Schedule and Prediction for Arizona State vs. Duke
The 2014 Sun Bowl features a devilish faceoff between Arizona State and Duke. Both teams fared well during the regular season, earning 9-3 records; however, a few tough games took them out of contention in their respective conferences.
The Sun Devils boast a well-balanced offense that ranks 19th in the nation, scoring an average of 37.0 points per game. Although, the team's defense has been rather inconsistent, putting together strong performances against Stanford and Utah but collapsing against UCLA and Arizona.
The Blue Devils have been winning games due to a sturdy defense. Ranked 21st in the nation, Duke is allowing an average of just 20.6 points per contest. Unfortunately, an inconsistent offense led to a couple of late-season losses against Virginia Tech and North Carolina.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Arizona State is coming off a loss against Arizona and will be looking for a bounce-back victory, while Duke won its season finale against Wake Forest and will attempt to ride that momentum to a Sun Bowl title.
Viewing Information
When: Saturday, December 27
Where: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Live Stream: CBSSports.com
Betting Info (via Odds Shark):
- Over/Under: 65
- Spread: Arizona State -7.5
Preview and Prediction
Senior quarterback Taylor Kelly will get the start for the Sun Devils Saturday against Duke, marking the last time he will take to the field for Arizona State. Kelly missed three games earlier this season, but he still managed to throw for 1,874 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on the year.
Kelly should be looking for some redemption in the Sun Bowl, as he was benched during the team's regular-season finale after completing 13 of his 22 passing attempts for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Although, the quarterback didn't get much help from running back D.J. Foster, who averaged just 2.6 yards per carry in that contest.
Foster's had a bit of a roller-coaster season, starting red hot and rushing for more than 140 yards in each of his first three games; however, he eclipsed the century mark just one more time on the year. Still, much of his value comes in the passing game, as he's caught 59 passes for 646 yards and three scores.
Although, if this offense is going to get moving, it must force-feed wide receiver Jaelen Strong. The junior pass-catcher has been phenomenal this season, accumulating four games of more than 100 receiving yards and totaling 75 receptions for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing one contest.
Duke has been very good against the pass this season, ranking 34th in the nation and allowing an average of just 204.0 yards per game through the air. The Blue Devils have also limited opponents to a total of 12 passing touchdowns in 12 games, making this secondary a very formidable opponent for Kelly and Co.
The Blue Devils don't have the most prolific offense in the nation, ranking 81st in passing yards, 46th in rushing yards and 44th in points scored, but senior quarterback Anthony Boone has protected the ball much better this year, lowering his interception total down to seven, compared to tossing 13 in 2013.
While his interception total dropped, so did his completion percentage. He's connecting just 56.9 percent of the time, and he's amassed 2,507 yards and 17 touchdowns. Boone will have his hands full against an Arizona State team that loves to blitz, ranking seventh in the nation with 39 sacks on the season.
Duke's offensive line has been very good against the pass rush this season, allowing just 13 sacks; however, the team will be tested by a defense that loves to dial up exotic blitz packages. Expect Boone to circumvent the pressure with plenty of underneath routes to speedy wide receiver Jamison Crowder.
The Blue Devils have a very strong defense; however, it's difficult to trust in that unit due to its inconsistent play over the back half of the season. Arizona State has plenty of offensive weapons capable of moving the chains and putting just enough points on the board to come away with the win.
Prediction: Arizona State 30, Duke 24
All team statistics and rankings courtesy of NCAA.com and current as of December 26.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
