Pac-10 Vs. Big 10 Weekend Preview: Week 3 (ASU/WISC + UA/IA)

The two teams from Arizona will take on two power house teams from the Big 10 this Saturday. ASU will be traveling to Madison to take on the 11th ranked Wisconsin Badgers, while the U of A, who holds the 24th ranking on the top 25 poll, will host the number 9 Hawkeyes of Iowa. 

ASU vs. (11)Wisconsin

The Frontline:

• Both teams are 2-0 coming into this match-up.
• This will be Arizona State's first road game.
• BetUS.com has ASU Sun Devils as +12.5 point underdogs.

Historically, Wisconsin has never beaten ASU. However, ASU QB Steven Threet has. Threet played for Michigan before transferring to ASU. In 2008, Threet led the Wolverine comeback to win 27-25. Two years later, Threet is wearing the maroon and gold and will be starting the biggest game on ASU's schedule this year. Wisconsin looked impressive in their first week win against UNLV winning 41-21. The Badger offense is anchored by running back John Clay. (Is it too early to be talking Heisman?) Clay will be looking to lengthen his consecutive games with 100 rushing yards to nine, which is the longest streak in the nation.

How ASU wins:

• The defense proves why it is the best in the Pac-10 and should be recognized nationally.
• Last week, ASU committed 13 penalties but still got away with a win. ASU must cut the penalties down to single digits to stay in the game.
• Speed of the game. Wisconsin is not used to the no-huddle offense and if ASU keeps the tempo of the game to their liking, (fast-paced), it can cause problems for Wisconsin.

How Wisconsin wins:

• Play Action: John Clay is the go-to-guy and the ASU line will react quick to stop him. If Wisconsin can run play action at the right time, it can, and will, expose the ASU secondary.
• Force ASU mistakes. Make Steven Threet throw under pressure. Threet's stats may look good, but just a little pressure will cause a turnover, like how his other two interceptions happened.
• Strike early. A stab to the ASU moral can lead to a complete breakdown on the other side.

Outcome: This match-up has all the makings for an upset. ASU was in the "others receiving votes" section of the top 25 poll. Not only should ASU beat the spread, they should come out on top and shock the Big 10 and the country.

31-27 ASU

(9)Iowa vs. (24)Arizona

The Frontline:

• Both teams are 2-0 coming into this match-up.
• This is the only game of the week featuring two top 25 teams.
• BetUS.com lists Iowa as -1.5 point favorites.

In Arizona's first two games, they have given up 8 points COMBINED. Sure, they weren't against a Big 10 offense but it does give them the second rank of all schools in the "points against" column. Iowa is not far, as they sit in the 8th rank of the same list. So you may think this may be a low scoring game, right? Nope, expect some big numbers in this game. Well, 20's and 30's. Both teams have a good looking offense, but, Iowa seems to bring more play makers to the field.

How Iowa Wins:

• Pressure Nick Foles. Early and often. 
• Bring heat to the line on 3rd down. Arizona's run game seems to be magical on 3rd down, keep that in mind Coach Bielema.
• Slow the game down. Like ASU, Arizona likes to keep an up-tempo style. If Iowa can stutter the U of A offense, it will dramatically make a difference on the opposite side of the field.

How Arizona Wins:

• Make Iowa uncomfortable. Not going to be easy, but get them out of the game early.
• Pass more. Iowa's defense is great, but in the spread, Iowa will be in unfamiliar territory.
• Protect Nick Foles. This game has the chance to become brutal if the Arizona O-Line breaks down. 

With that said, I think this game will be relatively close. Iowa will break away in the second half. The D-Line of Iowa is lethal and they will eventually win the match-up and get to Nick Foles when it matters. 

34-28 Iowa

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