We are back for another Thursday night College Football game! And while many eyes will be on the NFL game, the Texas State Bobcats will be hosting the Arizona State Sun Devils in the college ranks.
Both teams are 2-0, and we could be in for an intriguing Thursday night brawl, where I am expecting a good amount of offensive firepower! Let's break down the matchups before delivering our best bet! Good luck, folks!
Texas State's Offense Is the Key
Texas State is coming in off a very good 2023 campaign where they showed their offensive dominance. They ranked 11th in the country in points per game (36.7), 16th in completion %, 10th in offensive plays per game, and 15th in total yards per game (457.3). In this 2024 iteration of the Bobcats, they are looking to keep the ball rolling under new QB Jordan McCloud, who transferred from a high powered James Madison team.
The Bobcats currently rank 30th in points per game (41.5), 31st in completion %, 10th in offensive plays, and 26th in total yards per game (495). Behind 34- and 49-point performances, while averaging over 200 yards per game on the ground, and almost 300 yards per game in the air, on a 68% completion percentage, I think the Sun Devils defense is in for a long night.
The Texas State defense will have to step up and make some timely plays, and if they do they should be able to pull away in this one. Arizona State should put up some points on Texas St as they have scored 30+ in their first two games, but if they make turnovers, they won’t be able to keep up with Texas State for four quarters. Arizona State has not turned the ball over this season, but those will come and I believe one will come tonight
Bobcats Must Shut Down the Sun Devils Running Game
Texas State has their work cut out for them, they will have to focus on keeping Cam Skattebo from running all over them and force pressure on Leavitt all night. If they can shut down the run game and force Leavitt to make plays, I believe he will struggle to be efficient.
Texas State can hit them in multiple ways via the air or the ground and they have a sizable home field advantage. Arizona St has yet to play on the road this season, if the Bobcats can slow this rushing attack down and control time of possession, with home field advantage, they should pull out a home victory.
My Best Bet:
Texas St ML (-110) MGM(Almost Every Sportsbook)
