Will points be on the horizon as the NC State Wolfpack and Arizona State Sun Devils get ready to go at it in the 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl? The number is set at 62, up from a 60.5 open which would suggest the two balanced offenses are ready to bring it on Friday afternoon from El Paso. Both teams can put the ball in the end zone via either the run or the pass – but will the awkward coaching situation ASU is facing help them, or ground them in the 12/29 college football free pick?
The Dual Threat of NC State Leads to an Over
Both teams have offensive superstars all around the field. Start with NC State, who had a 3,000 yard passer in Ryan Finley as well as a 1,000 yard rusher in Nyheim Hines. That duo combined for 28 TDs on the year for a Wolfpack team that averaged over 30 points per game. Throw in the versatility of Fullback, H-back, Tight End Jaylen Samuels and you’ll see why ASU defensive coordinator Phil Bennett is having nightmares coming up with this game plan – but more on the Sun Devils coaching later.
NC State has the added advantage of going against an ASU defense that hasn’t been very good. The Sun Devils allow nearly 450 yards per game and almost 270 through the air. Arizona State yields close to 180 yards on the ground and allows 31.2 points per game. ASU has allowed 30+ points in four of the past five games which could be pushing the 12/29 college football free pick towards the ‘over.’
Arizona State passed on Ryan Finley as a HS senior. Will it come back to haunt them? We take a closer look at the ‘very even’ QB matchup.https://t.co/MAwj4bT93G pic.twitter.com/JCnKEFyfuK
— PackInsider.com (@PackInsider) December 29, 2017
Will the Arizona State Offense Force the Under?
In normal circumstances, ASU would be fully expected to put up some points in the 12/29 college football free pick – we know their defense is going to allow them. Manny Wilkins commands the passing attack as he tossed for 2918 yards and 17TD (against just 5 INT). Wilkins has led the ASU offense to 37+ points in four straight games but is hardly a one man show. 6’4″ WR N’Keal Harry hauled in 73 catches for 1,000 yards this season and ASU features a two-headed monster at RB in Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage (1,634 yards and 18 TD total). The Sun Devils were top 50 in every major offensive category this year.
Of course about those circumstances. The Sun Bowl is going to be an awkward one for ASU coach Todd Graham who is going to be on the sidelines despite being fired and replaced by Herm Edwards after the regular season ended. You never know how players are going to respond to a lame duck coach in a bowl game. One positive note for the Sun Devils is that star NC State DE Bradley Chubb is likely going to sit out this game due to the combination of being injured / being a top pick in the NFL draft not wanting to get hurt more seriously.
Add N.C. State’s Bradley Chubb to the list of top prospects not willing to risk injury in meaningless bowls https://t.co/MftgCD4Tsb
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 29, 2017
12/29 College Football Free Pick – Betting
Both offenses can put up points and the normally strong NC State defense isn’t going to be at full strength thanks to Chubb sitting out. Oddsmakers have set the total at 62, which is a lot of points especially when ASU could come out flat knowing a coaching change is imminent. Then again, Arizona State should want to send the coaching staff that recruited them out in style. This game has all the makings of a shootout.
Free Pick: NC State / Arizona State ‘Over’ 62
