9* Take Arizona State (#357)

It’s a 9 AM local time start for these two teams, with no fans in the stands.  Which coach do YOU trust to have their team energized in this environment; playing like their hair is on fire in what could be a low energy setting – Herm Edwards or Clay Helton?  For me, it’s not even close.  Edwards routinely inspires passion from his players.  Helton?  Not so much.

USC is loaded with talent, just like they are every year.  Year after year, the betting markets look at this Trojans team coming into the season and get excited – they’re loaded with blue chip prospects.  Year after year under Helton, the Trojans have underachieved to their talent level.  This is Helton’s fifth season opener.  His next Week 1 pointspread cover will be his first: the Trojans are 0-4 ATS in season openers during his tenure, failing to cover as home favorites in each of the last three seasons.  Nothing I’ve read from PAC-12 previews out of LA this week has given me any reason to think that this year’s season opener will be different.

Arizona State gave USC a battle last year, losing by only five points; in spread covering fashion.  They beat the Trojans outright when they faced off in 2018.  But somehow this year, in this awkward early start game, they’re being asked to win by double digits?  And the Sun Devils haven’t lost their road opener by more than a TD in the Herm Edwards era – he gets them ready, every year.  Too many points; plain and simple.  Take Arizona State.