CU Buffs vs. Arizona State football: 4 things to know, key matchups and predictions

Colorado (1-2) vs. Arizona State (2-1); 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sun Devil Stadium (Tempe, Ariz.)

TV/Radio: ESPNU/630 AM (joined in progress by 850 AM, 94.1 FM)

Line: ASU -14.5, 44.5 over/under

Weather: 85 degrees, cloudy with 15% chance of showers

What to know

Staying the course. CU coach Karl Dorrell promised to “wipe the slate clean” after one of the worst offensive performances in program history — 63 yards and six first downs in a 30-0 loss to Minnesota. A few days later, the biggest change was … Dorrell vowing to attend more offensive meetings? The Buffs haven’t scored in seven quarters, and they’re running it back with struggling freshman QB Brendon Lewis and offensive play-caller Darrin Chiaverini in Tempe. Will that patience pay off?

Broussard’s health. Dorrell cryptically declared running back Jarek Broussard “fine” ahead of the Minnesota game. Then the reigning Pac-12 offensive player of the year proceeded to touch the ball just five times for eight yards, with Dorrell admitting Broussard was still dinged up from an injury sustained vs Texas A&M. If last week’s showing is any indication — backup QB Drew Carter was CU’s leading rusher at nine yards — the Buffs could really use a healthy Broussard.

Sloppy Sun Devils. After playing two FCS opponents to start the season, Arizona State face-planted in Provo with four turnovers and 16 penalties for 121 yards in a 27-17 loss to Brigham Young. In Year 4 of Herm Edwards’ “New Leadership Model” in Tempe, the Sun Devils have been decidedly undisciplined. Aside from the current NCAA investigation into improper recruiting practices, ASU is 127th in FBS at 106.33 penalty yards per game.

Dogged again. For the second time in three weeks, the Buffs enter a game as double-digit underdogs. Two weeks ago, CU made that 17.5-point line look silly, leading Texas A&M most of the game before falling 10-7. The Buffs have covered three of the past four times they were double-digit dogs, winning once (+14.0 vs. Washington in 2019). They are 2-16 overall in such instances (1-10 on the road) since 2015 and have covered eight times (four road, four home).

Key matchups

Lewis vs. ASU DBs. Lewis gets little relief a week after submitting a dud against Minnesota (8 of 16, 55 yards). ASU has two preseason all-Pac-12 defensive backs (Chase Lucas and Evan Fields) and has given up just 143.3 passing yards per game with five interceptions this season. Lewis has crossed 100 yards passing once with CU (102 vs. UNC) and is the 104th-rated passer in FBS. The freshman could really use some easy throws early to re-establish some confidence .

CU LBs vs. ASU RBs. After shutting down a Texas A&M run game turned predictable by a first-quarter injury to its starting QB, CU wore down against Minnesota (53 carries, 277 yards). Another deep, physical backfield awaits in Tempe. ASU moved the ball efficiently with backs Rachaad White (15-71) and Daniyel Ngata (8-82) vs. BYU, and that was without QB Jayden Daniels contributing much on the ground. Translation: LB Nate Landman should have his hands full once again.

Predictions

Kyle Fredrickson, sports reporter: ASU 17, CU 10

It’s a shame the Buffs are wasting their Top-25 defense by having a miserable offense. But CU fights to keep this one closer than most expect.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: ASU 24, CU 7

The Sun Devils defense isn’t scary — but, on paper, neither was Minnesota’s. Let’s keep the bar low and say this: The Buffs will score. Somehow. Just don’t ask how. Or when. Or how often.

Matt Schubert, deputy sports editor: ASU 20, CU 13

The Buffs break their streak of scoreless quarters, but the losing skid continues.