Arizona State vs Cincinnati Picks and Prediction – 10/19/2024

The Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) and the Cincinnati Bearcats (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) will clash at Nippert Stadium in an exciting mid-season matchup. Arizona State comes off a solid 27-19 win over Utah, while Cincinnati narrowly edged UCF 19-13. Both teams seek to boost their conference standing with a win. Dominate the college scene with our College Football picks.

Arizona State's offense is led by quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has passed for 1,166 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Running back Cam Skattebo has been a key contributor, racking up 773 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson provides a deep threat with 369 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Offensively, the Sun Devils have been effective, averaging 30.8 points over the last five games. However, the team has shown inconsistency, especially in a 30-22 loss to Texas Tech.

Defensively, Arizona State has tightened up, limiting opponents to just 19 points against Utah. However, the unit has struggled at times against dynamic offenses, conceding 30 points to Texas Tech. This makes the matchup against Cincinnati’s balanced attack a crucial test. If the Sun Devils can generate pressure and limit big plays, it will put them in a strong position to control the game.

Cincinnati’s offense revolves around quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who has thrown for 1,722 yards with 13 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions. Running back Corey Kiner complements the passing game with 496 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, while Xzavier Henderson leads the Bearcats with 474 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Cincinnati’s ability to balance the run and pass attack makes them a tough opponent, and the Bearcats will look to exploit Arizona State’s defensive lapses.

Defensively, the Bearcats have been solid but not flawless, giving up 44 points in a shootout loss to Texas Tech. Cincinnati rebounded well against UCF, allowing just 13 points. A strong defensive performance, particularly in pass coverage, will be critical to stop Arizona State’s aerial attack. The Bearcats must maintain discipline and avoid breakdowns if they want to secure a win at home.

Cincinnati has the edge in this matchup with a more balanced offense and home-field advantage at Nippert Stadium. Arizona State’s defense has shown vulnerabilities that Cincinnati can exploit, especially with Sorsby leading the way. Look for Cincinnati’s offense to find a rhythm and pull away late in the game. Final Score Prediction: Cincinnati Bearcats win 31-24.