Arizona State vs Utah Prediction: Will Sam Leavitt Play?

The Sun Devils have gone on a three-game winning streak since losing at Mississippi State on a last-minute touchdown, and it has the showdown against Texas Tech up next before facing Houston and going to Iowa State.

Utah got a few weeks off to rest up after rolling by West Virginia with relative ease. The 48-14 win didn't make up for the loss to Texas Tech, but it might have put things back on track.

Win this, and then comes a trip to BYU as part of a five-game run without leaving the state.

How To Watch Arizona State vs Utah

Saturday, October 11, 2025
Game Time: 10:15 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
Predicting Every Remaining Game
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC
Group of Five Teams, Pac-12, ND
@PeteFiutak

Why Arizona State Will Win

Jeff Sims is a veteran quarterback.

He might not be Sam Leavitt - assuming the main man can't go - but Sims isn't a bad relief pitcher. This is his sixth year as a college quarterback.

He had a few strong moments at Georgia Tech and later at Nebraska, with a good arm, dynamic running skills, and enough experience not to be too fazed.

All he has to do is not screw up and let the Sun Devil defense take care of the rest. No one has been able to do much against the ASU defensive front that's allowing just 2.6 yards per carry, but ...

Why Utah Will Win

Jeff Sims is going to screw up.

The skills are all there, but there's a reason he couldn't hold down a gig at either of his other spots - he's a turnover machine.

He threw 29 interceptions in five years, along with his 31 touchdown passes, there were lost fumbles, and he only hit 57% of his throws.

Utah's defense had a bad day against Texas Tech, and that's been it. The. Utes are great at controlling the clock, the pass rush is solid, and ...

The Utah Ground Game Needs to Take Over

Star transfer quarterback Devon Dampier has been good, but he hasn't taken off yet to be the devastating rusher the Utes were expecting he'd be.

He's taking off, and he's hitting 73% of his passes with 11 scores with just three picks, but he's been more steady than sensational ...

And then he threw at will in the win over West Virginia. 

He doesn't have to be dynamic, but Utah has to keep Arizona State from controlling the tempo, and it has to be patient.

At home in a late-night battle, the rested Utes will be workmanlike in the win, even though Sims will show up strong with a nice day.

Arizona State vs Utah Prediction, Betting Lines

Utah 27, Arizona State 20
Line: Utah -7.5, o/u: 45.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 4

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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