Eastern Michigan vs Arizona State (9/17/2022): Odds, Picks, Predictions

Arizona State came into this year with a lot of uncertainty, and still hasn’t shown much. They looked good in a Week 1 win over NAU, but sloppy last week in a loss to Oklahoma State. Eastern Michigan has also started off inconsistent with a win against Eastern Kentucky, but a blow out loss to Louisiana. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Eastern Michigan vs. Arizona State Odds

ASU comes into this game as a 20.5-point favorite, while also being at -1250 on the moneyline. The over/under sits at 56.5 too. Arizona State being that big of a favorite doesn’t surprise me at all. The game is at home against an Eastern Michigan team that has been inconsistent at best, so the line makes sense for the Sun Devils. The over/under also makes sense too because ASU should get their offense back on track after playing a good defense in Oklahoma State. Eastern Michigan should be able to score too, but the total I think favors the ASU offense more.

Eastern Michigan Vs. Arizona State Prediction & Pick

The pick: Arizona State -20.5

Anytime there’s a spread of at least 20 points it makes sense to be a little wary. However, I do think the ASU Sun Devils can cover after having a really sloppy game last week.

They are back at home and should feel comfortable there too. Eastern Michigan hasn’t played a Power conference team yet, and I just don’t see how they are going to be able to matchup with the Sun Devils. Emory Jones has been solid at quarterback for ASU and the running game has been a surprise too with the emergence of Xazavian Valladay as the starting running back.

The defense has also been a bit of a surprise too because that side of the ball lost so much talent from last year. The defense was able to keep the Sun Devils in the game last week until Oklahoma State finally pulled away.

Eastern Michigan seems outmatched here. Taylor Powell at quarterback seems to be a bright spot, but he had a really bad game last week against Louisiana, and a matchup against the Sun Devils doesn’t seem like the best way for him to rebound. I don’t see how Eastern Michigan can stop ASU’s running game, and that’ll probably decide the game.

The spread may seem like a lot, but don’t overthink it, and pick the more talented team here, which is the Sun Devils and for them to cover that spread.

Eastern Michigan vs. Arizona State Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Eastern Michigan vs Arizona State below.

Xazavian Valladay vs the Eastern Michigan run defense

After the departure of Rachaad White, the ASU running game was an immediate question heading into this year, and there were questions on who would step up. Xazavian Valladay has taken that baton and ran with it.

Valladay ran for 116 yards in his debut with 2 touchdowns, and then followed it up with 118 yards and a touchdown last week against Oklahoma State. I don’t know how Eastern Michigan will be able to contain him after his very hot start so far. They allowed 141 rushing yards in their first game and then also allowed 149 yards in its second game too.

The Eagles have been susceptible on the ground so far this year, and I expect the Sun Devils to take advantage of that in spades with Valladay. Valladay has 234 yards rushing on the year, and I would not be surprised if he got that number in this game by himself. The Sun Devils are going to exploit this matchup early and often and it will be the difference in the game.