A first pass through 5Dimes’ College Season Win Totals resulted in jotting down a couple of possible options for early plays. Going down the list alphabetically, as the teams are listed, I blew right past the A’s and the entire state of Arizona without tapping the brakes.
I think Coach Todd Graham can scratch and claw his way to at least nine wins
But when I went back for a second look, the Sun Devils number and the attractive plus money had me rolling up the sleeves and digging deeper.
The result is my first Pac 12 Season Win Total Pick of the season.
Arizona State Over 8.5 (+130)
After a stretch in the college football hinterlands, Coach Todd Graham has brought the Sun Devil program back to relevance.
Graham can boast back-to-back 10 win seasons and Top 25 rankings the last two years.
Can he get the program to nine wins in 2015?
Questions at the wideout spot and along the O-line are notable, but I’m confident this staff can adequately fill the holes and put the team right back into the mix for a Pac 12 South title.
You might notice I didn’t highlight QB as a question mark. Despite waving goodbye to three-year starter Taylor Kelly, they’re going to be just fine behind centre.
New starter Mike Bercovici won’t have the same quality line in front of him, but I don’t think it will take long for them to sort the protection for him and the running game. Speaking of the running game, this is a strength that Bercovici can rely on as he gets comfortable.
I love the defense, particularly the back seven. They’ll be a big reason ASU takes a serious run at the division title.
They don’t have the luxury of easing into the season with one of those classic Michigan non-conference powder-puff schedules – it’s go time right out of the gate. But once they get through that first wave, it should be smooth sailing.
Pac 12 Season Win Total Picks
I’m going with the Sun Devils to go Over 8.5, getting the healthy +130.
Check all the Pac 12 Season Win Total Odds at 5Dimes.
Good luck.