Cactus Bowl
SATURDAY, JAN. 2, 2016
10:15 PM (ET)
PHOENIX, ARIZ
West Virginia Mountaineers
2015 Record 7-5, 4-5 Big 12
Vs.
Arizona State Sun Devils
2015 Record 6-6, 4-5 Pac-12
Line: WEST VIRGINIA -1
OVER/UNDER: 65
From a glance the West Virginia offense has a run first and pass second style, and has run a total of 967 plays, 589 coming on the ground and 378 through the air. The rushing game has totaled 2,823 yards for an average of 4.8 yards per carry and 25 touchdowns. The passing attack has totaled 2,737 yards, 21 touchdowns and an average of 13.4 yards per completion. The Mountaineers are averaging 235.2 yards per game on the ground, 228.1 yards per game passing and 463.3 yards per game of total offense.
West Virginia’s defense has been outstanding this season holding the opponent to a total 9 rushing touchdowns, which ranks 6th in the country. They are ranked 11th in the nation in turnover margin, No. 21in tackles for loss and No. 37 in sacks. WVU has held its opponent to under 300 yards passing nine times this season and 17 times in the past 25 games, including the last five straight.
In their last 6 encounters, the Sun Devils of Arizona State are 2 and 4 while being outscored 245 to 222, but they have not faced like they will tonight. Arizona State’s defense has been very generous to the opposition allowing an average of 42 points per contest in the last 6 matchups and that is a solid 10 points above their seasonal average.
Trends:
AS A FAVORITE WEST VIRGINIA IS 5 AND 4 THIS SEASON.
Selection: West Virginia -1 Over 65
