BYU vs Arizona State Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 9 on 10/31/2026

Week 9 of the 2026 college football season features an intriguing matchup as the Arizona State Sun Devils travel to Provo, UT to take on the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Arizona State enters the game with a 4-3 record, having shown mixed results on the road with a 0-2 record. The Sun Devils, members of the Big 12 Conference, will be looking to improve their conference record, which currently stands at 2-2.

On the other hand, the BYU Cougars, also a Big 12 team, boast a strong 6-1 record and an undefeated 4-0 home record this season. Ranked #8 in the AP Poll and #9 in the Coaches Poll, the Cougars are coming off a narrow 39-31 loss to the UCF Knights. With a 3-1 conference record, BYU will aim to maintain its winning ways at home.

Arizona State's recent performances have been varied, with a notable 28-17 win over Kansas State in their last game. Meanwhile, BYU has demonstrated resilience, securing a 28-24 victory over Notre Dame in their last home game. The game will be broadcast on FOX, with kickoff set for 3:30 PM on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

BYU vs Arizona State At a Glance (Week 9)

• Game Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, UT
• Kickoff Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 3:30 PM
• TV Channel: FOX
• Arizona State Record: 4-3 this season
• BYU Record: 6-1 this season, ranked #8 in AP Poll
• Betting Odds: BYU favored by 15.5 points with a moneyline of -775

The BYU Cougars Look to Bounce Back Against Arizona State

Offensive Overview

In the current season, the BYU Cougars have scored 232 points, placing them 36th in the nation. Their passing game has struggled, amassing 1,544 yards, ranking 83rd. However, the rushing attack has been more effective, gathering 1,376 yards and ranking 38th.

Despite their offensive struggles compared to last season, BYU still manages to keep the chains moving, with 141 first downs, which is 43rd overall. Bear Bachmeier has been leading the charge at quarterback, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts.

Defensive Analysis

Defensively, BYU has conceded 130 points this season, ranking them 63rd. They've shown strength in getting to the quarterback, recording 12 sacks, which is 17th in the country. Additionally, their secondary has been active with six interceptions, ranking 7th nationally.

The Cougars' ability to force turnovers has been a strong point, recovering two fumbles, placing them 10th in the rankings. This defensive prowess will be crucial in containing Arizona State's offensive threats.

Key Players to Watch

Bear Bachmeier is a pivotal figure for BYU, with 1,514 passing yards and 11 touchdowns so far. His decision-making will be key in maintaining an effective offensive strategy. On the ground, with LJ Martin sidelined due to an ankle injury, Preston Rex will need to step up.

In the receiving corps, Legend Glasker and Kyler Kasper are standout performers, each with four receiving touchdowns. Their ability to create separation and make key plays will be vital for BYU's passing attack.

Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: 25-2 (92.6%) over the last 27 games.
• SU - Home Games: 11-0 (100.0%) over the last 11 games.
• ATS - Home Games: 7-0 (100.0%) over the last 7 games.
• O/U - After Loss: 6-0 (100.0%) over the last 6 games.
• SU - After Loss: 3-0 (100.0%) over the last 3 games.

Recent Performance

BYU's recent performance includes a narrow loss to UCF, 39-31, which ended their four-game winning streak. In that game, BYU struggled defensively, allowing 293 passing yards and 178 rushing yards. However, they showed resilience in a close victory against Notre Dame, 28-24, in the prior game.

The Cougars demonstrated offensive balance against Iowa State, securing a 24-10 win with 329 passing yards and 179 rushing yards. Their ability to adapt their strategy will be crucial in the upcoming game against Arizona State.

Arizona State Sun Devils Travel to Face BYU Cougars

Offensive Strategy and Key Players

Arizona State Sun Devils' offense has displayed a balanced approach in the 2026 season. With 1,872 passing yards, they rank 37th, showcasing their ability to move the ball through the air effectively. Their rushing game, although ranked 89th, provides a complementary attack with 1,028 yards.

Quarterback Cutter Boley has been pivotal, with 1,360 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. Reed Harris stands out among the receivers, with 800 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, making him a key target for Boley. On the ground, Cardae Mack has been the most productive running back, accumulating 400 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

Defensive Performance

The Sun Devils' defense has struggled, conceding 209 points, placing them at 119th in points allowed. However, their pass rush has been effective, recording 14 sacks, ranking 15th in the nation.

In the turnover department, Arizona State has been strong, with 3 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries, both ranking within the top 10 nationally. This capability to create turnovers can be a game-changer against BYU.

Challenges on the Road

Arizona State's away game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium presents a challenge. The Sun Devils are 14.5-point underdogs, suggesting a tough task ahead. Their recent away loss to Texas Tech, where they conceded 53 points, highlights the defensive adjustments needed.

Arizona State's 3-2 record in their last five games includes two significant losses, indicating inconsistency. Improving road performance will be crucial to overcome the odds against BYU.

Injury Concerns

The Sun Devils are dealing with several injuries, including quarterback Mikey Keene, who is questionable with a knee issue. Lyrik Rawls and Zyrus Fiaseu are confirmed out, impacting the depth in the secondary and linebacker positions.

Their injury list also includes key contributors like Luke Baklenko and MyKeil Gardner, affecting both offense and defense. The team will need to rely on depth and adjustments to fill these gaps effectively.

Team Betting Trends

• SU - After Loss: Last 10 Games (2024–2026) → 10-0 (100.0%)
• SU - As Favorite: Last 20 Games (2022–2026) → 17-3 (85.0%)
• SU - Home Games: Last 19 Games (2024–2026) → 16-3 (84.2%)
• ATS - After Loss: Last 14 Games (2023–2026) → 12-2 (85.7%)
• SU - Totals ≥ 50: Last 17 Games (2024–2026) → 14-3 (82.4%)
• O/U - Away Games: Last 3 Games (2025–2026) → 3-0 (100.0%)

BYU vs Arizona State Week 9 Prediction: BYU -15.5

BYU comes into this game with an impressive home record of 4-0 and an overall 6-1 for the season. Their ability to consistently win at home, paired with their recent successful track record of covering the spread in home games, makes them a strong candidate to cover the -15.5 spread. Given their ranking in the AP and Coaches Polls, BYU is clearly positioned as a formidable opponent for any team.

Arizona State, on the other hand, has struggled on the road with a 0-2 record this season. Despite a recent win over Kansas State, their defensive ranking of 119th in points against suggests that they may find it challenging to contain BYU's offense. This game being played at LaVell Edwards Stadium further tilts the advantage towards BYU.

BYU's offense, ranked 36th in points scored, should capitalize on Arizona State's defensive vulnerabilities. The Cougars also have a strong history of bouncing back after losses, which is another key factor in favoring BYU to cover the spread. Their ability to control the game at home should allow them to pull away comfortably.

Considering both teams' statistical profiles and current form, BYU is likely to dominate this game. The prediction is that BYU will win and cover the spread with a final projected score of BYU 38, Arizona State 17.

• BYU vs Arizona State Prediction: BYU -15.5
• BYU vs Arizona State Score: BYU 38 - Arizona State 17

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