Jay Sawvel has stepped into the role of head coach for the Cowboys, replacing Craig Bohl, and he's expected to lean heavily on a defense that excelled in takeaways last season. As Wyoming's former defensive coordinator, Sawvel is well-acquainted with the strengths of this unit, particularly the defensive line, which was instrumental in allowing the third-fewest rushing yards among Mountain West Conference (MWC) schools. This stout run defense was a key factor in limiting opponents to just 22.9 points per game.

While the departure of last year's leading tackler, Easton Gibbs, leaves a void, the linebacker corps is expected to remain strong. However, the biggest concern for Wyoming lies in the defensive backfield, especially at cornerback. Although the safeties are a talented group that should prevent deep plays, the cornerbacks are a question mark, and their ability to consistently stop the pass—particularly on crucial third downs—remains uncertain. Until someone steps up at corner, this could be a vulnerability for the Cowboys' defense, despite their overall strength in the front seven and run support.

Saturday marks a significant milestone for the Sun Devils as they make their debut in Big 12 football. Arizona State had a challenging 2023 season, finishing with their lowest scoring output since the late 1960s, but there are reasons for optimism as they enter this new chapter under head coach Kenny Dillingham. Despite the struggles, the Sun Devils managed to put up some tough fights against rivals during what was a rebuilding year.

The offense shows promise, particularly with the running back duo of Cam Skattebo and DeCarlos Brooks, who provide a solid foundation for the ground game. The addition of Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt at quarterback is expected to be an upgrade, and he’ll have experienced targets in senior wide receivers Troy Omeiere and Melquan Stovall.

However, the success of Arizona State's season will largely depend on the improvement of their offensive line. Last year, poor pass protection and a lack of push in the running game severely hampered the offense, leading to an average of just 17.8 points per game. The offseason has hopefully addressed these issues, and a stronger offensive line could unlock the potential of the skill positions, leading to better overall results in their first season in the Big 12.

We like Arizona St here. We think Kenny Dillingham is a terrific hire, and we think he gets this Sun Devil program headed the right way. We will roll with the Sun Devils in the nightcap.