Predictions: Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Colorado Buffaloes in Pac-12 opener

The Arizona State Sun Devils completed a perfect 3-0 non-conference schedule with an upset win at Michigan State last weekend.

Now, the nationally-ranked Devils head into Pac-12 play, beginning with a home matchup vs. Colorado on Saturday night. A win would give ASU just its second 4-0 start in the last 13 years, and its first since 2016. Colorado, meanwhile, is 2-1 and looking to rebound from last weekend's overtime loss to Air Force.

Can the Devils get it done? Here are a pair of predictions from the ABC15 sports team.

ABC15 sports director Craig Fouhy

The Colorado defense is ranked 119th nationally, but the Sun Devils' offense hasn’t exactly been a juggernaut this season. With that said, there’s also a chance the Devils have a bit of a hangover after last weeks big win in East Lansing. It’s also ASU’s Pac-12 opener at home. Regardless, I like the Devils in this one. ASU 28, Colorado 14

ABC15.com sportswriter Shane Dale

Colorado isn't as well-rounded a team as Michigan State is, but its offense will probably provide ASU with a tougher test. Senior quarterback Steven Montez is one of the better game managers in the conference, and he's off to a strong start this season despite the loss to Air Force. He and the Buffaloes will be on a mission after that embarrassing defeat.

As for ASU: Despite the strong start, it's still difficult to know exactly what to make of this team. Freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels is a star in the making, and the Devils' defense has been rock solid, but their offense has been stagnant, to say the least for most of the year. I think they'll find a way to grind out another win Saturday thanks to star running back Eno Benjamin and a home-field edge -- but sticking with this year's theme, it won't be pretty. ASU 24, Colorado 21