The Herm Edwards era in Tempe got off to a tremendous start with an easy win over UTSA.
Now, the Arizona State Sun Devils will get their first real test of the season when they invite No. 15 Michigan State to Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:50 p.m.
SEE ALSO: Tips for avoiding long lines at the Sun Devil Stadium entrance
Saturday night's showdown will be in front of a sold-out "Blackout" crowd in Tempe, but thousands of Spartan fans are expected to be in attendance, as well.
Can Edwards and the Sun Devils pull off the upset and improve to 2-0 on the season? Here are a pair of predictions from the ABC15 sports team.
ABC15 sports anchor Jason Snavely
Not getting much respect heading into the season, ASU will prove they’re no slouch on Saturday night --but I don’t think they’ll play well enough to pull off the upset. I hope I’m wrong.
I think Manny Wilkins will have another big game and N’Keal Harry will follow up his dominant performance with more of the same, but I’m just not sold on this ASU defense yet. There are factors in play that favor the Sun Devils (i.e. heat, late kickoff, fan atmosphere), so I do believe this game will be competitive, but in the end, Michigan State will pull it out as the Sun Devils continue to find themselves under new leadership. Michigan State 30, Arizona State 27
ABC15.com sportswriter Shane Dale
Overconfidence won't be an issue for the Sun Devils after last weekend's easy victory. Senior quarterback Manny Wilkins simply won't allow complacency to creep in to his team.
.@ASUFootball cruised to an easy win over UTSA in its season opener last night.
Quarterback Manny Wilkins knows the Sun Devils have to be even better next weekend when No. 11 Michigan State comes to Tempe. pic.twitter.com/bSRXUBzfuV
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) September 2, 2018
However, youth and inexperience, especially on the defensive side of the ball, could be the Devils' downfall vs. a Michigan State team that not only returns 19 starters from last year's team, but has a chip on its shoulder after nearly suffering an embarrassing home defeat to Utah State last week.
Most Spartan players aren't going to be prepared for the on-field temperatures Saturday -- but it shouldn't bother their quarterback, Phoenix Pinnacle High School alum Brian Lewerke, who has undoubtedly had this game circled on his calendar for some time. Expect the Sun Devils to hang with Michigan State for a half or so, until the Spartans' experience and Big Ten size takes over. Michigan State 38, Arizona State 24
