Pass Offense

The Keith Smith-Ortege Jenkins combination has continued to pay off for the 'Cats in '99 as they come into the 12^th game of their season averaging 249.5 yards per game through the air. With nine catches and 77 receiving yards, UofA Wideout Dennis Northcutt will move into second place all-time in the Pac-10 in both categories. ASU is looking for another decent showing from Ryan Kealy and hope for the return of receiver Tariq McDonald to balance out the Devils' offense.

The Edge: UofA

Special Teams

UofA's kicking game has accomplished one thing this season: Made everyone else's kicking game look that much better. ASU's kicking is average. Neither team punts especially well, although the Devils coverage team allows the fewest yards per return in the Pac-10. Both squads feature incredibly dangerous return men.

The Edge: ASU

Rush Offense

The main reason the Wildcats' offense is third in the nation is their great running attack. Tailback Trung Canidate leads the team with 131.27 yards per game, good for seventh in the nation. ASU's Redmond comes in averaging 108.11 yards per game and the Sun Devils' depth at this position is the only reason this match-up is even remotely close.

The Edge: Even

Rush Defense

ASU's rush defense is third to last in the conference and last year when these two teams played, Canidate ran for a UofA-record 288 yards. This year, if he gets anywhere close to that total, the game will be over well before halftime.

The Edge: UofA

Pass Defense

Slight edge here to the Devils, who rank third in the Pac-10 allowing just 219.4 yards per game. The 'Cats are a close fourth at 225.6, but ASU has intercepted twice as many passes (10) and has shown some resilience playing as a patchwork corps much of the second half of the season.

The Edge: ASU

Overall

Even though both teams have had incredibly disappointing seasons, with state bragging rights and a trip to the Aloha Bowl on the line, this game should not disappoint. The Sun Devils and Wildcats are relatively evenly matched so the edge lies with the home team.

The Edge: ASU 38-35