Oregon State @ Arizona State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Arizona State 28, Oregon State 31

THE STORY: After its dismal 27-19 loss at home to UCLA last week, Oregon State could probably use a week off. Instead, the Beavers are headed to Arizona State to face a Sun Devils team favored to win the Pac-12 South. Arizona State is riding high after snapping an 11-game losing streak to Southern Cal last week, while Oregon State has lost five straight stretching back to last season. It figures to be a rebuilding year for the Beavers, who opened the season with a loss to FCS opponent Sacramento State.

TV: FS Arizona, Fox College Sports. LINE: Arizona State -18

ABOUT OREGON STATE (0-3, 0-1 Pac-12): Tailback Malcolm Agnew, who ran for 223 yards against Sacramento State in the season opener, could return Saturday after missing two games with a pulled hamstring. After rushing for 23 yards at Wisconsin and 88 against UCLA, the Beavers could certainly use him. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Mannion started his first game last week and completed 24-of-40 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver James Rodgers made his season debut last week, and he’ll likely be a focal point of the offense against the Sun Devils. Oregon State’s red zone defense has struggled so far, giving up 12 touchdowns in 14 trips.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (3-1, 1-0): While linebacker Vontaze Burfict may be the face of the Arizona State defense, coach Dennis Erickson said senior linebacker Colin Parker has been the Sun Devils’ best defensive player through four games. Parker leads the Sun Devils and is sixth in the Pac-12 with 31 tackles. Burfict, who had a key interception in the first half against Southern Cal, is second on the team with 22. Cameron Marshall continues to be bothered by an ankle injury, but he still managed 141 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Trojans. After struggling in a loss to Illinois, quarterback Brock Osweiler looked sharp against Southern Cal with 223 yards and two touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oregon State hasn’t started 0-4 since 1996, when the Beavers opened with five straight losses.

2. Arizona State leads the series 24-12-1, but Oregon State has won the past three games.

3. The Sun Devils lead the Pac-12 in third down defense, with their opponents 12-for-51 on third down (24 percent).

PREDICTION: Arizona State 41, Oregon State 13 - Forgive Arizona State if it is already looking toward next week’s showdown at Utah. The Sun Devils should be able to name the score against the Beavers.