Colorado @ Arizona State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2007 ) Colorado 14, Arizona State 33

THE STORY: Arizona State can strengthen its position as the probable Pac-12 South participant in the inaugural conference championship game when it hosts struggling Colorado on Saturday. The Sun Devils are one game ahead of UCLA - USC is ineligible for the title game - and looking to rebound from a loss to Oregon on Oct. 15. Arizona State visits the Bruins on Nov. 5. Colorado has yet to win a conference game in its first season in the Pac-12 and has lost 21 consecutive road games dating back to the middle of 2007. Buffaloes quarterback Tyler Hansen could miss the game because of a concussion.

TV: Root Sports, FSN. LINE: Arizona State -30.5.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (5-2, 3-1 Pac-12 South): The Sun Devils are 4-0 at home, including a 21-point victory over USC. Junior quarterback Brock Osweiler has completed 66 percent of his attempts and thrown 15 touchdown passes. Junior Cameron Marshall (518 yards, nine touchdowns) became the 11th player in school history to rush for 20 or more touchdowns when he scored against Oregon. Senior Gerell Robinson has a team-best 523 receiving yards. The Sun Devils have forced 20 turnovers after having 17 takeaways all last season. Junior Vontaze Burfict (four sacks) is one of 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s top linebacker.

ABOUT COLORADO (1-7, 0-4 Pac-12): The Buffaloes have been outscored by an average of 26.5 points in this season’s four road losses. Hansen was injured during last week’s 45-2 loss to Oregon and redshirt freshman Nick Hirschman (8-of-18, 71 yards against Oregon) will start if Hansen isn't cleared to play. Making matters is worse is leading rusher Rodney Stewart (473 yards) and top receiver Paul Richardson (29 receptions for 474 yards) are both ailing with knee injuries. Colorado allowed 527 yards to Oregon and has allowed 500 or more in three straight games for the first time since 1983. The Buffaloes are 117th in scoring defense (37.1).

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Arizona State won both previous meetings, the most recent 33-14 at home in 2007.

2. Colorado has allowed 30 or more points in five straight games for the first time since 2003.

3. The Buffaloes have allowed 37 offensive touchdowns (17 rushing, 20 receiving) while scoring only 18.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 52, Colorado 10 - A long year keeps getting worse for the Buffaloes and the Sun Devils show little mercy.