The odds indicate Arizona State’s position as a contender in the Pac-12.

After finishing with a 2-2 record in the shortened 2020 football season due to coronavirus, Arizona State is returning with a talented roster and optimistic aspirations for a Pac-12 title in the upcoming 2021 campaign.

At DraftKings sportsbook, the Sun Devils are ranked fourth in likelihood to win the conference with odds of +450. They are behind USC in the South Division, who have odds of +400.

Bookmakers are predicting a challenging season for Arizona Football in 2021.

Arizona State is one of the top teams in the Pac-12 along with USC, Washington, and Oregon, all favored to win the conference at +275 with BetRivers sportsbook. The Sun Devils have much lower odds than Utah and UCLA, who are the fifth choices in the conference at +1200.

According to DraftKings sportsbook, Arizona State has odds of +175 to win the South Division, slightly trailing USC’s +125 odds. The winners of the two divisions will face off in the Pac-12 championship on Dec. 3 in Las Vegas.

Unlikely Chance to Win College Football Playoff Title

According to Unibet sportsbook, the Sun Devils, Auburn, Iowa, Michigan, and Washington all have equal preseason odds of winning the College Football Playoff at +10000.

Since 2014, Arizona State has not been a major player on the national scene. In that year, they finished with a 10-3 record and ranked 12th in the final AP poll. The Sun Devils have only appeared in the Rose Bowl twice, in 1987 and 1997.

Coach Herm Edwards has elevated the program, as evidenced by 10 players being named first- or second-team preseason All-Pac 12 by Athlon. Jayden Daniels is recognized as one of the league’s top returning quarterbacks, and the Sun Devils boast an abundance of talent at offensive skill positions and on defense.

The Sun Devils showed a strong foundation for success in the four games they played last season. Arizona State averaged 40 points per game, with a standout 70-point victory over rival Arizona, and had the best defense in the Pac-12 South, allowing only 23.3 points per game. In 2019, ASU ended the season with an 8-5 record and a win against Florida State in the Sun Bowl.

BYU is ready for their first road test.

The Sun Devils will kick off their season on Sept. 2 against FCS opponent Southern Utah, then face UNLV, a team with just one winning season in the past two decades.

Arizona State’s first test of the season will come on September 18th against BYU. Despite being without their star quarterback Zach Wilson, who was the second overall pick in the NFL draft, BYU still boasts a formidable lineup of returning starters in other positions. This makes them a formidable opponent to face, especially at their home stadium.

According to the odds released by sportsbooks for Arizona sports betting, the Cougars are predicted to win by approximately a touchdown against the Sun Devils in the preseason. The betting is set to begin in the fall.

Arizona State’s fate in the Pac-12 may hinge on their upcoming games against USC and Washington, with the first matchup set for November 6th in Tempe and the second on November 13th in Seattle.