Vegas Play of the Day: Arizona at Arizona State

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 | 2 a.m.

The sixth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2018-19 and 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Arizona State minus-13.5 vs. Arizona, $660 to win $600: A common theory in handicapping rivalry games is to ignore the records of each team, stats and other trends. That’s because the emotion of playing against a rival cancels out normal decision-making logic. While this theory has proven to be accurate many times in different college football rivalry games, it’s far from a sure thing.

That’s especially true when looking at Arizona’s results, most notably in the last month. Arizona has lost its last six games and has only scored 13 points over the past two weeks. In four games to start the skid, the Wildcats surrendered 51, 41, 41, and 56 points.

Arizona State is also struggling to close out the season, only winning one of its last five games. But that win came last week in an upset of No. 5 Oregon, and two of the defeats came by a combined six points.

Arizona State’s offense only scores 25 points per game, which isn’t great considering they need to win by double-digits to cover the spread. But, then again, playing Arizona’s struggling defense will surely enhance the Sun Devils’ attack.

Current Standings: Grimala (10-4, $10,305), Keefer (18-16-2, $8,005), Emerson (10-14, $7,890), Brewer (8-9, $7,535)

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21