No. 8 BYU returns to Provo looking to shake off its first loss of the season, and Arizona State arrives with a quarterback room in flux. The Cougars are 16.5-point favorites, a number that has climbed a full point since it opened at 15.5. The total has moved the other way, sliding from 49.5 to 48. Both moves tell a story about this Big 12 matchup. Below, we break down the spread, the total, and where we see the best bet for Saturday afternoon.
Last Updated: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Arizona State vs. BYU — Time & How to Watch
| Where | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah |
| When | Saturday, October 31 – 3:30 PM ET |
| TV | FOX |
Arizona State vs. BYU Betting Preview
BYU sits at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play. The Cougars were ranked No. 2 a week ago before UCF stunned them 39-31 in double overtime in Orlando. That loss dropped BYU to No. 8. It also put a dent in the Cougars’ conference title hopes, so there is no room for a letdown at home.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier drives the BYU offense. He has thrown for 1,514 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he adds 321 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. BYU has also been one of the most reliable teams in the country for bettors, posting a 6-1 record against the spread.
Arizona State is 4-3 and 2-2 in the Big 12. Kenny Dillingham’s team has lost to Texas A&M, Baylor, and Texas Tech, while beating Kansas, Hawaii, and Kansas State. The Sun Devils are 3-4 ATS this season.
The quarterback situation is the headline. Cutter Boley opened the year as the starter but was benched during the Texas Tech loss. Mikey Keene then started against Kansas State and left late in the first half with a knee injury. He is listed as questionable. Boley struggled again in relief, so Dillingham turned to freshman Jake Fette, who went 3-of-6 for 45 yards. Fette is in line to make his first start, though Keene could still be a game-time decision.
The bright spot for Arizona State was running back Cardae Mack. He piled up 159 yards and four touchdowns in the 28-17 comeback win over Kansas State. Arizona State won the last meeting, 28-23 in Tempe in 2024.
Arizona State vs. BYU Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | +16.5 (-108) | +525 | O 48 (-115) |
| BYU | -16.5 (-112) | -750 | U 48 (-105) |
Odds accurate as of October 31, 2026 via TheSpread.com. Odds change, get the latest NCAAF Odds – Futures – Props
Arizona State vs. BYU — Who Is the Public Betting?
| Arizona State | 49% | 51% | BYU |
See the latest College Football Public Betting Splits and make smarter wagers!
Arizona State vs. BYU Prediction — Can a Freshman QB Keep It Within the Number?
The public is split almost evenly on the spread, with 49% on Arizona State and 51% on BYU. Yet the line has still moved a full point toward the Cougars. That suggests the market is reacting to Arizona State’s quarterback news rather than to public money. A freshman making his first road start in a hostile stadium is a tough spot. BYU’s defense also ranks 29th nationally in EPA per play, so Fette is unlikely to find easy throws.
The bounce-back angle matters too. BYU let a conference game slip away in Orlando, and it now needs wins to stay in the Big 12 race. Meanwhile, the Cougars have covered six of seven games this season. Arizona State, in contrast, has covered just three of seven.
Still, 16.5 points is a lot to lay. Arizona State’s defense ranks 37th in opponent EPA per play, which is respectable. Mack gives the Sun Devils a ground game that can shorten the clock and limit BYU’s possessions. If Keene is cleared, the gap narrows further. On balance, though, BYU’s form and Arizona State’s instability point toward the home side.
The Pick: BYU -16.5 (-112)
Arizona State vs. BYU Prediction — Will a Run-Heavy Script Keep the Scoreboard Quiet?
The total opened at 49.5 and has dropped to 48. Both teams have gone over in four of seven games, so the season trend offers little help. The matchup itself is more telling. Arizona State is likely to lean on Mack and a conservative game plan to protect a young quarterback. That means longer drives, more running clock, and fewer total possessions. BYU’s defense has generally been stingy, and it should be motivated after allowing 39 points to UCF.
The risk is a lopsided BYU win. If Bachmeier gets rolling and the Cougars score in the high 30s, the total can go over on their own. A pick-six or short field from a freshman mistake could also add quick points. However, the market has already moved toward the under, and Arizona State’s offensive limitations make a slow, grinding game the likeliest script.
The Pick: Under 48 (-105)
Final Thoughts and Bonus Angle
The BYU moneyline at -750 offers little value, and the Arizona State moneyline at +525 asks a freshman to win a road game against a top-10 team. We would pass on both. The key variable remains Keene’s status. If he is ruled in before kickoff, the spread could tighten, and bettors who already like BYU may want to lock in now. If Fette starts, as expected, our read on both picks holds.
UCF’s upset of BYU also shook up the conference picture. For more on the Knights, see our Baylor vs. Central Florida prediction and picks.
Here is a recap of our picks for Arizona State vs. BYU:
- BYU -16.5 (-112)
- Under 48 (-105)
Arizona State vs. BYU FAQ: Saturday October 31, 2026
What time does the Arizona State vs. BYU game start?
Arizona State vs. BYU kicks off at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The game is a Big 12 conference matchup, with BYU looking to rebound from its first loss of the season.
What channel is the Arizona State vs. BYU game on?
The Arizona State vs. BYU game airs nationally on FOX. Coverage begins at the 3:30 PM ET kickoff on Saturday, October 31. Check your local FOX affiliate for pregame coverage and channel listings in your area.
Where are Arizona State and BYU playing?
Arizona State and BYU play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. BYU is the home team for this Big 12 matchup. It is a true road game for Arizona State, which is likely to start a freshman quarterback.
Who won the last meeting between Arizona State and BYU?
Arizona State won the last meeting, beating BYU 28-23 in Tempe in November 2024. The Sun Devils held on by stopping a final Hail Mary attempt after fans stormed the field early.
What is BYU’s record this season?
BYU is 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play entering Saturday. The Cougars’ only loss came last week at UCF, 39-31 in double overtime. Arizona State enters at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference.