Cactus Bowl preview: ASU seeks positive finish to disappointing season
PHOENIX -- West Virginia traveled across the country to play what's essentially a home game for Arizona State with a start time past 10 p.m. back home.
Instead of complaining, the Mountaineers are embracing the challenge.
Besides, hanging out in Arizona during the dead of winter isn't bad.
"This is a fantastic place," West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said. "Number one bowl destination, in my opinion, to be able to come spend this time of the year here. We're excited about being here."
West Virginia (7-5) arrived in the desert by starting the season strong, losing its first four Big 12 games, then winning four of its final five games.
Arizona State (6-6) was considered a dark horse to reach the College Football Playoff and never came close.
The Sun Devils opened the season with a loss to Texas A&M in Houston, were blown out by Southern California in their Pac-12 opener and sputtered to their worst record in four seasons under coach Todd Graham after losing four of six to close the year.
Arizona State clinched its bowl berth with a lopsided victory over rival Arizona on Nov. 21 and could have opted to play somewhere else, but decided to stay at home instead.
"I think it's great for us," said Graham, for former West Virginia assistant. "I know when we went through things when we got to the end of the season, we were sitting waiting to decide where we want to go. I sat down with our seniors and this was where we wanted to go."
The Sun Devils weren't exactly home, though. They practiced all week at their on-campus facility but stayed at a casino in nearby Chandler.
Even so, their 10-mile journey to play at Chase Field is much shorter than the 15-hour trip the Mountaineers had to get here.
A few more things to watch when West Virginia plays Arizona State in the Cactus Bowl Saturday night:
TURNOVER BATTLE: West Virginia was one of the nation's best teams at forcing turnovers, while Arizona State was uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball this season. The Mountaineers finished second nationally both in turnovers gained with 31 and interceptions with 23. The Sun Devils had been superb at holding onto the ball during their first three seasons under Graham, but finished 55th nationally this season, losing 19 turnovers -- 10 of those fumbles.
STRENGTH ON STRENGTH: Arizona State's attacking defense was strong against the run, finishing tied for 20th nationally at 124.4 yards rushing allowed per game. West Virginia, led by Wendell Smallwood, was 14th nationally with 235.3 yards per game on the ground. Smallwood had 1,447 yards -- 15th in the nation -- and scored nine touchdowns. Something will have to give.
SPEEDY SUN DEVILS: While the Sun Devils will have their hands full with Smallwood, the Mountaineers will have a big challenge in slowing Arizona State's quick-hitting offense. Though not quite as prolific as the past few years, the Sun Devils still put up big numbers, ranking 23rd nationally with 473.8 yards per game and 37th in scoring with 34 points per game. And they play fast, often snapping the ball right after the official places it on the ground.
CHASE FIELD: The game will be played a unique venue: Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The bowl is usually held at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium, but it is undergoing renovations, so the next three Cactus Bowls will be at Chase Field. The baseball stadium used to be home to the Insight Bowl, last played there in 2005. Fresh sod was added to cover up the dirt in the infield and bleachers were added to bring fans closer to the field.
West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6), 8:15 p.m. (MT), ESPN
Line: West Virginia by 1 .
Series Record: Arizona State leads 1-0.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Arizona State and West Virginia both failed to live up to lofty expectations, so this is a chance to end the season with a win and build some momentum into spring football.
KEY MATCHUP
Arizona State's defense vs. West Virginia RB Wendell Smallwood. Arizona State has one of the nation's most aggressive defenses, sending blitzes from every direction. The Sun Devils are among the best in the nation at tackling behind the line of scrimmage but also have been susceptible to big plays. If he can get through Arizona State's initial tacklers, Smallwood could have a few of those big plays on his own.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
West Virginia: WR Shelton Gibson. Despite the Mountaineers penchant for running, Gibson has found a way to peel off big plays. He was second nationally in yards per reception at 22.5 per catch and was 28th in receiving touchdowns with seven. Gibson also is a threat on kickoffs.
Arizona State: RB/WR D.J. Foster. The senior was one of the most versatile players in Arizona State history during his four seasons in Tempe, playing running back and receiver. He has 4,785 career all-purpose and is one of five players in NCAA history to have 2,000 yards rushing and passing. He also has a catch in 52 straight games, the nation's longest active streak.
FACTS & FIGURES
Arizona State is playing in its fifth straight bowl, a school record. ... West Virginia is 2-11 all-time against Pac-12 opponents. ... Arizona State K Zane Gonzalez needs 11 points to break Luis Zendejas' school record of 280. ... West Virginia's Nick O'Toole is sixth nationally with 44.7 yards per punt. ... West Virginia reached a bowl game for the fourth time in five seasons under coach Dana Holgorsen. ... QB Mike Bercovici had a hand in 32 of Arizona State's 45 offensive touchdowns.
