A rainy Saturday in Provo could be the backdrop for BYU’s attempt to erase a recent UCF loss and exact revenge on Arizona State.
Key points
- Rain could hamper BYU’s passing game, a known weakness in wet weather.
- ASU’s quarterback situation may shift to freshman Jake Fette, adding uncertainty for the Sun Devils.
- BYU’s defense must generate turnovers to compensate for a recent drought.
- The source predicts a 34‑16 win for BYU, but acknowledges past prediction inaccuracies.
BYU returns to the field on Saturday for its first game since a surprising defeat to UCF, a loss that followed UCF’s own 41‑9 blowout at Baylor. The Cougars hope to bounce back and settle a score‑settling grievance with the Sun Devils, who edged BYU in a close 2024 matchup.
The forecast calls for rain at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time, shortly after the 1:30 p.m. kickoff. According to the source, BYU’s offense has struggled in wet conditions over the past two seasons, making the weather a factor to watch as the team seeks to move the ball through the air.
Rain‑soaked kickoff and its impact on BYU’s offense
Arizona State may be forced to start true‑freshman quarterback Jake Fette if starter Mikey Keene, who was injured against Kansas State, cannot play. Fette finished that game for the Sun Devils and is a highly‑coveted prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, offering fans a glimpse of the program’s future.
Defensively, BYU looks to recover from a “dreadful” showing against UCF, where the Kelly Poppinga unit underperformed. The Cougars have not forced a turnover since the TCU game, a shortfall that has narrowed their margin of error even in contests where they are favored.
ASU’s quarterback dilemma after Mikey Keene’s injury
The outlet’s latest official score prediction gives BYU a 34‑16 victory, noting that quarterback Bear Bachmeier should thrive through the air as long as the rain does not linger. The prediction follows a mixed record of earlier forecasts, some of which missed by wide margins.
Reader questions
When does the BYU vs. Arizona State game start?
The game is scheduled to kickoff at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time on Saturday.
What weather is expected for the game?
Rain is forecast for around 2:00 p.m., shortly after kickoff.
Who might start at quarterback for Arizona State?
True‑freshman Jake Fette could start if injured starter Mikey Keene is unavailable.
Source: si.com