Substantial rushing workloads on both sides and Arizona State’s vulnerable pass protection favor longer possessions with fewer efficient scoring opportunities.
Fundamental Case (3 Drivers)
Arizona State allowed four sacks against Kansas State and six against BYU. Colorado recorded five sacks in its latest game, creating a direct threat to possessions that reach obvious passing downs. Negative plays can force punts or field-goal attempts before Arizona State can sustain touchdown drives.
Richard Young carried 24 times for 120 yards while Isaac Wilson attempted 21 passes against Kansas State. Repeating that balance would let Colorado move the ball without making every possession depend on a dropback. Successful rushing that stops short of explosive touchdowns can use clock and reduce the number of possessions available to both offenses.
Cardae Mack followed 26 carries against Kansas State with 23 against BYU. That repeated workload gives Arizona State a practical way to avoid exposing its passing protection on every early down. If those carries produce sustained drives rather than immediate breakaway scores, they support a game decided through possession efficiency rather than repeated quick exchanges.
Red Team Counter-Case & Risk Factors
Mack can turn efficient rushing into touchdowns rather than merely consuming clock. Colorado can pair its running game with explosive passes after Wilson’s productive outing at Oklahoma State. A Keene return could restore deeper completions like the connection that opened his Kansas State start. Short fields, defensive scores or overtime can undo long stretches of ordinary offense.