System battle

When the Bengals pass

Arizona State's top four cornerbacks from last season have returned, led by third-year starter Omar Bolden. The Sun Devils also have one of the nation's top pass-rushers in Dexter Davis.

Advantage - Arizona State

When the Bengals run

Many consider Arizona State's defense to be the program's best in more than 10 years. Besides Davis, the Sun Devils' defensive line also boasts Lawrence Guy, who put together an All-American season as a freshman last year. Their linebacking corps is led by 26-year-old senior Mike Nixon.

Advantage - Arizona State

When the Sun Devils pass

This might be Arizona State's biggest weakness. Quarterback Danny Sullivan is making his first career start, while the Sun Devils' offensive line is young and inexperienced. But Idaho State's secondary has been thinned by academic ineligibilities and will find it hard to capitalize on Arizona State's shortcomings.

Advantage - Arizona State

When the Sun Devils run

Arizona State has incredible depth at running back. It lists six potential starters, including three seniors, on its two-deep depth chart at the position. Even though the Sun Devils were one of the Football Bowl Subdivision's poorest running offenses last year, that depth should prove hard to overcome.

Advantage - Arizona State

Special teams

Idaho State has an All-American punter in Jon Vanderwielen. Well, Arizona State can do one better. The Sun Devils have an All-American in Thomas Weber who kicks both field goals and punts.

Advantage - Arizona State

Coaching

Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson won two national titles and compiled an .875 winning percentage in his six years (1989-1994) at Miami. Erickson has also orchestrated stunning turnarounds at Idaho, Washington State and Oregon State.

Advantage - Arizona State

In the end…

Even though Arizona State had a sub-.500 record last season (5-7), it's still a Pac-10 team. The Sun Devils simply have too much firepower and will pull away from the Bengals during the middle two quarters. Idaho State will have to force several turnovers, while playing mistake-free ball, just to keep this game close.

Arizona State 59, Idaho State 10

Today's key matchup

Defensive end Dexter Davis vs. Idaho State left tackle Braeden Clayson

Not only is Clayson making his first career start, he is making it at a position he hasn't spent a lot of time practicing.

The former offensive guard will have his hands full protecting quarterback Kyle Blum's blind side from Davis, a Bronko Nagurski Trophy candidate. A 6-foot-2, 255-pound senior, Davis ranks fourth on Arizona State's career sack chart with 27.5.

During his weekly Monday news conference, Idaho State coach John Zamberlin said big plays will be the key to success for the Bengals' offense. In order to carve out big gains through the air, Blum will need to wait in the pocket for plays to develop. Clayson will need to give him that time.

Fortunately for Clayson, he won't have to do it alone. Zamberlin hinted the Bengals likely will place someone in the backfield as an additional blocker on many plays.

"We've got to obviously know where (Davis) is at in our protections and be smart about that and give him help when we can," Zamberlin said. "That's obviously a fact that's crossed our mind. We've got to be alert for where he's at. He's a heck of a football player."