Pac 12 Championship Game: Arizona State vs. Stanford

Matchup: Arizona State vs. Stanford

Location: Sun Devil Stadium ~ Tempe, Arizona

Line: Arizona State -3. Total 56

Keys to Victory for Arizona State

-The Run Defense for ASU will be the most important unit on the field for either team. It ranks fourth in the conference against the run, yielding 133.5 yards per game. In order to win this game, they're going to have to limit Stanford's control of the ball and force Kevin Hogan to make plays on his own.

-Will Sutton and Davon Coleman are absolute beasts on the Defensive Line. They pass the "eye test" as so many pro scouts like to reference, and will be a big test for the Cardinal.

-Taylor Kelly has seemed to mastered the zone-read offense. He's perfect in Coach Todd Graham's system, and is the biggest reason why ASU is in the title game.

-Star RB Marion Grice is questionable for the game, but backup D.J. Foster filled in admirably against Arizona last week. Foster will need to replicate his 123 yard-2 touchdown performance. 

-Alden Darby, Robert Nelson, and Osahon Irabor have combined for 13 interceptions. The Sun Devil secondary is greatly improved from past seasons.

Keys to Victory for Stanford

-Most old pro-style teams like to set up the run in order to throw the ball. Stanford follows that model with great efficiency. Tyler Gaffney needs to consistently gain positive yards in order to loosen up the Defense.

-Kevin Hogan has not progressed like most people thought he would this season, but the 6'4 Junior is still a very efficient QB. 

-Stanford's Offensive Line is very experience and very good at both run and pass defense. They have 1 Pac 12 1st teamer, and 3 Pac 12 2nd teamers. Khalil Weekes centers the line and leads the way for a unit that features many future NFL players.

-Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy have had excellent seasons and will certainly be tested this week. The two are likely to see action on Sundays next season.

-Ty Montgomery is arguably the most explosive Wide Receiver in the Pac 12. While Brandin Cooks and Paul Richardson finished ahead of him in Pac 12 WR voting, Montgomery's specialty at returning kicks brings another layer to his game.

Final Word: You could go on and on about these two teams as their depth is what has brought each of them 1 game from a trip to Pasadena. In the end, I think the most underrated unit of the game, the Arizona State Defense, will be the biggest key to a Sun Devil victory. 

Prediction: Arizona State -3