Arizona State vs. NAU picks, predictions: Who wins Week 1 college football game Thursday?

The Arizona State Sun Devils host the NAU Lumberjacks at Sun Devil Stadium in a Week 1 college football game on Thursday.

Which team will win the game?

Check out these picks and predictions for the game, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. MST and can be seen on Pac-12 Networks.

Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions:

Pete Fiutak writes: “Northern Arizona was able to shock Arizona last year, and it’s going to bring a whole lot of fight and effort – getting a win in this would make the season. 2022 Arizona State isn’t 2021 Arizona. The Sun Devils will run for over 200 yards and control the clock throughout. NAU will have the ball for about 26 minutes, the offense won’t get enough out of the passing game, and it’ll be a good game for ASU to hit refresh.”

ESPN: ASU has a 97.7% chance to win the game vs. NAU

The site gives NAU just a 2.3% shot at picking up the victory in Tempe.

More: Pac-12 football Week 1 odds: Point spreads, money lines, over/under for conference games

Will Herm Edwards’ ASU football team have any issues with NAU in the Sun Devils’ season opener?

The site predicts that the Sun Devils will win and cover the spread in their Week 1 game against the Lumberjacks.

247 Sports: ASU will beat NAU easily on Thursday

Raymond Lucas Jr. writes: “Starting off the season against Northern Arizona is a perfect way to get the season rolling in the right direction. That’s not a slight at Big Sky representative NAU, but last season the Lumberjacks went 5-6 and suffered a handful of ugly losses along the way. It’s worth noting, though, that the ‘Jacks toppled Arizona 21-19 last season. But the Wildcats struggled mightily all year long. With all that being said, Arizona State should pass this test with flying colors. A loss here would derail the Sun Devils’ season before it even begins.”

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More: Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions: Oregon vs. Georgia, Utah vs. Florida key games

San Jose Mercury News: Sun Devils will open with a win against Lumberjacks

Jon Wilner writes: “We gave serious consideration to predicting a loss but decided the Sun Devils will make a few too many plays for NAU to match in the fourth quarter.”

Saturday Out West: ASU will beat NAU in Thursday’s game

Jon Gold writes: “The Sun Devils are 5-1 in their past 6 season-openers. They’ll move to 6-1 with a big win over the overmatched Lumberjacks.”

More: Pac-12 football Week 1 schedule: Game dates, times, television channels, how to watch

Sports Chat Place: Lean ASU in matchup vs. Northern Arizona

It writes: “I’m probably going to lean Arizona State in this one, but staying away. The Sun Devils saw 17 players enter the transfer portal after a tumultuous season on and off the field in 2021. The team lost many of their best players, including QB Jayden Daniels. The good news is that the Sun Devils should be in capable hands under new OC Glenn Thomas, who has intriguing names at running back in Xazavian Valladay and Daniyel Ngata. The offensive line is still a question mark however, as is QB. Still, Arizona State should have enough firepower and guidance to bag a cover here—but I’m not touching it.”

It writes: “Northern Arizona will have its hands full on Thursday when visiting Arizona State. Although Arizona State has had several new players join the squad on both sides of the ball, the Sun Devils are much more talented, have much more speed in the skills positions and are far tougher on defense than Northern Arizona. Look for Arizona State to move up and down the field several times and the result will be an easy victory to start the season.”

More: Pac-12 football title odds: USC, Utah, Oregon favored to win conference in 2022 season

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State vs. NAU football picks, predictions Week 1 college game