4 things to know, key matchups and predictions

CU Buffs (1-6, 1-3 Pac-12) vs. Arizona State (2-5, 1-3)

When/where: 5:30 p.m. Saturday/Folsom Field

TV/Radio: ESPNU/630 AM, 94.1 FM

Line: Arizona State -13.5, 46.5 over/under

Weather: 57 degrees, mostly cloudy

What to know

Shrout starts: Transfer QB J.T. Shrout has proven to be far more effective as a relief pitcher than starter this fall, but with freshman Owen McCown on the shelf with an injury, he’ll get the call again. Stat to note: Shrout sports a 53.51 passer rating in the first half (0 touchdowns, 1 pick); that number jumps to 119.24 (3 TDs, 2 picks) after halftime.

Out of the gates: Speaking of slow starters, CU has been outscored over the first four drives of games this season by an average margin of 14-3, which is an awfully bad habit when it comes to winning games. ASU is averaging 13 points per first half this season while the Buffs average 6.4.

Third quarter blues: If there’s any hope for an upset Saturday, it’ll come after halftime. The Buffs have been outgained in the third quarter in every game they’ve played this season but one — that home win over Cal, the only victory (to date) this season.

Homecoming heroics: Saturday is CU’s 107th Homecoming contest. The Buffs are 65-36-5 in those tilts, all-time, and have won four of the last five. Could another large crowd push them to a second straight home victory?

Key matchups

CU MLB Josh Chandler-Semedo vs. ASU RB Xazavian Valladay: The Sun Devils are 2-1 this season when rushing for at least 150 yards in a game and 0-4 otherwise. CU: 0-6 when allowing 150 or more on the ground; 1-0 otherwise (Cal, again).

CU DE Terrance Lang vs. ASU LT Isaia Glass: Want to keep Sun Devils QB Emory Jones from picking you apart? Get in his face. The junior is 0-4 this season when he’s been sacked multiple times in a game.