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The Cactus Bowl: A shootout in the making?

Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
Arizona State (6-6) vs. West Virginia (7-5)
Tempe, Arizona
Jan. 2, 2016

Could the unofficial conclusion of the 2015/2016 bowl season go out with a high-flyer?

Both Arizona State and West Virginia have had issues at times throughout the 2015 season. It's why, at 6-6 and 7-5 respectively, the two teams are playing late on a Saturday night rather than in a better bowl.

But that doesn't mean the game can't be fun. The two teams are in the top 30 in total offense in 2015. That production is from quantity rather than quality. While the offenses haven't been consistent, they've run a lot of plays.

And they're not facing stellar opposition. West Virginia's defense is 54th in the country in total defense while the Sun Devils are all the way down at 102.

ASU hasn't been bad against the run. West Virginia running back Wendell Smallwood, who has rushed for 1,447 yards this season, may not have many running lanes. But Skyler Howard should fine room to throw.

Howard, who has thrown for 2,613 yards this season, is facing a pass defense that's given up over 250 yards passing in all but two games this season.

Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici has thrown for 3,436 yards in 2015, but he's also thrown the ball 479 times, the 13th most of anyone in FBS. The Sun Devils have a 1,000-yard rusher too. Demario Richard has run for 1,056 yards while Kalen Ballage has over 600 yards rushing. If the Sun Devils resist the temptation to let Bercovici pass and commit to the run with Richard and Ballage, Sparky has a chance to move to 7-6.

PICKS

Graham: Arizona State did not have the season it expected, but it wasn’t as bad as 6-6 record might suggest. Having a month to prepare for this contest will serve the Sun Devils well. ASU 28, West Virginia 24.

Nick: I have no idea who to pick in this one. At all. I do think this will be a four-hour special and the winner could get to 50 points. West Virginia on the coin flip despite the home field advantage for ASU. Mountaineers 50, Arizona State 45.

Sam: We’ve got two inconsistent, underachieving teams in this one. At least there will be offense… and turnovers. Lots of turnovers. Arizona State 38, West Virginia 30.

For more Arizona State news, visit ASUDevils.com.

For more West Virginia news, visit WVSports.com.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!