Overview
- Kickoff is Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. ET at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, with national coverage on CBS.
- Early betting lists Duke as a narrow favorite at roughly -1.5 with an over/under near 51.5, and several predictions lean toward the Blue Devils.
- Arizona State will start Jeff Sims after Sam Leavitt’s injury and transfer decision, with Sims having guided recent games.
- Duke quarterback Darian Mensah will play and has committed to return next season after throwing 30 touchdowns with five interceptions this year.
- Kenny Dillingham confirmed 19 Sun Devils from the two-deep will not suit up, while Duke will be without NFL draft opt-outs Brian Parker II, Vincent Anthony Jr. and Chandler Rivers.