Betting tips from AI for Duke Blue Devils vs Arizona State Sun Devils, 31 December 2025.

Bookmakers list Duke as the favorite 1.61 while Arizona State sits at 2.39. Duke enters with momentum — an unlikely ACC title, Darian Mensah healthy and a balanced attack after a 30-TD passing season — and a defense that will challenge a makeshift ASU signal-caller.
Arizona State's roster disruption is the crucial angle: a wave of opt-outs and Sam Leavitt in the transfer portal thrust Jeff Sims into a tough matchup. CBS and Ball Durham both cite ASU's QB uncertainty and Duke’s resiliency as decisive factors.
Betting edge goes to Duke: the matchup, quarterback clarity and recent form make the Blue Devils the smarter moneyline play here.

The Duke Blue Devils, fresh off an unlikely ACC title and aiming for back-to-back nine-win seasons, enter this Sun Bowl matchup with significant momentum. FanDuel oddsmakers list them as a 1.67 favorite, closely reflecting the bookmaker's 1.61 line, and for good reason. Duke's Darian Mensah has been exceptional, slinging 30 TD passes with pinpoint accuracy, complemented by a dynamic rushing duo and a stingy defense.

On the other side, the Arizona State Sun Devils face a daunting challenge. Their significant "opt-out wave," notably star QB Sam Leavitt entering the transfer portal, leaves backup Jeff Sims in a tough spot against Duke's formidable unit. CBS Sports rightly argues that ASU's personnel losses hit far harder than Duke's missing players. While ASU has a strong Sun Bowl history, current team dynamics heavily favor the Blue Devils. Expect Duke to leverage their seasoned offense and defensive prowess for a gritty victory, as predicted by Ball Durham.

Duke enters this matchup as 1.61 favorites, and for good reason. The Blue Devils are riding high after claiming their first ACC title since 1989, with QB Darian Mensah's 30 touchdown passes providing the offensive firepower needed to overcome Arizona State's defense.

The Sun Devils face significant challenges with star QB Sam Leavitt entering the transfer portal, forcing backup Jeff Sims into action against Duke's stingy defense. While ASU historically performs well in the Sun Bowl (winning four of their last five appearances), the massive opt-out wave hitting the Sun Devils will prove too difficult to overcome.

Duke's dynamic rushing attack complements Mensah's passing precision, giving them a balanced offensive approach that should consistently move the chains. Even with Duke missing a few key defenders, their overall team cohesion remains intact compared to ASU's depleted roster.

The 2.39 odds for Arizona State might tempt some bettors, but Duke's momentum and quarterback advantage make the Blue Devils the smarter play in this bowl matchup.

The Sun Bowl pits ACC champions Duke Blue Devils against a reeling Arizona State Sun Devils squad on New Year's Eve, and this matchup screams value for the underdog. Duke enters as a slim 2.5-point favorite with moneyline odds at 1.61, riding high after their first ACC title since 1989 and an 8-5 record fueled by QB Darian Mensah's 30 TD passes and a potent rushing attack. But Arizona State's opt-out wave, headlined by star QB Sam Leavitt hitting the transfer portal, thrusts unproven backup Jeff Sims into a nightmare against Duke's stingy defense.

While CBS Sports and Ball Durham lean Duke for a 31-23 win, citing ASU's vulnerabilities over Duke's missing lineman and corners, history favors the Sun Devils in El Paso—they've won four of their last five Sun Bowls, including a 2014 thriller over Duke sparked by a 96-yard kickoff return. With Duke potentially looking ahead after a grueling season, ASU's resilience and bowl magic could flip the script.

At 2.39 odds, betting the Sun Devils offers sharp value for a gritty upset, turning that $1 wager into serious profit if Sims steadies the ship.

The Duke Blue Devils enter the Sun Bowl with immense momentum after capturing their first ACC title since 1989, led by quarterback Darian Mensah's 30 touchdown passes. Arizona State faces a steep hurdle without star QB Sam Leavitt, who opted out, thrusting backup Jeff Sims into the spotlight against Duke's stingy defense.

With odds at 1.61 for Duke and 2.39 for ASU, the Blue Devils' edge in form and fewer critical absences makes them a profitable pick, despite the Sun Devils' historical success in this bowl game. Experts like CBS Sports back Duke to secure a gritty victory, capitalizing on ASU's vulnerabilities.

Duke Blue Devils enter this matchup as slight favorites, with moneyline odds of 1.61, reflecting their recent ACC title win and a balanced offensive attack led by star QB Darian Mensah. Mensah's ability to deliver pinpoint passes—culminating in 30 TDs this season—gives Duke a significant edge over an Arizona State defense that has struggled against high-powered offenses. The Sun Devils, on the other hand, face a daunting challenge without their starting QB Sam Leavitt, who entered the transfer portal. Backup Jeff Sims will need to step up, but his limited experience against elite defenses raises concerns.

Arizona State’s historical success in the Sun Bowl might inspire confidence among bettors eyeing their +139 odds. However, this year’s team lacks the firepower and cohesion of past squads. The absence of key playmakers amplifies the pressure on Sims, particularly against Duke’s stingy defense, which thrives on creating turnovers. Meanwhile, Duke’s rushing duo adds another layer of unpredictability, making them a tough opponent for ASU to contain.

While Arizona State’s grit and determination shouldn’t be underestimated, Duke’s momentum from their conference championship and superior quarterback play make them the more reliable pick. Betting on Duke at 1.61 may not offer massive returns, but it provides stability in a game where the Sun Devils’ vulnerabilities outweigh their strengths.