The Sun Devils won't catch anyone off guard this season.

The big picture: The Big 12 is up for grabs as the college football season begins, and unlike last year, a lot of eyes will be on ASU from the get-go.

What we're watching: ASU starts the season ranked No. 11 in both preseason polls.

• Kansas State is the most popular pick to win the conference this year, but many pundits have ASU ranked just behind.
• The Athletic projected the Sun Devils to repeat as conference champions, and Las Vegas betting odds have ASU at or near the top.

1 big loss: Running back Cam Skattebo was the engine that drove the Sun Devils' offense last year, but he isn't around to bowl over opposing defenders anymore.

• ASU's depth chart shows Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown as the top options at running back, and the Arizona Republic wrote Kyson Brown is expected to start.
• Kyson Brown hears the talk about how hard it'll be to fill Skattebo's shoes, telling the Republic, "I just see it as an opportunity. I'm definitely ready for an opportunity and to showcase what I've been working."
• Army transfer Kanye Udoh, who rushed for 1,117 yards last year, could also have a big impact.

Who to watch: Quarterback Sam Leavitt was a big part of the Sun Devils' success last year, and ASU's hopes for this season largely rest on his arm.

• Leavitt, a Michigan State transfer, had a breakout season in 2024 and won Big 12 Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
• And Leavitt's top target Jordyn Tyson, one of the conference's top receivers last year, is back.
• Some analysts are calling Leavitt one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season, and he cracked ESPN's top 10 for Heisman Trophy contenders.

What's next: The Sun Devils open their season tomorrow at home against NAU.

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The Arizona Wildcats start the 2025 season with low expectations.

The big picture: UofA is widely viewed as one of the bottom teams in the Big 12 as they enter their second season in the conference.

State of play: If UofA is going to beat expectations, the team will need a strong season from quarterback Noah Fifita.

• Fifita was a big part of the Cats' 2023 success, but he regressed last year, throwing 12 interceptions — tied for most in the conference — to go with his 18 touchdowns.
• And that was with the help of star Tetairoa McMillan, the conference's top receiver, who's now in the NFL.
• A strong season from Fifita would be a boon for the Cats. And while new offensive coordinator Seth Doege isn't going to change Fifita's pass-first approach, he's been drawing up more running plays for the quarterback, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Zoom in: Losing McMillan hurt, but UofA restocked its receiving corps with transfers Luke Wysong, Tre Spivey, Kris Hutson and Javin Whatley, and returning No. 2 wideout Brandon Phelps could be poised for a breakout year.

Between the lines: Most of last year's starting secondary is back, and new defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales is expected to bring a stop-the-run focus.

What's next: The Cats open their season at home tomorrow against Hawaii.

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Average gasoline prices over Labor Day weekend will be lower than in recent years.

Why it matters: Lots of people drive over the holiday weekend, and consumer costs will be a battleground in the midterm elections.

By the numbers: On average, a gallon of gas in Arizona currently costs $3.42, compared to $3.21 nationally, according to AAA.

What they're saying: "We've seen a remarkably affordable summer to hit the road with incomes up and gas prices down, but there are some challenges that remain: hurricane season and uncertainty over trade, tariffs and Russia's war on Ukraine," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

• "However, I remain optimistic that as cooler weather invades, gas prices too will seasonally cool off."

🚫 A federal judge barred U.S. Agency for Global Media special adviser Kari Lake from firing Voice of America director Michael Abramowitz. (CNN)

🏀 Phoenix Suns minority owners sued controlling owner Mat Ishbia for access to records showing the team's business and financial condition they say he's refused to provide. (Associated Press)

⚖️ Former state Sen. Justine Wadsack may face sanctions and a contempt of court charge for skipping a hearing in her federal lawsuit against the Tucson city officials and the Tucson Police Department. (Tucson Sentinel)

🦠 A measles outbreak in Colorado City has grown to 12 cases over recent days, the state's highest case count since 2016. (AZcentral)

👀 The Greater Phoenix Economic Council named Christine Mackay as its next president and CEO. Mackay has spent the past 11 years as the city of Phoenix's economic development director. (Phoenix Business Journal)

Welcome to another edition of "Where in the Valley?"

How it works: We show you something cool. You tell us where it is.

• The first reader who names the spot gets a shoutout in the newsletter.

You tell us: Where in the Valley can you find this aquatic-themed building with ocean creatures on the front?

Catch up quick: Congratulations to Asha Devineni, the only reader to give us the location of last week's "Where in the Valley?" photo.

• The statue of the three women is in front of Molina Fine Jewelers on Camelback Road and 32nd Street.