BYU vs. Arizona Prediction
Can the Arizona Wildcats look impressive in Kevin Sumlin’s coaching debut when they host the BYU Cougars on Saturday night at 10:45PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, September 1, 2018
10:45PM ET – Arizona Stadium
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Arizona is the favorite at home in this game, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -11.5 points against the Cougars. The over/under total is listed at 60.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 72 percent going on Arizona at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Rough 2017 for BYU
The BYU Cougars had a 2017 season to forget, posting just a 4-9 record. Kalani Sitake remains the head coach despite the struggles. He is 13-13 through two years with the program. BYU was also 4-9 against the spread last year and 8-5 with the under.
The Cougars struggled on offense last year, scoring just 222 points over 13 games. The defense gave up 321 points on defense. Quarterback Tanner Mangum has dealt with injuries over the years, but returns to be the starter this year. He threw for 1,540 yards and eight touchdowns last season and had nine interceptions. Mangum will have leading rusher Squally Canada back with him. Canada rushed for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 2017.
Arizona brings in Sumlin
The Arizona football team went 7-6 last season and ended its year on a three-game losing streak. The program decided to let go of Rich Rodriguez and hired Kevin Sumlin, who had been let go at Texas A&M. The Wildcats were 9-4 with the over last year while posting a 6-7 record against the spread.
Arizona had a great offense last year, posting 537 points. The defense was a mess, allowing 447 points. Sumlin has the pleasure of inheriting one of the preseason Heisman favorites in Khalil Tate. The junior QB threw for 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 1,411 yards and 12 scores. J.J. Taylor is also back in the backfield after rushing for 847 yards and five touchdowns last season.
College Football Betting Trends
BYU
The Cougars are just 1-8 against the spread in their last nine games on grass, but 5-2 ATS in their last seven against Pac-12 opponents.
Arizona
Arizona is 5-2 against the spread in their last seven home games, but just 2-6 in their last 8 non-conference contests.
Prediction:
Arizona should be able to light up the field at home behind Tate and Sumlin. Sumlin will be able to use Tate very well and I don’t see the Arizona offense taking a step back. BYU doesn’t have much of an offense and I don’t think they will be able to turn things around right away. Look for the Arizona defense to play a little better against a poor offense. I see this game getting out of hand in the second half as Arizona is able to continue to score.
College Football Prediction: Arizona -11.5