BYU vs. Arizona Total Prediction
Will Arizona and BYU find themselves in an offensive shootout tonight when the two teams collide 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 -10.5 points against the Cougars. The over/under total is listed at 60.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 73 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.
Arizona starts new era
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, averaging 41.3 points per game. The defense was a mess, allowing 34.4 points per contest. 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.
BYU looking to bounce back
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, averaging just 17.1 points per game. The defense gave up 24.7 points per contest. 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.
College Football Betting Trends
Arizona
Arizona has hit the over in four of its last five non-conference games and nine of its last 13 games in September.
BYU
The Cougars have hit the under in four straight against Pac-12 opponents and in eight of their last 11 on the road.
Prediction:
Initially I thought that Arizona would light up the scoreboard and help hit the somewhat low total for a team of Arizona’s offensive caliber. However, BYU is always pretty stout on defense. Even in last year’s awful season, the Cougars were still pretty respectable on defense. I expect them to have a game plan to keep Tate somewhat in check. Arizona’s defense has been poor, but I don’t expect anything flashy from BYU on offense. They want to drag this game out and limit possessions. For that reason, I think the total will be low.
College Football Prediction: BYU/Arizona Under 60.5