BYU at Arizona: 9/4/21 College Football Picks and Predictions
Photo by Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Wildcats (0-0) vs BYU Cougars (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10:30 pm (Allegiant Stadium)
Betting Odds: Arizona Wildcats +12.5 -- Over/Under: 54 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Arizona Wildcats and BYU Cougars face off on Saturday in a Week 1 college football showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. These two squads last faced off in 2018, a game that BYU won 28-23.
The BYU Cougars finished with an 11-1 record overall last year, but this team is a whole lot different than last year. BYU had one of the best offenses in football last year averaging 43.5 points per game, but gone is quarterback Zach Wilson who was drafted by the New York Jets. Stepping in for Wilson will be Baylor Romney who played some last season, but only attempted 35 passes. The good news for Romney is he gets his lead back with him after Tyler Allgeier rushed for 13 touchdowns. On defense last year, BYU gave up 15.3 points per game, but they are going to be tested early going against this Arizona offense. BYU should know very early just how good this team can be.
On the other side of the matchup is the Arizona Wildcats who finished last year with an 0-5 record and that led to the coaching change. Arizona let go of Kevin Sumlin and hired Jedd Fisch who was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams. Last season Arizona averaged only 17.4 points per game and that is something that will need to be improved upon. Grant Gunnell and Will Plummer have been named co-starters for this game and both should play a good amount in this game. On defense, Arizona returns most of their starters, and that side of the ball will be leaned on heavily in this game.
Arizona is 0-4 against the spread in their last four games overall. The Wildcats are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 games played on grass. The under is 8-3 in BYU’s last 11 games played in September. The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
Even with the quarterback change, BYU is the better team. Arizona’s offense was so bad last season, and I don’t see that changing in this game. BYU’s offense is going to find enough success to come away with a cover of the spread.
Shane’s Pick BYU -12.5
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
