New Mexico vs Arizona Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

Arizona (0-0) vs New Mexico (0-1)

Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10:30 pm (Arizona Stadium)

Betting Odds: Arizona -31 / New Mexico +31 --- Over/Under: 58.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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In this article we will formulate a New Mexico vs Arizona prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup. 

New Mexico Lobos Betting Preview

The New Mexico Lobos went 4-8 (2-6) last year and they finished tied for last in the Mountain West with Nevada and San Diego State. New Mexico started the season with a 52-10 loss against Texas A&M and they alternated wins and losses through their first five games. The Lobos won just two of their last seven games, with the wins coming against Hawaii and Fresno State. 

New Mexico opened their 2024 season with a 35-31 loss against Montana State in week 0, and they blew a great chance to start the campaign with a win. New Mexico led for almost the entire game and led by a score of 31-14 in the fourth quarter, but they allowed 14 points in the final 4:35 for the loss. New Mexico was outgained by a total of 567-324 and they were only 1-8 on third downs in the game. Devon Dampier threw for 172 yards and one touchdown. 

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats went 10-3 (7-2) last year and they finished third in the PAC-12 standings behind Oregon and Washington. Arizona opened the season with a record 4-3 going into the bye week, with losses against Mississippi State, Washington, and USC. After the bye week, the Wildcats won their last five regular-season games and scored at least 34 points in three of those wins. Arizona did defeat Oklahoma by a score of 38-24 in the Alamo Bowl to end a great season. 

Arizona does return Noah Fifita at quarterback and one of the best receivers in the country, Tetairo McMillan, is also back. The Wildcats had a great offensive attack in 2023 and I expect similar results this season. The Arizona defense lost a ton of players from last year, so they are counting on the transfer portal to save them, which is never a sure thing. 

Why Arizona will cover

  • Arizona has won each of its last nine games as a favorite.
  • New Mexico has lost each of its last six games against AP-ranked teams.
  • Arizona has covered the spread in each of its last six home games.
  • New Mexico has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five road openers as an underdog.

Why New Mexico will cover

  • The team ranked 21st in the AP Poll has lost five of its last seven games.
  • The road team has won each of New Mexico's last three games.
  • The team ranked 21st in the AP Poll has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games.
  • New Mexico has covered the spread in each of its last three games as an underdog.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Arizona's last four games as a favorite has gone OVER the total points line.
  • Eight of New Mexico's last 10 games have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Arizona was one of only seven FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
  • Arizona ranked 9th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (9.8).

New Mexico vs Arizona Prediction 

Arizona has a ton of momentum from their breakout 2023 season and they will try to keep that going here as they join the Big 12 this season. The Wildcats' offense should be just as good, if not better, as last year, which will help cover up some holes on defense. New Mexico lost their first game against Montana State and it will be interesting to see how they respond after blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth. The Lobos are going to really struggle to get stops in this game, but I do think New Mexico can put a few scoring drives together to push this game over the total. Take the over here. 

The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.

Mitch's Take...

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