Northern Arizona vs Arizona Prediction College Football Picks 9/7/24

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Arizona Wildcats

Recent betting trends in games played between Northern Arizona and Arizona

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Northern Arizona vs Arizona game

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Lumberjacks had a few successes in 2023 despite a tepid 5-6 record. Northern Arizona did much better in Big Sky games, going 5-3 for a fourth-place finish behind Montana, Idaho, and Montana State.

In their first matchup of 2024 versus Lincoln, the Lumberjacks demolished the Oaklanders with 45 first-half points in a 66-6 blowout. Ty Pennington threw for 116 yards and a score. BJ Fleming was the top receiver on 98 yards and a TD off three catches.

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

Over on the Wildcats’ side, they hit a 10-3 overall pace last year and a 7-2 run in a tough Pac-12. Arizona finished behind Washington and Oregon in the standings but did record an Alamo Bowl win over Oklahoma 38-24.

Matched up against New Mexico on Saturday, Arizona scored double-digit points in every quarter during a 61-39 victory. Noah Fifita posted 422 pass yards and four scores. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Quali Conley combined for 23 carries, 196 yards, and four rush TDs.

Why the Arizona Wildcats will win

• Arizona has won seven of its last eight games at Arizona Stadium.
• Arizona has covered the spread in each of its last four September games at Arizona Stadium.

Why the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks will win

• The team ranked 20th in the AP Poll has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight games.

Total Points Facts

• Five of Arizona's last six home games in September have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Arizona rank T1st among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage this season (1.000).
• Arizona rank T1st among FBS teams for H1 win percentage this season (1.000).

Northern Arizona vs Arizona Prediction

I’m going to lean toward Arizona, but you could probably make a case either way. I’m probably not touching this one in reality; the line's too hefty to mess with. The Wildcats blew past the Lobos last weekend with 627 total yards (422 passing), 11.0 yards per play, 22 first downs, and a nice 8-of-12 on third-down tries. That said, there were some blemishes on the card. Arizona committed nine penalties and two turnovers. On defense, they also gave up 471 total yards (211 rushing) and 30 first downs to a plucky New Mexico squad.

As for Northern Arizona, they’ll be confident coming into this one following a warmup opener versus a completely outmatched opponent. The Wildcats will likely shift the Lumberjacks back into reality. That said, I’d like to see some much better defensive numbers and fewer mistakes overall from Arizona. We should get that here.