Northern Arizona vs Arizona Prediction 9/5/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Northern Arizona vs Arizona prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 5th at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup. 

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are 1-0 this season after they defeated Eastern Washington by a score of 34-27 last week. Northern Arizona trailed 24-3 in the second quarter, but they scored 31 of the next 34 points to get the comeback win. The Lumberjacks were out gained by a total of 429-365, went 4-13 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Ty Pennington threw for 164 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Jeter Purdy caught seven passes for 105 yard and one score. Quran Gossett rushed 21 times for 103 yards and one touchdown in the win. 

Last season, Northern Arizona went 7-5 (4-4) and they finished tied for sixth in the Big Sky standings. Northern Arizona started the season with a 38-19 loss against Arizona State, but they followed that up with a 38-31 win over Utah Tech. The Lumberjacks did get a nice win over ranked Incarnate Word and they were 4-1 through five games, but they lost four of their last seven games to finish the season. 

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats went 9-4 (6-3) last year and they finished tied for fourth in the Big 12 standings. Arizona opened the season with a 40-6 win over Hawaii and they followed that up with a 48-3 win over Weber State. The Wildcats were 3-0 through three games, but they went 1-3 over the last four games. Arizona did finish the regular season with five straight wins, but they lost to SMU by a score of 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl. The Wildcats scored 31.5 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 19.3 points against per game on defense. 

This year, Arizona will have Noah Fifita back under center, who should be one of the better QB’s in the Big 12. The Wildcats also have plenty of returning production at running back, but the offensive line and wide receivers have some unknowns. On defense, Arizona had a ton of improvement in the 2025 season and they might be even better this year, as they return a lot of production. 

Why the Arizona Wildcats will win

• Arizona has won each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
• Arizona has covered the spread in six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams at Casino Del Sol Stadium.

Why the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks will win

• Arizona has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as a home favorite against teams from Arizona.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Arizona’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams at Casino Del Sol Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.

Arizona Wildcats Player Prop Facts

• Noah Fifita was one of only nine players in the league to record two or more passing touchdowns in six consecutive appearances last season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Arizona ranked 5th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game last season (6.5).
• Arizona ranked 7th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game last season (165.3).

Northern Arizona vs Arizona Prediction 

Northern Arizona was able to start their season with a win last week and they fought ASU pretty tough last year, so they should have some confidence. The Lumberjacks didn’t play great in the first half, but they finished strong to beat EWU. Arizona has Fifita back at QB and I am expecting a huge season from both sides of the ball. I think NAU is going to struggle to move the ball, while the Arizona offense should move up and down the field. Take the Wildcats to win big here.

David Racey's Pick: Arizona -31.5