Big 12 conference play gets underway in Week 2 as the Arizona Wildcats travel to Provo to take on the BYU Cougars in one of the most intriguing games on the conference schedule. Both teams enter Saturday’s matchup at 1-0, but this will represent a significant step up in competition after each opened the season with a comfortable win over an FCS opponent.
Arizona rolled past Northern Arizona 35-7 behind another strong performance from quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, while the Wildcats’ defense held NAU to minus-seven rushing yards. Meanwhile, BYU had even less trouble in its opener, cruising past Utah Tech 63-7 as Bear Bachmeier accounted for four touchdowns. Now the two Big 12 contenders meet in Provo with an opportunity to grab an early conference win in a rematch of BYU’s 33-27 double-overtime victory over Arizona last season.
Arizona vs. BYU Odds
- Spread: BYU -7.5
- Over/Under: 47.5
- Moneyline: BYU -290/Arizona +235
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Which Defense Bends and Doesn’t Break?
Both these defenses are solid, but they’re going up against two of the best quarterbacks in the league. Arizona got impressive linebacker play from Chase Kennedy and Cooper Blomstrom (Georgetown transfer) in Week 1, and showcased and impressive ability to get in the backfield with 5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Danny Gonzalez may be one of the more underrated coordinators in the Big 12, as he looks to reload in the secondary, including Nebraska transfer Malcolm Hartzog. Now for BYU, they’re under a new DC in Kelly Poppinga, after Jay Hill left for Michigan. The Cougars are strong up front with Bodie Schoonover leading the way, have solid linebacker talent, including adding Cal transfer Cade Uluave, a first-team All-ACC, and the secondary returns three starters, but is down to two after the loss of Raider Damuni.
BYU vs. Arizona Prediction and Pick
Prediction: BYU 23, Arizona 20
This game went to double overtime last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get another thriller in Provo on Saturday.
BYU deserves to be favored, and I’m picking the Cougars to win, but I don’t believe Arizona is getting enough respect heading into this matchup. The Wildcats have enough talent on both sides of the ball to hang around and make this a fourth-quarter game.
Ultimately, I expect BYU’s experienced offensive line and running game to be the difference. If the Cougars can wear down Arizona as the game progresses, control the clock and keep the ball out of Noah Fifita’s hands, that’s their best path to avoiding the upset.
I’ll take BYU to survive another close one against Arizona, but 7.5 points feels like too many.
