Arizona hits the road in Week 6 for a trip to Morgantown, where the Wildcats will take on West Virginia in an intriguing Big 12 matchup at Milan Puskar Stadium.
The Wildcats enter Saturday at 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play after making a major statement with a 34-7 win over previously unbeaten Cincinnati. West Virginia, meanwhile, is 3-2 overall and still searching for its first conference victory after dropping back-to-back games against Oklahoma State and Iowa State. The Mountaineers’ latest loss was a wild 45-42 shootout in Ames.
There’s also an obvious storyline on the West Virginia sideline, where former Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez will face his old program. Rodriguez coached the Wildcats from 2012-17 before eventually returning to Morgantown for his second stint leading the Mountaineers.
Can Arizona build off its impressive win over Cincinnati, or will West Virginia get its first Big 12 victory of the season at home?
Here’s everything you need to know about Arizona vs. West Virginia, including the latest odds, our biggest question and our prediction and pick for Saturday’s Week 6 matchup.
West Virginia vs. Arizona Odds
- Spread: Arizona -3.5
- Over/Under: 61.5
- Moneyline: Arizona -162/West Virginia +134
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Can West Virginia’s Defense Stop Anything?
This West Virginia defense is just horrible. They gave up 577 yards to Iowa State last week, and are allowing a Big 12-worst 456 yards per game, which is 50 more yards per game than any other Big 12 team. They’re dead last in passing and rushing yards allowed per game, and second-worst in points allowed per game. The Mountaineers are 100th in the nation in net yards per play (offense minus defense), and rank dead last in defensive efficiency in the league. OK, you get the point. So what is Rich Rodriguez and Zac Alley changing ahead of Saturday? It’s not clear. But something needs to change.
West Virginia vs. Arizona Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Arizona 35, West Virginia 31
The West Virginia Mountaineers are going to be desperate to avoid an 0-3 start in Big 12 play. They have the running game to keep this thing competitive, however, Arizona’s front seven is underrated. One week after Cincinnati rushed for over 200 yards vs. Kansas State, they only mustered 74 yards on 28 carries for 2.6 yards per carry vs. Arizona. I don’t believe Arizona will have that level of success vs. this WVU rushing attack, that has been the most-potent in the Big 12, but they’ll do enough. And if Arizona can jump out to a lead and force Michael Hawkins Jr. to try and win a game through the air, that’s a recipe for success.
The only concern I have for Arizona is the travel and early kick at 12:00 p.m. CT, which will be a 9:00 a.m. kick for Arizona’s body clock. Those games are always tough.
However, if you’re worried you’re on an island with Arizona, don’t be. The Wildcats are attracting 91% of the money wagered and have been bet up from -3 to -3.5, indicating that both recreational and larger bettors are backing Arizona. Sometimes the obvious side is obvious for a reason.
Arizona wins. Arizona covers.
