Arizona Wildcats (9-3) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (10-2)
In what promises to be a riveting NCAAF Alamo Bowl, the Arizona Wildcats face off against the Oklahoma Sooners on Thursday. With the Wildcats boasting a 9-3 record and the Sooners slightly ahead at 10-2, this game is a crucial fixture for those looking for winning NCAAF bowl picks. The clash at Alamodome, set for a 9:15 PM ET kickoff and broadcast on ESPN, is a testament to the competitive spirit of college football at its finest.
Arizona’s success can be directly attributed to DJ Williams and Tetairoa McMillan. Williams is an instrumental force for Arizona in terms of ground game success, amassing 345 rushing yards and four touchdowns as a running back. Meanwhile, Tetairoa McMillan stands out with 1242 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns; making her an essential piece in Arizona’s offensive arsenal.
Oklahoma counters with two key players of their own in Gavin Sawchuk and Drake Stoops. Sawchuk, an agile running back for Oklahoma, boasts an impressive 610 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns; his ability to maneuver through defensive lines has been key in their ground game success. As a wide receiver for Oklahoma, Drake Stoops has contributed greatly – amassing 880 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as an established target in their passing game.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Oklahoma Sooners Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 9:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Alamodome |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Noah Fifita QB vs. Jackson Arnold QB
Displaying precision passing and the arm talent to strike deep downfield, Noah Fifita has proven himself as one of the country’s top passers. He exhibits excellent field vision and poise within the pocket, adeptly progressing through multiple reads while defenders close in around him. His accuracy at all levels of the field sets the table for explosive plays. Though he doesn’t rely heavily on his legs, Fifita can pick up first downs when the protection breaks down. Areas of improvement include occasionally locking onto his first option rather than surveying the whole field. Fifita must also showcase better ball security, as he has coughed up 5 interceptions on the year.
While very much an unknown commodity, Jackson Arnold brings physical tools and promising intangibles to the Sooners offense. Even with limited reps, he displayed quick processing speed against complex college defenses. Not asked to throw often or downfield given a run-heavy scheme, Arnold relies on smart decisions and ball protection as a game manager. How he responds when forced out of his comfort zone remains a question mark. But by avoiding turnovers and keeping the offense on schedule, Arnold allows Oklahoma’s playmakers room to operate. With added experience, his ceiling appears high. But this game represents a major test case.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Arizona Wildcats -140, Total Odds: 62
The current betting odds slightly favor the Arizona Wildcats, as seen in their -140 moneyline, compared to Oklahoma’s +120. The total odds set at a high 62 points suggest expectations of a high-scoring encounter.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends
The Wildcats check several boxes entering bowl season. Winners of six straight, Arizona rides a hot streak behind Fifita and RB DJ Williams’ 17 yards per game average. The Wildcats also play well in non-conference and Thursday contests. However, a December slump against the spread coupled with Oklahoma’s defense offers reason for pause.
Oklahoma Sooners Betting Trends
Despite late season struggles that saw the Sooners drop two of three, Oklahoma showed resilience all year en route to 10 wins. Coach Brent Venables’ first year at the helm brought some expected speed bumps, but the foundation clearly exists for the future. Oklahoma boasts a top-20 scoring defense along with an offense that protects the football behind the ground game. Kudos for covering four of five games in December.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Oklahoma Sooners 12/28/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and trends, this Alamo Bowl seems to tilt slightly in favor of Arizona. However, Oklahoma’s resilience and performance against Pac-12 opponents suggest a potentially close contest. For bettors looking at the best online casinos, exploring individual player prop bets and the over/under could offer intriguing opportunities.
Ultimately, the quarterbacks’ performance will be pivotal. Fifita’s experience and Arnold’s precision set up an exciting quarterback battle. While the over/under at 62 points indicates a high-scoring game, the trends suggest a more cautious approach to the total points bet.
This prediction reflects the competitive nature of the game, with Arizona’s slight edge possibly making the difference. Nonetheless, in college football, where surprises are common, this Alamo Bowl is not only a highlight for fans but also a key event for bettors.
