Arizona Wildcats (2-1) vs. Utah Utes (4-0)
As the calendar flips to late September, the NCAAF season heats up with an intriguing clash between the Arizona Wildcats and the Utah Utes in Week 5. The Utes, holding a perfect record thus far, will look to defend their home turf against a Wildcats team that has shown grit and resilience in the season’s early goings. Fans seeking NCAAF free predictions should circle this game as a key contest with significant implications for the Pac-12 standings.
The key contributors, such as running back Quali Conley and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, offer Arizona’s offense enough stability to click. Conversely, Conley adds to Arizona’s backfield versatility as he averages 6.1 yards per carry and has crossed the goal line four times. He possesses a burst that helps him gain long runs, such as his longest rush of 58 yards, and keeps defenses guessing. McMillan has turned out to be the primary beneficiary on the receiving end as he has 453 yards and four touchdowns on 23 receptions.
The Utah Utes have been getting contributions in the running department from Micah Bernard, who has managed to rush for 456 yards on 66 attempts. This is commendable as it averages out to a good 6.9 yards per carry. He has crossed the end zone only once so far, but those average gains on the ground are essential to Utah’s ability to maintain its offensive structure and manage the game clock. Dorian Singer has been rather more modest in the touchdown department but chimed in with 204 yards on 17 catches.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Rice-Eccles Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Noah Fifita QB vs. Isaac Wilson QB
Noah Fifita of Arizona has been a two-way quarterback, accumulating 863 yards passing on an expected completion rate of 63.6%, five touchdowns and three interceptions over his career. Though he has been sacked three times, his quick feet and accurate arm have saved the offense. In particular, for this matchup, Fifita is a key piece as he can take on the pressure and create outside the pocket. His passer rating of 147.5 speaks for itself in terms of efficient and good decision-making, necessary against the Utah defense.
Utah’s Isaac Wilson has comparatively lower overall yardage use of 550 yards pass completed but has an equal amount of touchdown passes while throwing more interceptions which can be a worry. In contrast, Wilson tells him that the passer rating is not that low 122.8 and the completion rate is at 58.5 so areas that Arizona can take advantage of. Wilson will have to execute the strategy focused on effective gameplay as well as minimizing errors, while also using the offensive line in a way that prevents excessive sacks which caused his team significant ground loss.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Utah Utes -350, Total Odds: 56.5
With Utah favored by 9.5 points at home, the betting odds reflect confidence in their ability to secure a win against Arizona. However, the Wildcats’ promising start and ability to cover the spread in 11 of their last 16 games add an intriguing layer to the betting landscape. The total set at 56.5 suggests expectations of a high-scoring affair, aligning with the trends where Arizona has seen the total go OVER in 5 of their last 7 games.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends
In their recent matchups, Arizona’s 11-5 record against the spread (ATS) signals a tendency to outperform betting expectations. Their 9-1 straight-up (SU) record in the last 10 games underscores a winning culture, though their record against Utah (1-6 SU in the last 7 meetings) poses concerns about their ability to break through against the Utes.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
Conversely, Utah’s 2-5 ATS record in their last 7 games shows some inconsistency in covering the spread, despite a strong 19-1 SU record at home. Their defensive prowess is evident as the total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 6 games, suggesting a strategy that leans heavily on defense and controlled offense.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes 9/28/24 Betting Picks
Moreover, regarding trend and performance metrics analysis, Utah’s strong home record and good defense would indicate an expected win for Utah; however, considering Arizona’s tendency to outperform expectations, they can be backed to cover the +9.5 spread. Given Utah’s recent failures to cover the spread and Arizona’s ability to score many points, the prospects of Utah beating their set points are very low.
People interested in online betting might want to consider putting their money on Arizona in terms of the spread. Also, the total going under does look appealing, given the recent history of both teams in high-intensity games.
