Brigham Young Cougars vs Arizona Wildcats Picks and Predictions October 12th 2024

BYU is the -5.5 point favorite as they host the Arizona Wildcats in a week seven Big 12 matchup. Kick-off is set for 4:00 ET at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, with FOX handling the broadcast. The Wildcats enter the game with a 3-2 record, while the Cougars are undefeated at 5-0. The over/under line is currently 49.5 points.

Arizona vs. BYU Key Information

Arizona enters Week 7 against BYU with a 3-2 record and ranks 56th in our power rankings. They have a 68.3% chance of becoming bowl-eligible. This season, the Wildcats are 1-1 at home and 1-1 on the road.

Arizona’s ATS record is 1-3, and they’ve been favored in two of their five games. Their average scoring margin is +3.4 points per game, and they are 0-2 against the spread as the favorite.

The Wildcats’ over/under record is 1-3, with their games averaging 50.6 points. This week’s line is 49.5 points, while their average over/under line has been 58 points.

Arizona’s offense is averaging 27 points per game, placing them 59th in the nation heading into week 7. Our power rankings have them 75th overall. Quarterback Noah Fifita has thrown for 1,361 yards, with the Wildcats ranking 30th in passing attempts per game. They are 28th in completions, averaging 22 per game, and 41st in passing yards, with 272.2 per game. Fifita has thrown seven touchdowns and six interceptions, with a passer rating of 84.

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Arizona has struggled on third downs, converting just 31.7% of their attempts, ranking 102nd nationally. Leading the ground game is Quali Conley, with 419 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging 6 yards per carry. Tetairoa McMillan leads the receiving corps with 664 yards and four touchdowns on 37 catches.

Arizona’s defense is ranked 40th nationally, allowing 23.6 points per game. In their recent game against Texas Tech, they gave up 28 points, including three rushing touchdowns, while allowing 333 total yards, with 214 passing yards.

Opponents have averaged 147.8 rushing yards per game on 33 attempts against Arizona. The defense has allowed 203.8 passing yards per game, with a 57.3% completion rate and an 83 passer rating.

BYU enters Week 7 against Arizona with a perfect 5-0 record, and they have a 99.5% chance of becoming bowl-eligible. The Cougars are ranked 38th in our power rankings and have an 11.7% chance of winning the Big 12. They also have the 17th best odds to make the CFB playoff at 21.8%.

BYU is 1-0 at home and 3-0 on the road this season. They’ve been favored in just one game but have gone 1-0 as the favorite and 3-0 as the underdog. Their average scoring margin is +17.2 points per game, and they are 4-0 against the spread.

The over/under line for this week is 49.5 points, slightly higher than their average line of 48 points. BYU’s over/under record is 2-2, with their games averaging 48.8 points per contest.

BYU’s offense is averaging 33 points per game as they head into week 7, placing them 32nd nationally. In our offensive power rankings, they are 50th. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff has thrown for 1,206 yards, leading the team with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, and he has a passer rating of 98.

BYU is 49th in passing attempts, averaging 30 per game, and they are 63rd in passing yards, with 246.6 yards per game. Their third-down conversion rate is low, at 29.5%, ranking 111th. On the ground, they average 160.2 rushing yards per game. Enoch Nawahine leads the rushing attack with 98 yards. Chase Roberts has 334 receiving yards on 20 catches.

BYU’s defense has been solid this season, ranking 14th nationally by allowing just 15.8 points per game. They’ve given up 122.8 rushing yards per game and 171 passing yards, with opposing quarterbacks managing a passer rating of only 51.3, which is the 5th-lowest in the country.

In their recent game against Baylor, BYU allowed 28 points but held the Bears to 79 rushing yards on 20 attempts. Baylor threw the ball 44 times, gaining 258 yards through the air, while BYU’s defense also came up with an interception.

BYU is the -5.5 point spread favorite in this matchup, but we like Arizona’s chances to cover as the road underdog. Our projected final score is 24-20 in favor of BYU, but Arizona should cover the spread.

With the over/under line sitting at 49.5 points, our projection of 44 points suggests that taking the under is the best play for this game.

Familiar Coaches Meet in Showdown Between No. 14 BYU and Arizona

A highly anticipated showdown is set for Saturday as No. 14 BYU takes on Arizona in Provo, Utah. Beyond the excitement of a key Big 12 matchup, the game also features a reunion between two familiar faces on the sidelines. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and Arizona head coach Brent Brennan have a longstanding friendship, having worked together on the Oregon State coaching staff in 2015.

“I love Brent Brennan, man,” Sitake said. “I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and a person.”

While the two coaches share a deep bond, Saturday’s game will be all about securing a win, especially with BYU (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) eyeing a potential conference championship. Arizona (3-2, 1-1 Big 12), meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after a narrow 28-22 loss to Texas Tech last week. The Wildcats will need to regroup quickly if they hope to keep pace with the surging Cougars.

BYU Aims to Stay Unbeaten

The Cougars have been dominant this season, sitting undefeated at 5-0. Their most recent victory was a hard-fought 34-28 win over Baylor, in which quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw three touchdown passes. Retzlaff, who has 12 TD passes this season—tied for 18th in the nation among FBS quarterbacks—is rapidly finding his rhythm in BYU’s offense.

Retzlaff completed 18 of 32 passes for 218 yards against Baylor but was also picked off twice. Despite the turnovers, Sitake feels confident in his quarterback’s progression.

“In terms of the offense, I think (Retzlaff) is really starting to come into his own,” Sitake said. “He can get better, but I like where he is at right now. And I like where his mindset is at. I look forward to seeing great things from him.”

BYU’s offense will look to exploit Arizona’s defense, which showed signs of strength last week but faltered in critical moments. Retzlaff’s ability to connect with his receivers and spread the field will be key to the Cougars maintaining their unbeaten record.

Arizona Looking to Rebound

Arizona, on the other hand, is coming off a frustrating loss to Texas Tech. Despite limiting Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton to just 214 passing yards and no touchdowns, the Wildcats were unable to finish drives in the end zone. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 301 yards but had no touchdowns and two interceptions, leaving the team reliant on field goals.

“I feel like every time we got something going, I would make a mistake or two that stalled the drive,” Fifita said after the loss. “So, I take full responsibility.”

The Wildcats had to settle for six field-goal attempts, with kicker Tyler Loop converting five of them to set a new single-game program record. While Loop’s performance was impressive, Arizona knows they can’t afford to rely solely on field goals against a team as strong as BYU.

Head coach Brent Brennan acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in the red zone. Arizona has the talent to compete with the best in the Big 12, but consistency will be crucial if they want to upset the undefeated Cougars on the road.

BYU’s Defense vs. Arizona’s Offense

One of the key matchups to watch on Saturday will be BYU’s pass defense against Arizona’s aerial attack. The Cougars boast the 24th-ranked pass defense in the nation, allowing just 171 yards per game through the air. They have also been opportunistic, securing seven interceptions—tied for 13th most in the country.

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita will need to avoid costly turnovers if the Wildcats hope to stay competitive. Fifita’s 49 pass attempts against Texas Tech showed his ability to move the ball downfield, but he’ll need to convert those drives into touchdowns rather than field goals. BYU’s secondary will be looking for opportunities to capitalize on any mistakes.

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Despite his struggles against Texas Tech, Fifita has shown potential this season. Arizona’s offense also features a dangerous running game, which could help balance their attack and keep BYU’s defense on its heels.

“Arizona has tons of talent. They have a great quarterback and a very strong run game,” Sitake said. “The defense also knows how to make plays and force turnovers. We think the matchup is going to bring the most out of us.”

Key Players to Watch

For BYU, Jake Retzlaff remains the focal point of the offense. His connection with receivers and ability to extend plays will be crucial for the Cougars. Retzlaff’s poise in the pocket and decision-making under pressure will be tested by an Arizona defense eager to force turnovers.

On the defensive side for BYU, the secondary will look to continue its strong play. With seven interceptions already this season, the Cougars will aim to disrupt Fifita’s rhythm and create game-changing plays.

For Arizona, Noah Fifita must bounce back from his performance against Texas Tech. His ability to avoid turnovers and lead scoring drives will be critical. Running back DJ Williams will also play an important role, as Arizona may lean on the ground game to relieve some of the pressure on Fifita.

Arizona’s defense, led by linebacker Jacob Manu, will need to step up and limit BYU’s explosive plays. Manu, who has been a consistent playmaker for the Wildcats, will be key in slowing down Retzlaff and the Cougars’ offense.

The Showdown in Provo

Saturday’s game will be a test of resilience and execution for both teams. BYU is looking to maintain its perfect record and continue its march toward a potential Big 12 championship. Arizona, meanwhile, will be fighting to stay in the hunt for a successful conference season after a tough loss.

With two familiar coaches on the sidelines and plenty of talent on the field, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. Both Sitake and Brennan understand the stakes, and their teams are ready to leave it all on the field in what could be a pivotal game for both programs.