Utah won a huge game at Oklahoma State 22-19 last week and if they can knock off Arizona at home this Saturday, the schedule at least sets up for them to hit November 8-0.
Despite having played Kansas State on September 14, that was a previously scheduled non-conference clash before Arizona became a Big 12 member. That means the Wildcats will play their first conference game against a familiar foe from the Pac-12. If this sounds confusing, that’s college football in 2024.
Before heading to our top-rated sportsbooks, let’s take a closer look at our analysis.
NCAAF Pick
- Utah -11 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes
Saturday, September 28, 2024 – 10:15 PM ET at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Arizona Hopes to Benefit from Early Bye Week
After laboring against Northern Arizona (22-10 as a 38-point fave), the belief was Arizona would be sharper and better prepared for #16 Kansas State. The Wildcats (2-1, 0-3 ATS) were not and were trucked in the Little Apple 31-7 as a touchdown underdog.
First-year coach Brent Brennan felt it was time for a reset or worse, a makeover. Brennan and his staff said last week went well and there is a renewed commitment and they are excited about the opportunity they will have in Salt Lake City this week.
For quarterback Noah Fifita to be at its best, the Arizona pass offense works when complemented with a running game. Against Kansas State, the Wildcats fell behind and ended up having to throw, and they ended up with only 19 rush attempts for 56 net yards. For this offense to click, the passing game feeds off the run and this keeps the opponent from continually blitzing.
On the defensive side, the ‘Cats are undersized up front, which is a problem against a bigger and more physical offensive line from Utah. Arizona conceded 211 yards on the ground to New Mexico and 237 to K-State. If they do the same to the Utes, they are in trouble.
Who Will Be Under Center for the Utes?
Last week, Cam Rising was cleared by doctors to play after injuring a finger on his throwing hand. He was expected to start and went through warmups at Stillwater when the coaches decided the normal zip was not on Rising’s throws and freshman Issac Wilson was the better choice.
This week, coach Kyle Whittingham will play the cat-and-mouse card, not declaring a starter, using “..the best option to win” coach speak. That means if Rising has good practices and no setbacks, he’s the man, if not, Whittingham has enough faith in Wilson to win this contest.
Ground and Pound
Wilson has done what is needed in throwing for over 200 yards against Utah State and Okie State. The concern for the Utah offensive staff is the freshman’s decision process with three interceptions in those contests.
Whoever starts, the Utes offense will try to overwhelm Arizona with a potent run offense, which is #22 in the country. The mission will be to test the will of the Wildcats. If that works, whatever QB plays will take deep shots as the game progresses.
Defensively, Whittingham wants to win first and second down, forcing opponents to throw on third down. That is especially true at Rice-Eccles, where the crowd will have an impact.
Who Is the Right Side for the Wildcats vs. Utes?
The Arizona game plan is to establish RB Quali Conley as a runner and receiver, as he has quicks and some wiggle. That can open the passing game for Fifita to find leading receiver Tetairoa McMillan among others.
On defense, the Wildcats will give up yards, they just cannot give up touchdowns and instead permit surrender field goals in a manner like Oklahoma State did last week that kept them around.
If Utah (4-0, 2-2 ATS) grabs a lead, they are not easy to come back on, because they stop the opposing clubs’ run. When they set the tone on defense, opponents find it hard to grind away for long drives against this defense.
Though Wilson is not a bad option at QB, Rising’s veteran decision-making adds an element to the Utes offense. Utah’s top running back is Micah Bernard, who’s averaging 6.9 yards a carry. Yet, this offense has no trouble turning to Mike Mitchell or Dijon Stanley when called upon.
Utah has legitimate revenge in mind after being waxed 42-18 in Tucson last season. The Utes are 10-4 ATS recently as home favorites and are 10-0 ATS playing with revenge against a club that has won more than .400 percent of their games this year and is off a SU and ATS setback.
NCAAF Pick: Utah -11 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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