Two teams that have spent the last decade plus battling each other in the Pac-12 now square off as Big 12 opponents for the first time.
The Utah Utes (4-0) are the odds-on favorite to win the conference after a victory at Oklahoma State last week and the Arizona Wildcats (2-1) enter off a bye week, making this their first Big 12 matchup.
The Utes are favored by eight points on the spread and are -310 on the moneyline. Meanwhile, the total is 47.5.
Here's an Arizona vs. Utah prediction and pick.
Arizona vs Utah Prediction
- Arizona vs Utah Pick: Arizona +11
My Arizona vs Utah best bet is on the Wildcats spread, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Arizona vs Utah Odds
| Arizona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 47.5 -108 / -112 | +250 |
| Utah Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 47.5 -108 / -112 | -310 |
- Arizona vs Utah Point Spread: Arizona +8 (-110) · Utah -8 (-110)
- Arizona vs Utah Total: Over/Under 47.5
- Arizona vs Utah Moneyline: Arizona +250 · Utah -310
Arizona vs Utah Preview
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview: Concerning Matchup
The Wildcats had quite the offseason with Jedd Fisch bolting for the Washington job at the 11th hour.
Brent Brennan took over and has done a nice job of steadying the ship and retaining some integral pieces like QB Noah Fifita and WR Tetairoa McMillan.
As a result, expectations were pretty high for the Wildcats entering 2024.
The last time out was not pretty. Arizona was dominated by Kansas State from start to finish in Manhattan and entered the bye week with plenty to fix.
They now go up against a familiar opponent, and a team Fifita and company dominated a year ago in Tuscon.
In that matchup, Fifita went 22-for-30 for two touchdowns and Zona secured the victory 42-18.
Arizona lost a lot from last year's defense and will need to be much better than what it's shown thus far this season if it wants to slow down Utah.
The Arizona defense ranks outside the top 100 in both line yards and finishing drives, which is concerning against a physical Utah offensive line group.
That said, the Wildcats have the playmakers to hit some explosives against a Utah defense that will play a lot of single high, man-to-man defense and dare you to beat it deep.
Utah Utes Betting Preview: Consistency is Key
The more things change the more they stay the same for Kyle Whittingham and Utah football.
Elite defense, good special teams and a strong rushing attack have been hallmarks of this program ever since Whitt took over, and this year is no different.
Last week in Stillwater, without star QB Cam Rising, the Utes ran for 249 yards and at one point forced eight consecutive Cowboy three and outs.
Isaac Wilson has done an admirable job replacing Rising thus far and is making some plays with his legs just like his older brother Zach did at BYU.
It's still a little unclear who will start in this one, but whether it's Rising or Wilson, expect a heavy dosage of RB Micah Bernard.
WR Dorian Singer also had a strong game against Oklahoma State, catching seven balls and doing a ton after the catch to pick up key first downs.
On the other side of the ball, it's been nearly impossible to run on the Utes. Ollie Gordon II couldn't get anything going, and I don't expect Arizona to really even try to run it much up the middle.
The challenge that Utah will have this week that it didn't last Saturday is containing a mobile quarterback.
Alan Bowman is as stationary as they come in the pocket, whereas Fifita brings a whole different element for the Wildcats.
Keeping a spy on Fifita will be critical for the Utes to have success on defense in this game.
Arizona vs Utah
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Arizona and Utah match up statistically:
Arizona Offense vs. Utah Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 76 | 23 | |
| Line Yards | 107 | 48 | |
| Pass Success | 73 | 24 | |
| Havoc | 77 | 17 | |
| Finishing Drives | 90 | 16 | |
| Quality Drives | 39 | 9 | |
Utah Offense vs. Arizona Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 70 | 66 |  |
| Line Yards | 83 | 103 | |
| Pass Success | 76 | 75 | |
| Havoc | 87 | 76 | |
| Finishing Drives | 95 | 119 | |
| Quality Drives | 62 | 77 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 126 | 74 |
| PFF Coverage | 81 | 21 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 36 | 95 |
| Middle 8 | 8 | 38 |
| Seconds per Play | 30.6 (122) | 31.2 (125) |
| Rush Rate | 43% (118) | 60% (32) |
Arizona vs Utah Pick & Prediction
Ultimately, I see some value on the Wildcats as a double-digit underdog against a Utah team that still has some uncertainty at the quarterback position.
I don't believe Utah will be able to create major separation in this game, whether it's the injured Rising or the young Wilson who starts under center.
Arizona has the type of quarterback and receiver combo you need to make some plays down the field against a Utah defense that will sit in cover one.
Zona will need to be at its best to do enough to pull off the outright upset, but regardless, I like the Wildcats catching the points.
Pick: Arizona +11
How to Watch Arizona vs Utah Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 28 |
| Kickoff Time: | 10:15 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
Arizona vs Utah Betting Trends
- 50% of the bets and 86% of the money is on Utah to cover the spread against Arizona.
- 93% of the bets and 90% of the money is on the over.
