Utah at Arizona – College Football Predictions
The Game
It’s a DUEL in the DESERT as Utah visits Arizona in a Friday night spectacular.
Utah is off to a perfect 3-0 start this season with two wins over creampuffs (North Dakota, San Jose St) and a victory over BYU in the HOLY WAR. They hope to start off PAC 12 play with a bang. Meanwhile the Wildcats are looking to SCRATCH and CLAW their way into bowl season and already have a pair of wins to their credit. That is the good news. The bad news ? Those wins came against Northern Arizona and the filth at UTEP. They lost a close game to Houston at home (a 100,000 star MEGALOCKS DEDICATION TO MESSAGE BOARD POWER HUNGRY LOSER DOUCHEBAGS WINNER). What do we really know ? Let’s dig in !
The Details
UTAH -3.5 ARIZONA (57.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Utah -6
Sagarin Ratings – Utah -6.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Utah 30.5 Arizona 27
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Utah 35 Arizona 28
The Match-Up
Utah offense vs Arizona defense
We have only watched him play one game – but let us say this – we are impressed with Utah QB Tyler Huntley. So far Huntley has completed 72% of his passes with a 5-2 TD to INT ratio and has looked very shifty and elusive at QB. Huntley and RB Zack Moss lead a good rushing attack that will give the Wildcats young defense a lot to think about. Arizona has been pretty decent on defense this season but have only been challenged in one contest. Remember that they allowed 38 points per game last season and they are very young in 2017. However, it must be noted, we do see improvement based on their performance vs Houston. The difference maker just might be Oregon transfer WR Darren Carrington who already has 409 receiving and 4TDs in just three games. Those wacky Utes are becoming a really hard offense to defend.
Arizona offense vs Utah defense
The Wildcats have got their running game going once again in 2017. They are ranked #6 in the FBS in rushing offense (#1 PAC 12) and are 2nd in the PAC 12 with 13 rushing TDs (Oregon – 18). QB Brandon Dawkins is playing well while leading the team in rushing yards and playing efficiently at QB (0 INT in 63 ATT). The RB group is deep and the WR corps is developing nicely. Utah has been really tough on defense so far but this will be their most difficult test to date. The Utes are ranked #2 in the FBS (!!) in rushing defense and #16 in pass efficiency defense while getting their usual level of PENETRATION and disruption. Arizona is going to hit some big plays but they need to avoid turnovers and negative plays as much as possible in order to win this game.
MEGA-MAZING BITS
Your pal Rich Rod is 4-1 vs Utah during his tenure at Arizona…..not saying….just saying…..An under the radar edge for Utah is the kicking game as they have a JUGGERNAUT punter and now boast PK Matt Gay who has BANGED 11/11 FGs so far in 2017.
Summary
We pretty much like Utah every week. Even if they were playing the Patriots and laying 21 points. So we always need to take a deep breath.
The Utes truly look like a really balanced team that is more than capable of making it to the PAC 12 Championship. Of course, there is no doubt, they are more than likely to CRAP THE BED at some point and lose a game that have no business losing. Is this the week ? They should be able to move the ball without much difficulty and just need to avoid turnovers and penalties. Arizona is going to put some stress on the Utes defense and can win this game if they can find a way to hit 2-3 big plays on offense.
Conclusion
No official play yet. Still pondering. Will give our official word tomorrow.