New Mexico Lobos (0-0) vs. Arizona Wildcats (0-0)
August 31, 2024 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: Arizona Wildcats -30.5 ; Over/Under: +57
(Get latest betting odds)
The Arizona Wildcats and New Mexico Lobos meet in week 1 college football action from Arizona Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Arizona vs New Mexico Prediction.
Arizona Has High Expectations
Arizona is currently ranked in the top 25 and there is a lot of buzz surrounding them heading into the season. It all starts with quarterback Noah Fifita who could be getting talked about in the Heisman conversation when it’s all said and done this season. Last season for the Wildcats, he finished with 2,586 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The star wide receiver is McMillan, who finished with 1,236 receiving yards last year and is in line for another huge season.
The offense got all the headlines last year, but the defense was also excellent. They held five FBS opponents to under 21 points last season, and the expectation is they will have a huge year. Linebacker Tre Smith came over from San Jose State and is expected to be big a difference-maker for this squad.
Why Arizona Will Cover against New Mexico
- Arizona has won each of its last nine games as a favorite.
- Arizona has covered the spread in each of its last six home games.
Another Long Season for New Mexico
New Mexico is one of a few teams that have one game under their belt, and the first game was an ugly one. New Mexico opened up against FCS level Montana State and they were defeated 35-31. At the end of the first quarter, they were up 10-0 but as the game went on the defense struggled. In the 4th quarter, they gave up 21 points and that led to the 21-point defeat.
Devon Dampier was the starting quarterback, and he completed 18 of his 26 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. Eli Sanders had a big game on the ground, rushing 17 times for 87 yards. Luke Wysong was the top receiver, catching six passes for 95 yards. In this game, the defense is going to need to be a whole lot better. New Mexico will take on Auburn and Fresno State after this game.
Arizona vs New Mexico Prediction
Arizona could win this game 70-0 and it wouldn’t shock me. They are the much better team in this matchup, and they are going to have no issue. The New Mexico defense is going to have some major issues and Arizona is going to run up the score. New Mexico’s offense will have no answer, and Arizona is going to have no issue getting the job done here. Back Arizona against the spread.
