The Arizona Wildcats and Houston Cougars meet Saturday in college football action at TDECU Stadium. Here’s a Houston vs Arizona Prediction. This article will include a Houston vs Arizona Pick.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats beat Oklahoma State, lost to BYU, and plays Colorado next. The Arizona Wildcats have split their last 10 games. Noah Fifita is completing 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,560 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Javin Whatley and Kris Hutson have combined for 590 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Chris Hunter has 17 receptions.
The Arizona Wildcats ground game is averaging 47.2 yards per contest, and Ismail Mahdi leads the way with 403 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Arizona is allowing 18.5 points and 275.7 yards per game. Dalton Johnson leads the Arizona Wildcats with 41 tackles, Riley Wilson has 3 sacks and Jay’Vion Cole has 2 interceptions.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars beat Oklahoma State, lost to Texas Tech, and they play Arizona State next. The Houston Cougars have won 5 of their last 6 games. Conner Weigman is completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 1,216 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Amare Thomas and Tanner Koziol have combined for 751 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Stephon Johnson has 13 receptions.
The Houston Cougars ground game is averaging 159.2 yards per contest, and Dean Connors leads the way with 438 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Houston is allowing 17.5 points and 306.5 yards per game. Jalen Garner leads the Houston Cougars with 42 tackles, Corey Platt Jr. has 2.5 sacks and C.J. Douglas has 1 interception.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Houston has won each of its last 12 October games as a favorite.
- Arizona has lost each of its last eight October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has covered the spread in nine of Arizona’s last 10 games.
- Arizona has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four road games.
- Arizona has lost the first half in each of its last four road games against conference opponents.
Why the Arizona Wildcats will win
- Arizona has won each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Arizona has covered the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Houston has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Arizona has won the first half in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Houston’s last nine home games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Arizona’s last four road games have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Cougars Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Ethan Sanchez ranks T2nd amongst FBS players for made field goals (14) this season.
Arizona Wildcats Player Prop Facts
- Noah Fifita has recorded 25+ completions in three consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 8.
Matchup/League Facts
- Houston ranks T3rd among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (1.0).
- Houston ranks T8th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (27.3).
- Arizona ranks T6th among FBS teams for interceptions this season (9).
- Arizona ranks T9th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (3.3).
Houston vs Arizona Prediction
Arizona appears to be an underrated team with a decent offense, but it’s the defense that’s been surprising and makes the points worth a look. However, Arizona has been on the road just once this season, and that was an ugly showing against Iowa State. Houston is far and away more battle tested, has the defense and physicality to match Arizona, and its offense has come along over the last month.
Houston has covered 5 of its last 6 games as a favorite, while Arizona has failed to cover 7 of its last 9 games as an underdog. We’re not being asked to lay anything crazy. Give me Houston and the small number at home.