Arizona vs. BYU Prediction: Week 2 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
We're gearing up for an entertaining Week 2 matchup in the Big 12 with my Arizona vs. BYU prediction. This is a rematch from last year's 2OT thriller in the Desert, when the Cougars narrowly avoided an upset.
No. 15 BYU is laying -7.5 as a home favorite at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, leading up to Saturday's opening kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX).
🏈 Arizona vs. BYU picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 2 based on the latest college football odds.
Total wagered: 2.18 units | Max profit: +2.0 units
💰 Arizona vs. BYU prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Under 48.0 (-107 via Caesars)
The best line to bet in this Big 12 game can be found in the point total market. Arizona has gone under the point total line in six consecutive games, dating back to 2025.
Last season, BYU finished the year with the nation's 19th-ranked scoring defense. The Cougars allowed just 19.1 points per game. Arizona's defense wasn't a pushover either, finishing the year allowing a stout 19.3 points per game, sitting 21st out of 136 FBS programs.
Neither of these defenses, albeit against weak opponents, gave up more than 7 points in Week 1. BYU will try to grind the clock and move the football on the ground with QB Bear Bachmeier and RB LJ Martin.
Fifita can sling it through the air but he'll have to be cautious, with BYU's pass defense quickly closing window and forcing plenty of turnovers. Expect a more conservative and calculated game plan from Arizona head coach Brent Brennan's offense.
The point total has dipped from 51.5 to 47.5. A four-point move is pretty big, so let's follow the steam here and grab the half point to 48.0, betting Under 48.0 on Caesars.
📡 SBR Edge: Gamescript Flashback
BYU was held without a point for 2 quarters during last year's win in Arizona, rallying with 10 points in the final 4 minutes of regulation to eventually post a win in 2OT.
Defensive grit will lead Arizona to an upset in Provo
Arizona won't shy away from playing physically against BYU. The Wildcats were able to shut down Bachmeier and Martin for half of the game after falling into a quick 14-0 deficit in their last head-to-head matchup.
As long as Fifita plays this game without a miscue, he has enough talent to keep the Wildcats ahead of schedule on offense. BYU relies on its defense to shut down opponents, while milking the clock with a run-centric scheme.
This time, Arizona beats BYU by copying its blue-print, moving the football on long, methodical drives to force the Cougars into chase mode. Arizona will get revenge and upset BYU during a tightly contested 24-23 win in Provo.
Score prediction: Arizona 24, BYU 23
📊 Arizona vs. BYU odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 2 matchup.
Arizona vs. BYU opening odds
• Moneyline: Arizona +250 | BYU -305
• Spread: Arizona +6.5 (-108) | BYU-6.5 (-112)
• Over/Under: Over 51.5 (-110) | Under 51.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch Arizona vs. BYU: Week 2
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium (Provo, Utah)
- TV: FOX
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