Arizona vs. Texas Tech Prediction: Week 9 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Oct. 31)
The winner of this matchup between No. 22 Arizona and No. 13 Texas Tech will give itself a huge leg up in the Big 12 race as the game is played between two of the league’s five teams with one or fewer conference losses. My Arizona vs. Texas Tech prediction confidently backs the road underdogs, as an early start time likely works in their favor.
Kickoff from Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, Texas is set for noon ET on Saturday (ESPN), and Texas Tech is a 3.5-point betting favorite.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 9 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona +3.5 | -108 via BetMGM | 1 unit to profit 0.93 units |
| Under 54.5 | -108 via DraftKings | 1 unit to profit 0.93 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 29 at 1:50 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: +1.86 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Arizona vs. Texas Tech prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Arizona +3.5 (-108 via BetMGM)
History says this is a completely one-sided rivalry, as Texas Tech leads the all-time series against Arizona 27-5-2. But a much more zoomed-in view of these teams shows that Arizona has the exact same record as Texas Tech since Nov. 1 of last year (11-2), and the only teams that have a better record in that span are all currently ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll.
I’m not one that believes much in the transitive property, but Texas Tech’s 37-24 loss to Cincinnati (its largest loss against an unranked opponent as a top-10 team in the AP Poll era) coupled with Arizona’s 34-7 throttling of Cincinnati on the first weekend of October is eye-opening.
Arizona’s offense plays at an ultra fast tempo, and the Red Raiders haven’t done a great job defending tempo this year. So while the Wildcats have allowed 17 sacks, the tempo and not allowing Texas Tech to substitute players often on defense will help slow down the pass rush.
📡 SBR Edge: Inefficiency in the red zone
Texas Tech's inefficiency in the red zone could play a big role in deciding this game. The Red Raiders have attempted 19 field goals (tied for the most in the FBS), and rank 120th while scoring touchdowns on just under 52% of their red zone trips.
Arizona's blitz should frustrate Will Hammond
On paper there is a big mismatch among the teams’ two quarterbacks, as Noah Fifita averages over nine yards per attempt while Will Hammond has logged a 6-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Hammond’s inconsistencies should be much more pronounced against Arizona’s heavy blitz scheme. He has completed 59.5% of his passes against the blitz (69th in FBS) and Arizona blitzes at an FBS-high 58.5% rate. Hammond has also been sacked 11 times (t-6th most in the Big 12) and Arizona’s 24 sacks are second most in the conference.
Play to: Any number, as I will sprinkle 0.5 units on Arizona's +148 moneyline odds at bet365.
Score prediction: Arizona 27, Texas Tech 24
Live Arizona vs. Texas Tech odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Arizona vs. Texas Tech matchup page.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech opening odds
- Moneyline: Arizona +145 | Texas Tech -175
- Spread: Arizona +4 (-110) | Texas Tech -4 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 55.5 (-110) | Under 55.5 (-110)
Arizona vs. Texas Tech weather
Weather is not expected to be a factor for this game, as temperatures are forecasted in the high 60s with winds light at 8 mph S.
Latest Arizona vs. Texas Tech injuries
Arizona:
- Antwan Roberts Jr., RB - Questionable
Texas Tech:
- Cameron Dickey, RB - Questionable
How to watch Arizona vs. Texas Tech: Week 9
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
- Kickoff: Noon ET
- Location: Galaxy Stadium (Lubbock, Texas)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN
Related Articles
