The Arizona Wildcats are expected to be in the thick of the Big 12 Conference race under new head coach Brent Brennan. Brennan took over after Jedd Fisch blew town for the Washington Huskies. In turn, the Washinton job was left open when Kalen DeBoer ran off to Alabama to replace Nick Saban. Last year was one of the most impactful coaching carousels in college football history. Brennan is considered one of the better hires of the offseason. Following his impressive Betting on College Football work at San Jose State.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Arizona Wildcats NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, 10:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | +31 -110 | 58½ -110 | +2500 |  |
| Arizona U | -31 -110 | 58½ -110 | -10000 | |
| ||||
Arizona fans were upset with Fisch leaving after quickly building the Wildcats up. But Brennan’s arrival calmed the angst. Optimism is high for the Wildcats. There is plenty of betting on college football debate about this game. Both teams have new head coaches.
New Mexico Lobos Team Overview
Namely, Bronco Mendenhall’s ability to get the most out of the roster and maximize a program’s resources is a good fit for the job in Albuquerque. However, the former BYU and Virginia head coach likely needs a year or two to rebuild a New Mexico program. Consider that it went 11-32 over the last four seasons and is dealing with a significant roster turnover in ’24.
Last year, sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier showed offshore betting promise in nine appearances. Dampier could be a building block for Mendenhall and coordinator Jason Beck this fall. However, the rest of the unit is in transition. New Mexico will have five new starters along the offensive line. Also, 1,000-yard rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt transferred to Arizona. Additionally, three of the team’s top five receivers departed after ’23.
Last year, the Lobos surrendered 37.6 points a game in Mountain West play. But there is reason for optimism here. San Diego State transfer cornerback Noah Avinger and safety Tavian Combs headline the secondary. Mendenhall has enough returning experience and transfer additions in the front seven to generate improvement in ’24.
Arizona Wildcats Team Overview
Arizona returns the core of the squad that beat five Top 25 teams. Including Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl. Former coach Jedd Fisch left a loaded offense and a strong defense, a tribute to his recruiting after taking over a program that had lost 11 straight games.
Quarterback Noah Fifita is a savvy, accurate passer who made a few bad decisions in his nine starts. In sum, he compiled seven victories. He needs to find a No. 2 receiver and a go-to tight end. But Colorado transfer Montana Lemonious-Craig and tight end Keyan Burnett project as capable receivers to go with All-American Tetairoa McMillan.
New coach Brent Brennan hired two elite-level coordinators. Namely, ex-Syracuse head coach Dino Babers and Duane Akina. Both were part of Arizona’s historic 12-1 team of 1998 and are primed for Act II.
Sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita was the Pac-12’s Offensive Freshman of the Year. He was an off-the-bench revelation who completed a school-record 72.4 percent of his passes with 25 touchdowns against six interceptions. Most important of all, he chose to stay in Arizona rather than join former head coach Jedd Fisch at Washington.
New Mexico at Arizona SBG Free Picks
In this situation, New Mexico is suffering through a difficult rebuilding process. Arizona is the more realistic Betting on College Football choice.
New Mexico at Arizona SBG Best Bet: Arizona Wildcats.