NCAAF Picks: The Territorial Cup matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona State Sun Devils will be for the highest possible stakes as the winner could end up as Pac 12 South Division champions if the UCLA Bruins lose to Stanford. Beyond that both Arizona and Arizona State are both vastly improved and are programs that will be national factors for years to come. Both teams feature prolific offenses that make them enjoyable to watch.
The Arizona Wildcats will host the Arizona State Sun Devils at Arizona Stadium with coverage on FOX starting at 3:30 PM ET.
Wildcat Strike
Arizona is 9-2 straight up but 4-7 against the spread with a 3-8 mark under the total. The Wildcats are coming off a strong 42-10 win at Utah against a good Utes team. Arizona ranks 14th in the nation for total offense and an improved 54th for scoring defense. Freshman QB Anu Solomon has a 131.6 QB rating with a 25-7 TD-INT ratio. RB Nick Wilson has 1085 yards rushing with 6.0 yards per carry and 12 TD’s. After not fitting in as head coach at Michigan Rich Rodriguez has found the perfect home in Tucson.
Fear the Fork
Arizona State is 9-2 SU, 6-5 ATS, and 5-6 under the total. The Sun Devils are coming off a 52-31 home payout over Washington State. ASU ranks 18th in the nation for scoring offense but 65th for scoring defense. QB Taylor Kelly has a 145.4 QB rating with an 18-5 TD-INT ratio. The Sun Devils would be in control of the Pac 12 South if not for a shocking 35-27 loss at Oregon State two weeks ago.
Our Pick
Arizona has been a poor betting value at home recently with just three payouts in their last 10 home games. The Wildcats have gone under the total in 10 out of their last 13 games at Arizona Stadium.
Arizona State has been an above par road betting value recently with five payouts in their last eight away games. The Sun Devils have gone over the total in seven out of their last 11 away games.
Arizona has covered the spread in just one out of their last five games against Arizona State with three out of the last four games between the Sun Devils and Wildcats going over the total. The Sun Devils are a strong 7-2 ATS on the road at Arizona with their last two visits going over the total.
We “Fear the Fork” in this one. Arizona State and over the total is the call.
