UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (0-0SU,0-0ATS) vs. Arizona Wildcats(0-0SU,0-0ATS)
College Football Week1
Date and Time:Friday, August 29, 10:30pm
Where:Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona
TV:ESPN
byBob,Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:UNLV +23.5/ARZ -23.5
Over/Under Total:60
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This Friday night, if you have nothing to do, check out the Arizona and UNLV game taking place on ESPN. Of course, just like most week one games, this is not one that is highly anticipated, but ummm, ITS COLLEGE FOOTBALL so I will watch!!! Last season these two teams met in week two in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Arizona laid a beat down on the Rebels 58-13. Rich Rodriguez has Arizona gaining a little more respect than years past, but they still have some work to do to be a true contender for the Pac-12 title. Teams like UCLA, Oregon, and USC always make winning the Pac-12 tough, but I believe with some improvements in some key areas for the Arizona Wildcats, they could crack that upper tier of the conference.With that said, they still come into this game as a huge home favorite over UNLV. The books in Vegas have the Wildcats favored by 23.5 points over the UNLV Running Rebels and that isn’t even close to how bad the game was last season. One thing I have learned however is to never look at years past when predicting the outcome of a game. Things can change in a year…in a major way (Ask the Auburn Tigers from last season.) Anyhow, what we have here is a big spread, so lets break it down and see what we got here.
UNLV has never really been a football school, but over the last 3-5 years they have done a decent job of getting themselves on the “college football map” as a respectable opponent. They have played some more reputable opponents closely, and pulled off some decent upsets as well. Last season UNLV struggled mostly on the defensive side of the ball, but their mediocre offense did not do much to help the situation either. Five times last season, UNLV allowed more than 40 points on defense, and in three of those games, more than 50. Not only did the defense get ran out of the building almost every game, but the offense was held toless than 20 points five times. Not a good combination. If UNLV is going to succeed not only in this game against Arizona, but in the 2014 season, they must improvement on both sides of the ball. If I was a player of coach I would take a 23.5 point spread against Arizona as a slap in the face…lets see how they handle it.
The Arizona Wildcats are trying very hard to be a contender in the Pac-12 and head coach, Rich Rodriguez, has made their offense legit, now it is just time to get a defense and passing game improved and it could all come together. Last season, the Wildcats ranked in the nation’s top ten in rushing offense gaining right at 265 yards per game on the ground. The passing attack was lacking, as they were not even ranked in the top 100 throwing for less than 195 yards a game. If the Cats can keep that rushing attack and add some passing threat to the arsenal, they could be a good offense…actually, a scary offense!! Arizona finished last season with a record of 7-5 and a bowl win over Boston College. I actually believe the Wildcats will improve on that record and get to the 8 or 9 win range this season. However, those are season goals, we need to look at this Friday night game against UNLV. Like I already explained, the Wildcats come in as a 23.5 point favorite, if they plan to cover this large spread, they need to have an all out assault on offense. I like the Arizona run game, who wouldn’t? But I would love to see them also get about 250 yards in the air too.
Bob’sPick to Cover the Point Spread:It is always tough to predict this huge point spreads in week one of college games. What makes it even tougher is when neither team is a “great” team. You don’t know what to expect and it makes the pick a little tougher. Deep down I know Arizona will win this game, and I think they win easily, but in games like this, when I am getting points handed to me, I will take the points. 23.5 is a ton of points when you have two marginal teams playing on opening weekend. Take UNLV plus the 23.5 points. Did you know that you can bet on college and pro football games at -105 odds instead of the expensive -110 that you’re laying? Wagering on sports at reduced odds will save you TONS of cash and trumnps ANY signup bonus that you can get. Be wise with your hard earned money! Make the switch to 5Dimes TODAY!
