Fansided

No. 22 Arizona vs Nevada preview, prediction, betting odds, live stream info

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon (12) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon (12) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

No. 22 Arizona Wildcats vs. Nevada Wolf Pack

Beginning its first game of the season with a 14-0 lead heading into the second quarter, Arizona looked to be headed for a big win in the opener against UTSA. However, the lesser opponent fought back, taking a big deficit and turning it into a one-point game at halftime. The Wildcats ended up pulling away at the end, but not before losing All-American linebacker Scooby Wright.

Nevada is returning just 12 starters, six on each side of the ball, from last season and junior quarterback, and first-year starter, Tyler Stewart is beginning to feel the pressure. Although he led the Wolf Pack to a solid week one victory over UC Davis, he was out-dueled under center by the opposing QB. Will the Wolf Pack need to rely more on the run game moving forward?

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Sept. 12
Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Reno, NV
Stadium: Clarence Mackay Stadium
TV Info: CBS Sports Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN app
Radio: For the Arizona radio affiliate, click here. For the Nevada radio affiliate, click here.
Ticket Information: For Arizona ticket info, click here. For Nevada ticket info, click here.

Keys to Victory

Playing on the road after a slim home victory over a far less talented opponent will be a tough battle for the Wildcats. In order for them to come out on top like they’re supposed to, they’ll need to find a way to replace Scooby Wright in the middle of the defense.

It won’t be easy playing without the star linebacker for a few weeks, but there has to be a few guys who’ll step up and make sure the Wolf Pack don’t trample over them, defensively. Also, Anu Solomon will need to be more accurate and let the game come to him. Not rushing his throws and getting happy feet in the pocket will ensure a solid game and a win.

Nevada’s run game was solid last week as Don Jackson led the way with 124 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries. While he will need to be relied on once again, it will be the pass game that needs to step up.

While Arizona struggled majorly on defense against UTSA, it was the secondary that especially faltered in the opener. Stewart will need to play comfortably in the pocket and show the ability to tuck and run when under pressure like he did against UC Davis. If there’s going to be one game in which he needs his best effort, it’s this one.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Arizona -11.5

Moneyline: Nevada +385, Arizona -460

O/U: 63

Prediction

Solomon will have another solid game to begin the year while showing more accuracy and finishing with over 300 yards and another four touchdowns. Nick Wilson will add a rushing score as the Wildcats will prove to be the supreme team in this matchup.

Don’t sleep on Stewart in the pass game for Nevada, however, as the former three-star pro-style QB will step up and challenge the Wildcats’ defense which will be without Wright in this one. This contest will be close for two and a half quarters.

Final Score: Arizona 38, Nevada 24

More from College Football

Home/College Football