Get set for an exciting Big 12 matchup when the Houston Cougars meet the Arizona Wildcats tonight at 10:15 p.m. ET, airing on FS1.
Arizona needs to run the table to reach bowl-game eligibility, and my Houston vs. Arizona predictions expect a Wildcats victory powered by the arm of Noah Fifita.
Read on as I explain why I like Arizona to win with my free college football picks for November 15.
Houston vs Arizona prediction and best bet
Who will win Houston vs Arizona?
Arizona has struggled mightily this season, but I expect the Wildcats to win this game. Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan's one-two punch will be too much against a good Houston secondary.
The Wildcats' defense is their Achilles' Heel, but the Cougars are the lowest-scoring group in the Big 12.
My best bet
Noah Fifita Over 248.5 passing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The Arizona Wildcats are having a tough season.
Moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 hasn’t been easy for Arizona. The Wildcats offense can’t seem to get out of its own way, and the defense is 14th in the Big 12 in points allowed (31).
Arizona has a slim chance of securing bowl eligibility, but they’ll need to run the table, and I believe that run will begin behind the arm of Wildcats sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita.
Fifita is having a good season, but he’s also struggled because his offensive line is banged up, and he’s been forced into throwing 10 picks. Other than the sacks and turnovers, Fifita has been solid, and he’s good enough to have a big passing night against the Wildcats.
Fifita has cleared 250+ passing yards six times, including 256 yards in a Week 11 loss at USF. He should have plenty of time against a non-aggressive Houston Cougars pass rush with only 12 sacks.
I expect 30+ passing attempts, and if Fifita gets there, he’ll clear 249 passing yards. Houston allows a paltry 190 passing yards per game, but Fifita seems to save his best games for Arizona Stadium. He’s cleared 249+ passing yards in eight of his 12 career home starts.
He should have plenty of time to find standout wideout Tetairoa McMillan or one of 10 other Wildcats with 100+ receiving yards. Houston’s offense doesn’t move the chains well, which should give Fifita additional opportunities to clear this bar.
Houston vs Arizona same-game parlay (SGP)
Noah Fifita Over 248.5 passing yards
Arizona moneyline
Over 45.5
If Fifita has a big night, the Wildcats will win, and the game will end Over the total.
I expect Arizona to score against Houston. The Cougars have elite stats but surrender 10 yards per completion, 14 aerial scoring strikes, and offer little pressure to opposing QBs.
Meanwhile, Houston's offense has the lowest scoring output in the conference. However, they could get a boost as Arizona hasn’t kept anyone out of the end zone. The Wildcats have allowed 27+ points in each of their last five games, and I expect a shootout with an Arizona victory.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Houston vs Arizona odds
Houston vs Arizona live odds
Houston vs Arizona opening odds
- Houston vs. Arizona spread: Arizona -2.5
- Houston vs. Arizona moneyline: Houston +100 | Arizona -120
- Houston vs. Arizona Over/Under: 44.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Houston vs Arizona spread and Over/Under analysis
- Houston is 3-2-0 ATS in its last five, and that’s likely the reason the spread dipped to as low as +1.
- Meanwhile, Arizona is 0-5-0 ATS in its past five, which is why this game could be a pick-em by Friday’s kickoff.
- The total spiked to as high as 45.5 from the 44.5 opener.
- These teams couldn’t be any different in their previous five contests. Houston is 1-4-0 to the Under, while Arizona is 3-2-0 to the Over.
Houston vs Arizona betting trend to know
Arizona has only hit the Under in five of its last 13 games (-3.80 Units / -27% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Houston vs Arizona.
Houston vs Arizona game info
| Location: | Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ |
| Date: | Friday, 11-15-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 10:15 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
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