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Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Expert Picks
The combination of new Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin and dual threat quarterback Khalil Tate is a recipe for Overs, yet BYU has a way of controlling the ball with sound clock management. Only two of the Cougars' 13 games last season cleared Saturday's total of 60.5 -- a 40-24 loss to Utah State and a 41-20 win over San Jose State. Factor in Tucson's desert heat and in-game rustiness, and the Under should reap dividends.
There was no doubt in my mind Tanner Mangum would win BYU's starting QB job if he was healthy. Mangum has 21 career starts and more than 5,000 passing yards. Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin loves offense and he has a dual-threat QB in Khalil Tate who is a Heisman hopeful. Tate should shred defenses in Sumlin's offense. UA's defense has allowed 34.4 points or more per game the last three years. Take the Over on Saturday.
Kevin Sumlin arriving at Arizona with Khalil Tate at quarterback is one of the more underrated storylines in the country. The Wildcats upgraded at the head coaching spot and Tate has had a full offseason of work after dazzling after taking over the job mid-season last year under Rich Rodriguez. Sumlin is no stranger to putting on opening night shows, so expect this game to get sideways in a hurry. If great teams struggle to shut down Tate, the Cougars certainly will.