Arizona vs BYU Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Arizona Wildcats travel to LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, to face the No. 14 BYU Cougars on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET on FOX in the Big 12 opener for both programs. Arizona opened with a 35-7 victory over Northern Arizona, while BYU destroyed Utah Tech 63-7. The current market has BYU favored by 7 points. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Arizona Defense Dominates Northern Arizona

Arizona's 35-7 victory was more impressive defensively than the final score suggests. The Wildcats held Northern Arizona to minus-7 rushing yards and recorded five sacks. The only NAU touchdown came on an interception return rather than against Arizona's defense.

Noah Fifita completed 22 of 29 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns, while Arizona produced 206 rushing yards. Kedrick Reescano scored twice on the ground as the Wildcats established good offensive balance.

Turnovers were the biggest negative. Arizona gave the ball away three times after finishing among the nation's best in turnover margin last season. Those mistakes become considerably more dangerous against a BYU team that forced four turnovers in its opener.

BYU Rolls to 63-7 Victory

BYU overwhelmed Utah Tech 63-7, building a 42-0 halftime lead before resting its starters. The Cougars outgained Utah Tech 521-184 and won the turnover battle 4-0.

Bear Bachmeier needed only one half to throw for 198 yards and three touchdowns while adding 30 rushing yards and another score. Legend Glasker made the most of four offensive touches, scoring three touchdowns and finishing with 65 receiving yards. BYU also had seven different players rush for at least 20 yards.

Arizona represents a dramatically stronger opponent, but BYU's combination of offensive balance, defensive production and home field gives the Cougars an important advantage.

Arizona vs BYU Picks and Prediction

Pick: Arizona +7

BYU deserves to be favored, but Arizona +7 is the preferred side. The Wildcats were excellent defensively in Week 1, allowing minus-7 rushing yards and preventing Northern Arizona from scoring an offensive touchdown. Fifita also gives Arizona an experienced quarterback capable of keeping the Wildcats competitive in Provo. BYU was spectacular against Utah Tech, but Arizona is a significant upgrade in competition. Take the full touchdown with Arizona +7.

Pick: Under 55.5

If the total is set at 55.5 or higher, I prefer the Under. Both defenses dominated their opening opponents, and Arizona's ability to defend the run gives the Wildcats a chance to prevent BYU from controlling this game the way it did against Utah Tech. Arizona also has little incentive to turn a difficult road conference game into a track meet. Something around 28-24 or 27-23 fits the matchup. Take Under 55.5 or higher.

Final Picks: Arizona +7 and Under 55.5 or higher