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Free Pick: UNLV vs. Arizona Betting Odds & NCAA Preview

Week 1: Running Rebels vs Wildcats Odds

College football Week 1 betting action sees the UNLV Rebels taking on the Arizona Wildcats on Friday, August 29th at Arizona Stadium in Tuscon. Cappers Picks provides free NCAA football handicapping tips all season long so check in often.

With clean slates in front of them, UNLV and Arizona are set to clash in the desert to start their 2014 campaigns.

College Football Lines

UNLV (0-0, 0-0 Mountain West) @ Arizona (0-0, 0-0 Pac-12)
Friday, August 29th 10:30 PM ET @ Arizona Stadium – Tuscon
NCAA Football Spread: Arizona -23.5
NCAA Football O/U: Opened at 57, NOW 60

Click here to view… ATS Stats & Experts College Football Betting Insight!

Despite losing their starting quarterbacks and starting running backs, both the Running Rebels and the Wildcats are looking to show that their losses won’t stop them.

With position battles still in progress, each team will have to find a new identity offensively, the styles in which they are both known for.

UNLV

With quarterback Caleb Herring gone, the Runnin’ Rebs are looking to see if Nick Sherry or Blake Decker can fill the big shoes of their departed gunslinger. Whoever wins the job will be protected by 4 returning starters on the offensive line.

The biggest offensive piece returning for UNLV, though, is wide receiver Devante Davis who racked up 1,290 yards and a school record 14 touchdowns on 87 receptions.

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Also gone is the school’s all-time rusher in Tim Cornett. Shaquille Murray-Lawrence (47 rushers, 418 yards, 2 TD in 2013) will do his best to make up the missing production.

On a defense returning six starters, none may have a bigger impact than Safety Peni Vea. Last season, Vea tallied two interceptions to go with his 108 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 2 pass defenses. Also returning is linebacker Tani Maka who amassed 97 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Arizona

Rich Rodriguez and company lost some big names when both starting QB B.J. Denker and RB Ka’Deem Carey departed in the offseason. With the Pac-12 recruiting the best it’s been in years, though, the Wildcats aren’t worried.

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JUST tabbed to be the starter this season is Redshirt Freshman QB Anu Solomon. If his high school numbers carry over at all, (57-3 record, 4 state titles, 10,112 yards passing, 128 touchdowns and only 17 interceptions) Arizona will be just fine.

Like UNLV, the Wildcats are returning 4 of their 5 starters on the offensive line. This is good news for both Solomon as well as newly tabbed starting RB Terris Jones-Grigsby.

The team most recently known for being a rushing powerhouse, the Wildcats may have to switch gears and make some noise through the air where Senior wide receiver Austin Hill (1,364 yards in 20120) headlines the receiving corps.

NCAA football handicapping trends

  • UNDER is 5-2 in UNLV’s last 7 games
  • UNLV is 3-22 SU in last 25 road games
  • UNDER is 6-1 in Arizona’s last 7 home games
  • Arizona is 13-4 SU in last 17 home games
  • UNDER is 4-2 in Arizona’s last 6 games

Week 1 NCAA Football Prediction

While Arizona is the clear favorite, their offense and defense are still relatively new and inexperienced. It won’t matter too much, though, as UNLV lacks the ability to keep up with bigger programs. Last season, Arizona beat UNLV 58-13.

It won’t be that bad this time, but it still won’t be close.

Free NCAA Betting Pick: Arizona -23.5

Final Week 1 Score: UNLV 13 – Arizona 42

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By Brandon Banks

Brandon Banks is a newcomer to the Cappers Picks Blog, he has been a sports writer for a few years now. He's been a very successful bettor, especially in NFL, College football & NCAA hoops betting. Reasons for success - not affiliated with any SCAMDICAPPERS. Stay tuned to Brandon, he'll be picking NFL, CFB, CBB and NBA games daily here on the blog.