Arizona at Toledo: College Football Betting and Week 1 Odds

The Arizona Wildcats continue to show modest improvement under 7th year head coach Mike Stoops but still are waiting for a true breakout season. They will start their quest for one tonight at the Toledo Rockets against a high octane squad looking to return to glory in the Mid American Conference. Kick-off tonight on ESPN is at 8:05pm EST and online sportsbooks have opened with the Arizona Wildcats as a 16.5-point college football betting favorite with an over/under total of 59.5 in week 1 odds. Arizona has long been considered a strong defensive team as that is a Stoops trademark but this year offense looks to be the key asset.

“I think our quarterback and running backs are the strength of this team,” said Stoops. I’m impressed with our execution offensively. It’s light years ahead of where it has been at this time.” Junior Nick Foles has a shot at being an All Pac-10 conference QB and will have plenty of help from a backfield of Nic Grigsby, Keola Antolin, and Greg Nwoko. The offense features new coordinators Seth Littrell and Bill Bedenbaugh who will be looking to open up the attack in much the same manner that Mike Leach did in past seasons at Texas Tech. Wideouts Juron Criner and Travis Cobb can stretch the field and offer a complete and diverse attack.

The offensive line has plenty of experience and ability as well with 6 seniors and a junior. The defense lost 7 starters and coordinator Mark Stoops, Mike’s brother, who moved on to Florida State. The unit struggled is training camp. “Our offense is going to have to score a lot of points,” said Stoops. “We have to have a consistent defense and we haven’t really been consistent.” Toledo ranked 12th nationally in offense last year and will provide a stern test for the young Arizona unit as the game could be a shootout.