BYU vs Arizona 9/4/21 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The BYU Cougars visit Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday September 4 for the inaugural Vegas Kickoff Classic against the Arizona Wildcats. BYU has announced that Jaren Hall will be the starting quarterback taking the place of No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson. Hall has played in nine games with BYU including a pair of starts and has 420 yards passing with one touchdown and has rushed for 139 yards and three TDs.

BYU's defense allowed 15.3 points and 317.4 yards per game last season but did not have a tough schedule. Linebacker will be the strength of BYU's defense led by Peyton WIlgar ,Keenan Pili and Max Tooley. The secondary will be led by Chaz Ah You, who suffered a season-ending injury last year but is back. The defensive line must replace three of its starters from last season.

Arizona was 0-5 in its abbreviated 2020 fall schedule. The Wildcats begin 2021 with a new quarterback under center. Gunner Cruz, who last season was at Washington State, and freshman Will Plummer are competing for the starting position. Michael Wiley is an explosive running back and Drake Anderson, who transferred from Northwestern will see plenty of time. The offensive strength will be at wide receiver with six players that have been productive in the past including Stanley Berryhill III, Boobie Curry and Tayvian Cunningham amongst others.

Arizona's defensive line returns three players with experience including Trevon Mason, Kyon Barrs and Aaron Blackwell. Defensive ends Jalen Harris and JB Brown are also back and give Arizona a tough pass rush. The linebackers include transfers Jerry Roberts and Malik Reed as well as returning senior Anthony Pandy. The secondary will be led by cornerback Isaiah Rutherford who transferred from Notre Dame and safety Gunner Maldonado who transferred from Northwestern.