Keys to an Arizona Football upset over San Diego State

We are just four days from Arizona Football kicking off the 2022 season against San Diego State, and with the Aztecs favored, these are the keys for an Arizona upset. 

The 2022 season is nearly here, and so far it has been a steady build-up for Arizona Football as the Wildcats prepare for a big match-up against San Diego State.

Coming in, we’re all too familiar with the challenge the Wildcats face. The Aztecs are a skilled, physical, and athletic football team that plays extremely disciplined and smart. Beating them isn’t easy by any means.

Adversely, Arizona enters this game with a lot of lingering questions surrounding its team. And despite the 1-11 finish in 2021, the Wildcats should be a more competitive group in 2022.

As Arizona Football enters this game as a 6.5-point underdog against San Diego State, if the Wildcats are to pull off the upset, these are the keys to doing it!

Control the Line of Scrimmage(s)

Easier said than done, but a big part of this game is going to be how the Wildcats play along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

For starters, San Diego State loses quite a few pieces along the offensive side from last year, so if Arizona has an “in”, this is it. If the Wildcats can create enough disruption on defense, they are going to make things difficult for a Braxton Burmeister and the Aztecs.

On the flip side of that, Arizona is going to have to create holes for their running backs, as well as keep Jayden de Laura vertical. Again, no easy feat against a big and physical line like SDSU’s, but if Arizona can control the line of scrimmage(s), the possibility of a victory becomes a little more realistic.

Get the Offense Going Early

At this point, we are all too familiar with the Wildcats’ offensive struggles they faced last year. The team couldn’t sustain drives, they couldn’t keep their quarterbacks vertical, and they couldn’t open holes for the backs.

In 2022, hopefully, with the addition of de Laura and a slew of talented running backs and receivers, the Wildcats will be in a better position to succeed on offense.

If the Wildcats can find their offensive rhythm, I like their chances of winning in this one, but either way, the offense has to get going and get going early on.

Protect the Football

San Diego State is a smart and disciplined football team that doesn’t make many mistakes. Their offense is talented and efficient, and Arizona would be wise in not giving the Aztecs extra opportunities.

Arizona is already facing a tough challenge against a good football team, and they cannot afford to give up very many turnovers if any. The Wildcats are going to need to play smart and efficient, and to me, it starts with protecting the football. If Arizona can do that, that will keep them in this one and give them a chance to pull off the upset.

Finish Drives

Last season, Arizona had a paltry 39 red zone attempts, scoring just five rushing touchdowns, seven passing touchdowns, and kicking 29 field goals. Their conversion percentage was 74.4 percent, which ranked 118 out of 130 teams.

In 2022, that is going to have to change if they are going to have any success, and to me, it starts with their matchup against San Diego State for them to set the tone.

If the Wildcats are going to beat the Aztecs, Arizona will need to finish its drives in the red zone.

Still looking to lock in your bets ahead of the Wildcats’ weekend action in San Diego? Check out WynnBet for more betting options!