The Nevada Wolf Pack hosts the Arizona Wildcats for the first time since 1924. Can the Wildcats overcome the “Whiteout Game” awaiting them in Reno? We break the matchups down below in the Arizona vs. Nevada prediction and game preview.

Arizona vs. Nevada Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

Arizona and Nevada won their openers, but neither team exploded out of the gate. The Wildcats were actually challenged for 60 minutes by lowly UTSA, before securing a 42-32 victory. Meanwhile, the Wolf Pack jumped out to a 21-0 lead on UC Davis, hit the snooze button and held on, 31-17. Now that the auditions are over, it’s go-time for Nevada and Arizona, who want to show that they’re better than their opening week film.

Why Arizona Will Win

When all else fails, lean on RichRod’s offense. QB Anu Solomon is off to a fast start, throwing touchdown passes to four different receivers. And RB Nick Wilson is a blue-collar grinder who keeps the chains moving. Nevada is undergoing a back seven facelift, which means unobstructed routes for receivers Cayleb Jones, David Richards and Samajie Grant.

Why Nevada Will Win

After just one game, the Arizona defense is already at Defcon 4. Not only did the ‘Cats yield 525 yards to a sorry UTSA offense, but star LB Scooby Wright is also out for a month. The Pack has a chance to pounce on the opportunity to move the ball. QB Tyler Stewart has a valuable game under his belt, and backs Don Jackson and James Butler can exploit the Scooby-less defense. Mackay Stadium will be rocking for this chance to host a Pac-12 visitor.

Player Who Matters

Wright is impossible to replace, both for his ability and his leadership skills. Giving it a crack is Haden Gregory, a former walk-on JUCO transfer who was a third-stringer not long ago. Nevada, which already favors the run out of the pistol offense, plans to run right at Arizona with Jackson and Stewart. Stewart is the latest nimble Pack quarterback, scrambling for 61 pre-sack yards a week ago.

What’s Going To Happen?

The “Whiteout”. The absence of Wright. It adds up to coach Brian Polian’s biggest win in Reno. Arizona is eminently vulnerable on defense without Wright, and its O-line will struggle with Nevada linemen Ian Seau and Lenny Jones. This is one of those games in which Solomon regresses in a tough environment … and the students rush the field at the conclusion of an upset win.

Arizona vs. Nevada Score Prediction

It’s that time, folks. The Arizona vs. Nevada prediction is …

Final Score: Nevada 35, Arizona 31

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field 1 – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2.5

MORE: College Football Bowl Projections, Week 1