The Arizona Wildcats and UTSA Roadrunners face off on Thursday night to open the 2015 college football season. Below is the Arizona vs. UTSA prediction and game preview. 

Arizona vs. UTSA Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

UTSA put a nasty scare into Arizona in Week 2 last August. The Wildcats are determined to make sure this year’s tilt in Tucson isn’t quite as competitive. Now that Arizona has had three years with Rich Rodriguez—and finally returns a starting quarterback—it’s aiming for a Pac-12 title after coming within a win in 2014. Larry Coker’s Roadrunners are in full-fledged rebuilding mode, with new starters everywhere.

Why UTSA Will Win

While there’s a long way to go, Coker did upgrade the team’s talent level by adding a swath of transfers from junior colleges and FBS programs. The Roadrunners like the upside of QB Blake Bogenschutz, and proved with last September’s three-point loss that they can hang with a quality Pac-12 team.

Why Arizona Will Win

The Cats won’t be caught off guard in the sequel. And they possess far too much offensive firepower to be challenged by a young Conference USA squad in transition. The trio of QB Anu Solomon, RB Nick Wilson and WR Cayleb Jones will set the tone versus a D that lacks the edge speed to create backfield disruptions.

Player Who Matters

LB Scooby Wright is Arizona’s cover boy, but LT Freddie Tagaloa could be the team’s most important player of 2015. The Cats were hurt up front by graduations, and Tagaloa, a Cal transfer, is being counted on to protect Solomon’s backside. If No. 72 struggles, it’ll be an ominous sign for when league play begins in three weeks.

What’s Going To Happen?

Going on the road with a team full of first-time starters is a very tough spot for UTSA. Since it could be a month or more before the Roadrunners establish any continuity, they’ll serve as a sparring partner for an Arizona team looking to rebuild in the trenches and on the last line of defense.

Arizona vs. UTSA Score Prediction

Drum roll, please … the Arizona vs. UTSA prediction is …

Arizona 42, UTSA 13

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