Fresh off a Territorial Cup win to close the 2022 season, Arizona opens a new 2023 with high expectations against a Northern Arizona team they lost to a couple of years ago in a huge upset.
It is year three under head coach Jedd Fisch as UA seeks a bowl game appearance for the first time since the 2017 season. The Wildcats are a favorite odds wise to reach a bowl game as they're favored to win over 5 1/2 games on most sports betting platforms.
Here is a look at what to expect in the season opener:
GAME INFO
Who: Arizona vs. Northern Arizona
When: 7 p.m. (MST)
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Network
All-time series: Arizona leads 15-2 | Last meeting (9.18.21): NAU win 21-19
SNAPSHOT: NAU
Head coach: Chris Ball (15-24, four seasons)
Preseason prediction: 9th (Big Sky)
Schemes
• Defense: 4-3
• Offense: Pro-style
RANKS (FBS/FCS)
Total offense - NAU: 63rd (372.2 YPG) | Arizona: 20th (461.9 YPG)
Scoring offense - NAU: 82nd (22.3 PPG) | Arizona: 47th (30.8 PPG)
Total defense - NAU: 88th (415.3 YPG) | Arizona: 124th (421.5 YPG)
Scoring defense - NAU: 71st (29.3 PPG) | Arizona: 125th (36.5 PPG)