Arizona QB Anu Solomon has thrown 27 TD passes and over 3,400 yards en route to a PAC-12 South title for the Wildcats.
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The runner up in the PAC-12, the Arizona Wildcats, take on the Champion of the Mountain West Conference – the Boise State Broncos – in the Fiesta Bowl.
Boise State has been one of the offensive powerhouses of the non-Power Five conferences, dominating the Mountain West Conference for most of the season thanks to 30 TDs from QB Grant Hedrick and 29 rushing and receiving TDs from star RB Jay Ajayi. That level of domination has led Boise State to an eight-game winning streak that includes two wins over Fresno State – one in the regular season and one in the Mountain West Conference championship game. During that streak the Broncos have scored over 50 points four times, and over 60 points twice. the key to beating the Broncos will be to shut down their offense early and keep their defense tired and on the field with long drives.
The Wildcats shocked everyone by winning the PAC-12 South title with a win over the Arizona State Sun Devils. Despite beating the Oregon Ducks in the regular season, they were crushed 51-13 in the PAC-12 Championship game. Nonetheless, Arizona has a high-powered offense that has scored over 40 points six times this year, and over 50 points twice. QB Anu Solomon has nearly 3,500 passing yards and 27 passing TDs while completing 58% of his passes. On the ground they can rely on RB Nick Wilson to carry the load – averaging over 100 yards per game and scoring 15 TDs on the season. The key to beating the Wildcats will be to shut down Nick Wilson and force Solomon into deep passing situations.
Prediction: Arizona Wildcats win the Fiesta Bowl – As good as the Boise State offense is, their talent level pales in comparison to what Arizona brings to the table. The Broncos may have the big numbers, but they don’t have the size and speed advantage of a PAC-12 powerhouse like Arizona. And that, more than any statistic, will be why Arizona gets the win.
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