Cincinnati vs Arizona Week 12 Betting Preview

Game details, history, context

Cincinnati controls its path to the Big 12 title game. Win the final three and the Bearcats are in. That push starts Saturday when they host Arizona at Nippert Stadium. You can track conference matchups all week on our updated college football previews

Arizona has won two straight. The Wildcats beat Colorado and Kansas behind a defense that ranks near the top of the Big 12 in yards allowed and pass efficiency. Cincinnati returns from a bye after getting hammered at Utah, a game where Brendan Sorsby completed 11 of 33 and the offense never found rhythm.

Both coaches praised the opposing quarterback. Brent Brennan called Sorsby “the best quarterback we’ve seen.” Scott Satterfield warned his team about Arizona’s discipline, speed and secondary play. The Wildcats allow only 160.1 passing yards per game, right behind national leader Utah.

Line Movement and Odds

Market consensus for Saturday: Cincinnati -6.5, Arizona +6.5. Moneyline ranges around Cincinnati -225 and Arizona +185. Total sits at 56.

Books opened closer to Cincinnati -4.5, so sharp money has landed on the Bearcats. Public betting leans toward the over, which mirrors trends you’ll recognize on our live NCAA football odds board

The total has stayed steady. Market movement suggests sharper bettors prefer the Cincinnati side, while totals money is more public-driven.

Matchup Breakdown

Cincinnati outlook

Sorsby owns a 161.5 efficiency rating with 21 touchdowns and two picks. His connection with Cyrus Allen has been elite. Allen leads the Big 12 with ten receiving touchdowns. The Bearcats also rank in the national top 20 in scoring and pressure rate, logging 18 sacks.

The key is balance. Cincinnati rushed for 206 yards at Utah but stalled on key downs. If the ground game sets tempo, Sorsby becomes dangerous against any secondary, even one as sharp as Arizona’s.

Arizona outlook

Noah Fifita is one touchdown away from breaking the school’s all-time record. He has 2,200 yards and 23 scores with only four interceptions. Arizona also brings a top-three Big 12 defense, allowing 302 yards per game.

The Wildcats create pressure and win on the back end. If they force Cincinnati into long downs, they can flip field position and dictate pace. Ismail Mahdi and Quincy Craig give the offense burst when Fifita needs a change-up.

Matchup edge

The trench battle decides it. Cincinnati’s protection against Arizona’s pass rush. The Wildcats disguise coverages well and punish hesitation. Cincinnati needs early success on the ground to keep the defense honest.

Injuries and Conditions

Cincinnati injury notes

• Evan Pryor, ankle, questionable
• Terrell Holcomb, undisclosed, questionable
  Full details available on the Cincinnati injury report

Arizona injury notes

• Tre Smith, out
• Jordan Brown, questionable
• Marquis Groves-Killebrew, questionable
• Tyler Powell, out
• Chris Hunter, questionable
• Eduwa Okundaye, questionable
  See the full Arizona injury report

Best Bets and Prediction

Arizona is 6-0 to the over in road games since 2024 and 6-1 to the over as an underdog. Cincinnati is 25-5 straight up as a favorite since 2021 and 5-0 at home this year.

Projection: Cincinnati 35, Arizona 28.
Best bet: Cincinnati -6.5.
Secondary lean: Over 56.

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