Wildcats Seek to Shock Unbeaten BYU in Provo After Painful Setback

As the Arizona Wildcats prepare to face the BYU Cougars in Provo, Utah, the stakes are high. This marks the first encounter between the two teams since 2021, and the No. 14 Cougars are meticulously analyzing Arizona’s recent matchup against Texas Tech to unearth potential weaknesses.

During their last Big 12 game, Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita faced significant challenges. Arizona’s initial offensive drive faltered when Fifita was sacked, and an interception that was returned for a touchdown handed Texas Tech the advantage by halftime. Despite a renewed effort in the second half, Arizona succumbed to the Red Raiders, resulting in a disappointing 28-22 defeat that dropped the team to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

Reflecting on the game, Arizona coach Brent Brennan acknowledged the missed opportunities, stating, “If we could have answered with touchdowns in the red zone, I think we could’ve kicked the door down on the game, but we didn’t.”

This upcoming Saturday, the atmosphere intensifies as the Wildcats aim to regain momentum against an undefeated BYU team at LaVell Edwards Stadium, which will also host FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.

BYU, having enjoyed a bye week, is keenly focused on the footage from the Arizona-Texas Tech game. They are particularly interested in how the Red Raiders managed to contain Arizona’s offense, especially their quarterback. BYU safety Crew Wakley remarked on Texas Tech’s physical play, indicating that the Cougars plan to leverage similar tactics against the Wildcats.

“We’re going to have to do a good job disguising coverages,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake, emphasizing the need to apply pressure on Fifita.

Arizona, despite their struggles, showcased significant offensive potential with a standout performance in the second half. Running back Quali Conley recorded 97 rushing yards and a touchdown, while kicker Tyler Loop’s five field goals momentarily shifted the game’s momentum in favor of the Wildcats. However, Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks ultimately sealed the win with a decisive touchdown.

In preparation for the upcoming clash, BYU has intensified their focus on strategies to neutralize key Arizona players, including wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Though McMillan did not score against Texas Tech, he amassed 161 receiving yards, a statistic that has captured BYU’s attention. “You have to adjust for guys like that,” Sitake noted, acknowledging McMillan’s threat as one of the nation’s elite wideouts.

Arizona’s offensive capabilities extend beyond McMillan. Tight end Keyan Burnett contributed significantly, aligning with the Wildcats’ game plan to diversify their attacking options. Brennan expressed confidence in the tight end position and the overall distribution of the ball among receivers, stating, “If we can distribute the ball a little more evenly, it does make you harder to defend.”

The last meeting between the two programs was a narrow loss for Arizona, when BYU prevailed 24-16 at Allegiant Stadium. In that game, the Wildcats outperformed the Cougars in both yardage and first downs, a pattern they mirrored in their recent performance against Texas Tech.

Meanwhile, BYU enters the game with a record of 5-0, fresh off a win against the Baylor Bears that positioned them at 2-0 in the conference. Having rested during their bye week, the Cougars are eager to return to the field. “It’s nice to recover, but I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we’re chomping at the bit to get back after it,” said Wakley.

Despite the setback against Texas Tech, Arizona’s resurgence in the second half offers a glimmer of hope for the Wildcats as they gear up to face BYU. Defensive back Dalton Johnson encapsulated their resolve: “Anyone can beat anyone in college football, so we got to come out with an edge every day. We have a lot of football left.”