Oct 113 min read

Arizona Aims for Upset in Provo Against No. 14 BYU

BYU | QB Jake Retzlaff — © Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

A crucial Big 12 Conference matchup is on the horizon, with significant implications for the conference championship, as the Arizona Wildcats aim to secure another road upset against the No. 14 BYU Cougars. The "Big Noon Kickoff" team from FOX is set to be in Provo, Utah for the festivities on Oct. 12. This matchup between the teams, their first since 2021, has the potential to become a memorable classic. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. EST.

Series History

There is certainly familiarity in the air as Arizona and BYU lace up the cleats and buckle up the chinstraps. For the first time in 46 years, the two programs will be playing one another as conference members. Back then, the two sides were a part of the old Western Athletic Conference.

The series began in 1936 with Arizona claiming a 32-6 victory. It has since become tied at 12 games apiece. Since 2000, the Wildcats and Cougars have met six times, with BYU currently on a three-game winning streak over Arizona.

Keys to Victory: Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona football season has been a rollercoaster of emotions through the first five games. Their impressive nine-game winning streak dating back to last season ended in a Week 3 matchup against Kansas State. Arizona made the most of their bye week, knocking off the 10th-ranked Utah Utes two weeks later.

While this roster is oozing with talent, injuries and offensive inconsistencies have often reared their ugly heads. In the loss at home versus Texas Tech, Arizona was a horrendous 3-for-14 on third down and settled for six field goal attempts. If the offense continues to struggle in the air and can't find a way to be effective in the red zone, the 'Cats may be in for a long game.

Arizona continues to give the offensive play-calling duties to tight ends coach Matt Adkins, who happened to be a part of Brent Brennan's staff at San Jose State. Wildcats fans are keeping their fingers crossed that things finally start to click for this offense. Then again, the dynamic duo of quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan could be electric enough to make the proper amount of big-time plays in the passing game to put the 'Cats over the top.

Fortunately, the Arizona defense has been thriving under first-year defensive coordinator Duane Akina. A holdover from Jedd Fisch's staff, where he served as a senior analyst, the 67-year-old Akina has quietly transformed the 'Cats' defense into a formidable unit. On paper, Arizona allows just 350 yards of total offense. Despite the losses of defensive backs Treydan Stukes and Gunnar Maldonado for the foreseeable future, the Wildcats still have the potential to flex their defensive muscles and make life difficult for the Cougars' offense.

Keys to Victory: BYU Cougars

With a record of 5-0, including a perfect 2-0 in conference play, a win on Oct. 12 would significantly enhance the Cougars' Big 12 standing and their pursuit of a possible College Football Playoff berth.

BYU boasts one of the most underrated home-field advantages in college football. With a capacity of 66,247 at LaVell Edwards Stadium, it's clear that the BYU faithful will be loud and proud for this "Big Noon"-featured showdown. If the Cougars can get off to a fast start and prevent the Wildcats from silencing the crowd early, then it could provide a massive boost for Brigham Young.

Overall, BYU's strength lies in a tenacious defense that can do it all. Statistically, the Cougars rank as the 24th-best passing defense, allowing just 171 yards per game through the air. They've also demonstrated their prowess with 7 interceptions, the 13th-most in the nation. With their ability to control the turnover margin, any mistakes Arizona makes will present BYU with opportunities to go for the jugular.

Most importantly, the Cougars will receive a clean bill of health in the backfield with the expected return of running back LJ Martin. While QB Jake Retzlaff has been carving up opposing defenses like a Jack O' Lantern, a healthy running game will significantly ease the pressure on the junior quarterback.

Final Thoughts

As disappointing as Arizona's performance was last weekend, the Wildcats remain difficult to figure out. There have been glimpses of success. But under the new leadership of Brennan, these moments have been few and far between. Still, the Wildcats have a history of knocking off highly ranked teams at home in Utah. Nonetheless, BYU is brimming with confidence and operating like a well-oiled machine, which may prove too much for the Wildcats to handle.