The No. 23-ranked Arizona Wildcats are set to host the No. 2 Utah Utes for a highly anticipated home game at Casino Del Sol Stadium. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FOX.
The matchup features several notable individual battles. Arizona running back Quincy Craig, who has recorded 373 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season, will face Utah linebacker Trey Reynolds. Reynolds, who is a leader for the Utes' defense, has 48 tackles and one sack this season.
On the defensive side, Arizona linebacker Chase Kennedy, who played two seasons at Utah in 2022 and 2023, will face Utah quarterback Byron Ficklin. Ficklin is part of Utah's two-quarterback system and has recorded 192 passing yards and two touchdowns this season.
The game highlights different offensive styles. Utah's offense, led by offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven and quarterbacks coach Ryan Gunderson, has become one of the most effective units in the Big 12. The unit is known for using defensive tackles Semi Taulanga and Sione Motuapuaka as tight ends and fullbacks.
Arizona's offense relies on the connection between quarterback Noah Fifita and receivers Isaiah Mizell and Giovanni Richardson. The sophomore duo has a combined 77 catches, 1,201 yards, and seven touchdowns this season, with Mizell accounting for all seven of those touchdowns.
Arizona enters the game with a 7-2 record (4-2 in the Big 12), while Utah holds a 9-0 record (6-0 in the Big 12). Arizona's defense has dealt with injuries to several players in the secondary, including cornerback Jay'Vion Cole, safeties Cam Chapa and Quinn Olson, and slot cornerback Malcolm Hartzog.
A prediction from College Football 27 suggests Arizona will win the matchup 26-21.
