Know the Foe: Arizona looking to avenge last year's double-OT loss to BYU
By Ryan Bench,
September 11, 2026
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In the all-time series between BYU and Arizona, the Cougars have the upper hand in a tight series, 14-12, with one tie back in 1957. BYU and Arizona meet Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The Cougars also have a five game winning-streak against the Wildcats, and look to extend that this weekend.BYU is 2-0 since becoming a part of the Big 12 with a massive win at home back in 2024, 41-19, and a close game in 2025 with the Cougars on top 33-27 in double overtime.Last season, the Wildcats were in the top 30 in both offensive points per game, and opponents points per game, showing their versatility and balance that they have on both sides of the ball. Coach Brent Brennan has turned around Arizona into a real threat that can play well on both sides of the ball.OffenseThe offensive side of the ball for the Wildcats runs through their 5th year quarterback, Noah Fifita. Last season, Fifita posted a career year with 3,200 yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and only six interceptions, which is a major improvement after throwing 12 interceptions and leading the Big 12 last season.Fifita is also used in the run game as well for the Wildcats, posting over 200 yards rushing last season.The offensive line for the Wildcats has been shaky, giving up 29 sacks last season ranking third-most in the Big 12. This lack of protection forced Fifita to get out of the pocket, and make something out of extended plays and make them “explosive.”“[We need] to make sure that [Fifita] stays in the pocket as much as we can,” BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga said about Fifita. “That’s where I think he does the [least] amount of his damage throwing the football.”
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Another massive part of this great offensive for the Wildcats comes from the variety of rushing attacks that they have this 2026 season.This includes several key running backs including seniors Kedrick Reescano and Quincy Craig
transfer Antwan Roberts, and sophomore Wesley Yarbrough.In the Wildcats first game of the 2026 season, it was made clear that this group will be an important part of their offense this season all posting over 25 yards rushing each with Kedrick Reescano leading the group at 48 yards on 10 attempts.“They have a multiplicity of running backs in there,” Poppinga said. “They are dynamic. They have some big explosive play potential and we saw that last season.”DefenseArizona has been able to be balanced on both sides of the ball, and defense is no joke for the Wildcats either after being ranked in the top 21 in all of college football in points allowed per game, and 4th in the Big 12 just behind the Cougars in 2025.The first player that stands out for the Wildcat defense is Taye Brown, the Mike linebacker for Arizona and man the middle of the defense. Brown had a great first game in 2026 posting over 11 tackles and keeping running plays to a minimum.
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Another player that stands out for the Wildcats is senior edge rusher Chase Kennedy, who posted 2.5 sacks in his first game of the 2026 campaign and also posted four sacks last season.In the secondary, Nebraska transfer Malcolm Hartzog Jr., is an important veteran piece for the Wildcats, and look for him to have the assignment on lots of BYU’s tall wide receivers.What to expect?BYU is -7.5 point favorites in the afternoon clash against the Wildcats, in what will probably be a high scoring contest with the point total listed at 49.5. Look for the Wildcats to establish the run early against the Cougars, while the Cougars will give the Wildcats a similar taste of runs themselves.Ultimately, it will come down to the quarterback play for the Wildcats, and seeing if Fifita can lift them up after not being able to come up with the game-winning drive against the Cougars in double overtime last season.Catch BYU and Arizona on FOX on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
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