Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales said the Wildcats began preparing for BYU months ago, even as the team prepares to open the season against Northern Arizona, according to a September 4 report.
Gonzales noted that game preparation for the Big 12 opener against 14th-ranked BYU in Provo began on January 4, two days after Arizona lost to SMU in the Holiday Bowl.
The Wildcats have spent the last two weeks in NAU mode, including a recent mock game. Head coach Brent Brennan stated the team has been working to show 50 new players what a game week in the program feels like.
During a recent practice at Casino Del Sol Stadium, the team chose to wait out a monsoon storm rather than moving to the Davis Sports Center. Gonzales said the team intended to stay until midnight to replicate game-day conditions and prepare for various situations.
Gonzales expressed excitement about the upcoming game against NAU, noting that while Arizona has more resources and scholarships, those advantages do not guarantee a win. He noted that the opportunity to chase a Big 12 championship begins with the Saturday game against NAU.
Regarding the roster, Gonzales identified freshman Dash Fifita as a player expected to see meaningful reps on special teams and defense. Gonzales described Fifita as an explosive player who will be a menace on the field.
Arizona's scout-team members are wearing green practice jerseys to honor the school's previous sage green and silver colors. NAU has announced it will wear all-white uniforms for the game scheduled for Saturday.
