As BYU football transitions to a new conference, it aims to establish fresh rivalries. This development is particularly significant as the Cougars face the Arizona Wildcats. Recent meetings favor BYU, who has emerged victorious in the last four encounters, including a decisive 41-19 win in Provo last season. Under the leadership of coach Kalani Sitake, who is in his tenth season, BYU has consistently outperformed the Wildcats, having beaten the last four Arizona head coaches.
BYU Football’s Current Form
This season, BYU is enjoying an impressive start, boasting a 5-0 record and ranking 18th in the latest Associated Press Top 25. Last year, the Cougars began the season with a remarkable 9-0 but narrowly missed a chance at the Big 12 title game. The current lineup appears stronger, and many analysts are optimistic about their future performance.
Key Contributors to BYU’s Success
According to Nick Lee from SB Nation’s Vanquish the Foe, several factors contribute to BYU’s unbeaten start:
- Coaching Stability: Kalani Sitake has developed significantly as a coach, demonstrating the importance of patience with leadership changes.
- Effective Coordinators: Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick and Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill are crucial to their respective units. Roderick’s system thrives with talented quarterbacks, while Hill has garnered attention for his defensive prowess.
- Talented Offense: Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier has made an impact, leading a scoring rate of over 38 points per game.
Ground Game Dominance
BYU’s rushing attack stands out, averaging 234 yards per game. Key players in this success include:
- LJ Martin, who has emerged as a primary running back.
- Isaiah Jatta and Andrew Gentry, both vital to the offensive line’s success in run blocking.
However, the Cougars are currently dealing with injuries, particularly to backup running back Sione Moa, limiting their depth in the position.
Arizona’s Defensive Challenges
Arizona’s defense is also worth noting; they are the only team in the FBS this season that has not allowed a passing touchdown. This upcoming game presents the toughest challenge for BYU’s receivers:
- Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston are expected to be pivotal against Arizona’s secondary.
- Carsen Ryan, a tight end transfer from Utah, could play a crucial role in crucial situations.
Defensive Concerns for BYU
BYU ranks eighth nationally in total defense. However, recent injuries might impact their performance:
- Linebacker Jack Kelly is a key player, but his availability for the upcoming game is uncertain due to a shoulder injury.
- Isaiah Glasker stands out as another linebacker, already attracting NFL attention.
- Cornerback Evan Johnson has made headlines with his interceptions and standout plays.
Game Prediction
The question remains whether Arizona can hand BYU its first loss of the season. Lee believes that while BYU has been solid, they have not faced formidable opponents this season. The Cougars’ struggles in the red zone and Kelly’s injury could be decisive factors. Lee predicts a close matchup, estimating a final score of Arizona 24, BYU 20.
