The Arizona football team faces its most intimidating matchup with the No. 10 University of Utah on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:15 p.m. The Wildcats travel north to Salt Lake City for their first official Big 12 conference game. After a crushing defeat at the hands of Kansas State University in Week 3, the Wildcats look to turn around their first Big 12 interaction into one of victory.
Utah so far:
Despite having star quarterback Cam Rising sitting out in the last two games for Utah, the Utes have continued to dominate their opponents throughout the season. Backup Issac Wilson has been crucial for the Utes’ drive and runningback Micah Benard will be a force the Wildcats will be looking to pressure. Benard comes off a 182-yard rushing performance against Oklahoma State University, as well as three straight 100-yard-plus games.
Utah’s defense has also been strong, limiting opponents to an average of 13 points per game, and Arizona has allowed double the points with an average of 26.7. Utah defense has been one of the best in the nation when it comes to limiting yards per game; they limit opponents to 260.8 total yards per game. Arizona allows 353 total yards per game.
Arizona so far:
Arizona enters Week 5 after a bye week during which the team has been watching tape and preparing for what could be the most impactful matchup of the Wildcats. After a heartbreaking loss to Kansas State, the Wildcats will be looking to switch gears up once again on the road. Despite missing a week of play Tetairoa McMillan is still the seventh receiver in the nation when it comes to receiving yards.
In the games against New Mexico State University and Kansas State, Arizona has allowed over 200 yards rushing in both games. Utah is a very strong team when it comes to the run, putting up 206.3 yards per game.
Keys to Success:
Arizona’s defense needs to be able to clamp down and stop an emerging running back in Benard, as allowing him crucial gains could easily cost them the game. Arizona also needs to disperse the ball. Late in the Kansas State game, Noah Fifita was throwing the ball more often in key moments where the run game could have possibly changed the outcome over turning the ball on downs.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
