The University of Arizona football team (3-0) opens its Big 12 Conference schedule this Saturday, Sept. 26, with a road matchup against the No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones (4-0, 1-0) at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. MST on ESPN.

Arizona leads the all-time series 4-1-1, including a 21-12 win in the only other meeting played in Ames in 1968. Both teams enter Saturday unbeaten and coming off bye weeks.

Iowa State so far

The Cyclones are 4-0 for the second straight season, a first in program history. Quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown a touchdown in 22 straight games, the longest active streak in the nation, while completing 65% of his passes. Defensive back Marcus Neal Jr. leads the defense with 29 tackles, and the Cyclones’ second-half defense has been stout, giving up just 23 total points after halftime this season.

But Iowa State’s wins have come with little margin for error. The Cyclones survived close calls against Arkansas State University and the University of Cincinnati, raising questions about consistency on both sides of the ball.

Arizona so far

The Wildcats are off to their best start since 2015, behind a defense that has allowed only 2 touchdowns all year. Arizona ranks seventh nationally in total defense and sixth in scoring defense, holding two straight opponents under 100 yards passing.

Quarterback Noah Fifita continues to climb the Arizona record books with 6,667 career passing yards and 50 touchdowns, while running back Ismail Mahdi carried Arizona past Kansas State University with 189 rushing yards before the bye. Mahdi earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the week honors, and the Wildcats’ offensive line was named the league’s Offensive Line of the week after paving the way for 234 rushing yards.

Keys to the Game

For Iowa State, protecting Becht and sustaining drives will be critical against an Arizona defense that thrives on turnovers. On defense, the Cyclones must contain Mahdi while limiting Fifita’s rhythm in the passing game.

For Arizona, discipline up front is the priority. Penalties have hurt the offensive line, but if the group can keep Fifita upright and open lanes for Mahdi like they did against Kansas State, the Wildcats can put pressure on Iowa State early. Defensively, forcing Becht into third-and-long situations could swing momentum in their favor.

Prediction

While Iowa State’s defense is reliable, its narrow wins can suggest its vulnerabilities that Arizona is capable of exploiting. The Wildcats’ defense has been one of the nation’s best through three weeks, and Mahdi’s breakout paired with Fifita’s stability provides a balanced attack.

Arizona’s ability to generate turnovers and create explosive plays makes the difference in its Big 12 debut. Expect both Fifita and Mahdi to have another stellar game, carrying the Wildcats’ offense to victory.