The University of Arizona football team (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) is gearing up for a primetime Family Weekend matchup against the No. 18 BYU Cougars (5-0, 2-0) on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MST on ESPN2.
Arizona and BYU have met 26 times, with the Cougars holding a 12-13-1 edge in the all-time series. This will be the first meeting in Tucson since 2018, when BYU earned a 28-23 win. The Wildcats’ last victory over the Cougars came in 2008. Last season, BYU rolled to a 41-19 win in Provo, Utah, during the first year of the programs’ shared Big 12 membership.
This week’s contest marks Arizona’s annual Family Weekend game, where the Wildcats hold a 52-36-1 record dating back to 1929. However, Arizona has not won a Family Weekend matchup since 2018. Saturday will also be the third time in the last four Family Weekend games that the Wildcats face a ranked opponent.
BYU this season
BYU enters week seven undefeated at 5-0, looking to build on last year’s 9-0 start. The Cougars have leaned on a dominant defense that ranks eighth nationally in total defense and allows just 12.2 points per game. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s unit has been the backbone of BYU’s success, though the Cougars may be without star linebacker Jack Kelly, who suffered a shoulder injury last week. Fellow linebacker Isaiah Glasker, who has drawn NFL attention, is expected to play through a minor injury.
Offensively, freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been a revelation. The former four-star recruit is coming off a 351-yard, 2-touchdown performance against West Virginia, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors. Bachmeier is very efficient and poised for a freshman, and he is supported by a powerful ground game led by junior running back LJ Martin, who has topped 90 rushing yards in four of five games. Receivers Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston headline an experienced receiving corps, while tight end Carsen Ryan has emerged as a reliable target on third downs and in the red zone.
Arizona this season
The Wildcats bounced back from their first loss of the season with a dominant 41-13 win over Oklahoma State last weekend. Quarterback Noah Fifita earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 376 yards and 5 touchdowns, his fourth career 5-touchdown game — the most in school history.
Running back Ismail Mahdi has been a steady contributor, tallying over 500 all-purpose yards this season and averaging seven yards per carry. Wide receiver Tre Spivey is coming off his best game as a Wildcat, catching 2 touchdowns.
Defensively, Arizona has been one of the nation’s most complete units. The Wildcats are the only FBS program yet to allow a passing touchdown this season. Danny Gonzales’ defense ranks 10th nationally in total defense and has forced 11 turnovers, including seven interceptions. Linebacker Taye Brown and defensive backs Jay’Vion Cole and Treydan Stukes have been key playmakers for a secondary that has smothered opposing quarterbacks all year.
Keys to the Game
For BYU, the focus will be on establishing its physical running game and protecting Bachmeier from Arizona’s pressure packages. The Cougars have struggled in the red zone, converting just 58% of their trips into touchdowns, and will need to finish drives against one of the stingiest defenses in the Big 12.
For Arizona, maintaining balance on offense is crucial. Fifita will need to stay patient against BYU’s pass defense that is top 10 in opponents yards per game. Mahdi must find success on the ground to open up the pass game for Fifita. Defensively, the Wildcats must continue their no-fly-zone mentality and force Bachmeier into freshman mistakes. Special teams will also be key after recent inconsistencies in the kicking game.
Prediction
This matchup features two teams that pride themselves on defense, and points may come at a premium. BYU’s unbeaten start is impressive, but Bachmeier’s inexperience in big games and red-zone inefficiency could leave the door open for an upset. Arizona’s defense has yet to be truly broken, and the home-field atmosphere of Family Weekend could help the Wildcats rise to the occasion. Expect another efficient outing from Mahdi and a statement performance from Arizona’s secondary. Fifita will make enough plays through the air to win the game.
