The University of Arizona football team (5-3, 2-3 in Big 12) plays against the University of Kansas (5-4, 3-3 in Big 12) on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Arizona Stadium. A win Saturday will make the Wildcats bowl eligible for the first time under head coach Brent Brennan. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MST on ESPN 2.
Kansas and Arizona have not played each other since 1966, when Kansas won 35-13 in Tucson. Kansas holds the series advantage with a 3-2-1 record against Arizona. This is their first matchup as conference opponents. Saturday’s game marks the Wildcats 107th Homecoming game. Arizona boasts a 61-40-5 record in Homecoming contests. However, the Wildcats are just 2-3 in their last five Homecoming games.
Kansas so far
Kansas improved to 5-4 last week after beating Oklahoma State 38-21. Kansas is better than their 5-4 record suggests. Kansas’s four losses have been at the hands of the University of Missouri, University of Cincinnati, Texas Tech University, and Kansas State University. All four of those teams are ranked or have been inside the top 25 at some point this season. Kansas does not have a great win on their schedule, with their best performance being on the road in a 27-20 victory against UCF.
As a team, Kansas has been average on both sides of the ball. They do not rank inside the top 50 in any key offensive or defensive metric.
Their offense revolves around star quarterback Jalon Daniels, one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. Daniels is having his best year of his career, throwing for 1,991 yards and 20 touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions. Daniels’ 20 passing touchdowns this season are the fifth-most in a single season by a Kansas quarterback. Daniels is also capable of using his legs to create plays. Daniels averages 30 rushing yards per game and has scored two rushing touchdowns.
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan emphasized Daniel’s talent in a press conference earlier this week saying, “Great player. He can do it all, make throws and be effective as a runner.”
The Jayhawks have two capable running backs that split usage, Daniel Hishaw Jr. and LeShon Williams. The duo have combined for 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Kansas’s best receiver is Emmanuel Henderson. Henderson averages 63.7 receiving yards per game and has scored 4 touchdowns this season.
Defensively, redshirt junior Trey Lathan leads the team with 60 tackles. The Jayhawks best pass rusher is defensive end Leroy Harris III. He leads the team with 4.5 sacks.
Arizona so far
After losing their last two games, Arizona crushed Colorado 52-17. Quarterback Noah Fifita continued his impressive campaign this season, winning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 213 yards and four touchdowns.
Fifita has now been named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week twice this season. Fifita is having his best season at Arizona, and is now on the verge of history with 65 career touchdown passes and sitting just three shy of setting the Arizona program record. On the ground, Arizona has started to utilize multiple running backs every game after relying mostly on Ishmail Mahdi early in the season. Against Colorado the Wildcats gave carries to five different running backs. Mahdi was the most effective, rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Arizona bounced back last weekend after two straight poor performances. Arizona held Colorado to 299 total yards and forced three turnovers. Defensive back Dalton Johnson played his best game of the season, recording seven solo tackles and hauling in one interception. Arizona’s defensive secondary has been a big part of the team’s success, hauling in 12 interceptions to rank tied for seventh nationally. The team ranks top 15 in total yards and passing yards.
Keys to the game
For Kansas, slowing down Fifita and Arizona’s passing offense will be vital. Fifita is coming off a great performance, and is returning home where he has played great. Kansas’s secondary has proven to be vulnerable this season. Kansas will need to generate pressure and avoid giving up chunk plays in the secondary. Offensively, protecting Daniels and allowing him to make plays will be the only way Kansas can score points against the Wildcats tough defense.
Arizona must put pressure on Daniels to limit his success offensively. Arizona’s pass defense looks good, but Daniels has shown that if he is given time he can make plays against any defense. Arizona’s offensive identity runs through Fifita’s accuracy and decision-making. His ability to hit quick throws and spread the ball to multiple receivers keeps defenses honest and prevents pressure from getting home. It will be important for Arizona to stay ahead of the sticks and force Kansas to defend the full field. Getting an early lead will energize the home crowd and make it easier on their defense to contain Daniels.
Reporter’s prediction
This matchup features two of the best quarterbacks in the sport. Both are capable of making game changing plays and carrying their team to victory. The difference is Arizona’s pass defense. Expect Arizona to continue dominating defensively through the air. Arizona will be able to get an early lead with their efficient offense and some first quarter defensive stops. Doing this will get the home crowd involved and allow Arizona to control the game on both sides of the ball. Fifita looks to give another dominant performance against a struggling defense.
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