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The University of Arizona football team is coming off a disappointing loss at home to Texas Tech. The Arizona football team will be traveling back to Utah to face number 14 ranked BYU. BYU has not lost a single game this season, going 5-0 including wins against number 18 ranked Kansas State and number 25 SMU.
The BYU defense is extremely physical and tough on opposing QBs, and they also have an extremely impressive run game on the offensive side of the ball. BYU is coming off a bye this week, giving them twice the amount of time to prepare for the Arizona team and a possible advantage.
The Arizona defense has had stellar performances this season, including last weekend vs. Texas Tech and two weeks ago against Utah. Multiple players have stepped up in their roles on the defensive side of the ball, however injuries have plagued the Arizona team this season.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, defensive back Treydan Stukes is out for the year after suffering an ACL injury during the game at Utah two weeks earlier. Safety Gunner Maldanado is also expected to be out against BYU this week after suffering a leg injury this past weekend. Senior transfer Owen Goss may fill in for the injured players and will make the start this weekend in Provo.
Coach Brennan does not discuss injuries, however when asked about the injuries on defense he maintains a “next man up” mindset. “The injury thing is something we have been dealing with all season, it’s another opportunity for someone to step up and make plays and help the team. I think Owen Goss will factor in obviously, he’s played a decent amount of football this year… I’m really confident in the guys we have,” said Brennan in his press conference interview. It will be imperative for players to step up this weekend against BYU while the defense is struggling with injuries.
Arizona’s starting QB Noah Fifita threw 2 interceptions against Texas Tech, one being on 1st and 10 within scoring range for the Wildcats. Noah is typically a very accurate thrower, and his lack of completed passes last weekend was extremely uncharacteristic for the QB. Because the BYU defense is incredibly difficult against quarterbacks, it will be important for Arizona’s Noah Fifita to learn from his mistakes against Texas Tech and improve on his passes in the red zone.
Coach Brennan was asked about Fifita’s role this weekend against BYU and stated “Noah’s always been a really consistent thrower, and we expect to see him return to his good form where he’s ripping the ball around the yard clean.” The Arizona team and coaching staff are hoping that the offensive line will have a breakthrough this weekend in Provo.
Arizona’s second matchup in Utah this season will be a telltale sign whether or not the Wildcats can bounce back this season and continue winning in the Big-12 conference. Arizona has already played the University of Utah in an extremely competitive environment, and proved that they could knock off a nationally ranked team at their home stadium. If the Arizona offense can pay attention to detail when running plays and converting in the red zone, this weekend will assert the Arizona team and coach Brennan among the best in the country.
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