The Cougars have had hot-and-cold moments during the 2024 season and clearly aren’t as consistent as they would like to be. The running back room should be healthier, but the offensive line might take a small step back. The Wildcats like forcing mistakes and have a good secondary that will force BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff to fit the ball into tight windows.

Edge: Arizona

BYU defense vs. Arizona offense

The Cougars did show some chinks in their armor during the Baylor game but still forced key stops when they needed to. The Wildcats have some dynamic players but have been limited by physical opposing defenses, which is what BYU has been this season.

Edge: BYU

Coaching

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has his team believing in itself and the results on the field have been impressive. The Cougars should be well-prepared after the bye week. Arizona first-year head coach Brett Brennan has done well at keeping the Wildcats on track but they also are looking for a lot of improvement.

Edge: BYU

Intangibles

BYU will be at home in front of another big crowd, although the timing won’t be as big of a talking point with an afternoon game. The Cougars are coming off a bye week, which could be good or bad. Arizona showed it can handle tough environments when it won at Utah, but didn’t do as well at Kansas State. Turnovers will play a key role for both teams.

Edge: BYU

Key Matchup: BYU defensive front vs. Arizona running back Quali Conley

The majority of the focus for Arizona’s offense goes to sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita and junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, both of whom are dynamic. But Conly has quietly racked up 419 yards on 69 carries with five touchdowns. If he is able to get going against the Cougar front, that will give Fifita more time to find McMillan for the big plays. On the other hand, if BYU defenders like Jack Kelly, Harrison Taggart, Tyler Batty and John Nelson can shut down Conley, they’ll be more free to collapse the pocket and force Fifita to rush things.

Edge: Even

Prediction

While both offenses have been brilliant at times, the defenses are the key to this contest and both will have solid showings. That means that the offenses have to take advantage of their opportunities when they get them, something BYU has generally done well this year. The Cougars will take the lead but won’t be able to get comfortable as the Wildcats will stay close enough to be dangerous. An Arizona score in the fourth quarter will make things exciting down the stretch, but BYU will hold on to stay undefeated.

BYU 29, Arizona 23