No. 14 BYU Hosts Arizona in Crucial Big 12 Clash

No. 14 BYU is set to host the Arizona Wildcats in a significant Big 12 Conference matchup on Saturday, October 12, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. This game marks the 26th meeting between the two teams and their first as Big 12 opponents since Arizona’s departure from the WAC nearly 50 years ago.

BYU enters the game with a perfect 5-0 record and a 2-0 mark in Big 12 play, seeking its first 6-0 start to a season since 2020. The Cougars have been impressive, particularly on defense, which has forced a turnover in every game this season and held opposing quarterbacks to just 186 passing yards per game.

Arizona, on the other hand, is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12, coming off a frustrating loss to Texas Tech. The Wildcats have shown inconsistency, with their offense struggling to score more than 23 points since the season opener. However, they have a strong defense that has not allowed more than 30 points since the first week of the season.

The game is expected to be closely contested, with BYU favored by 3.5 points according to the latest odds. The over/under is set at 49.5 points, although many predictions lean towards the under due to the defensive strengths of both teams.

Key factors to watch include BYU’s running back unit, particularly LJ Martin, who is returning from an ankle injury, and the performance of Arizona’s star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Additionally, BYU will be without starting center Connor Pay for at least the next three games, which could impact their offensive line.

The game will be broadcast on FOX and streamed on fuboTV, with “Big Noon Kickoff” on location to highlight the matchup to a national audience.