Sep 28, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Brigham Younger Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) appears to be like to move in opposition to the Baylor Bears throughout the second half at McLane Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Chris Jones-Imagn Photos Arizona coach Brent Brennan and BYU counterpart Kalani Sitake will want no introduction on Saturday when the Wildcats and 14th-ranked Cougars collide in Provo, Utah.
The 2 have a longstanding friendship, as soon as serving on Oregon State’s teaching employees collectively in 2015, Sitake’s lone season with the Beavers.
“I like Brent Brennan, man,” Sitake mentioned. “I’ve a variety of respect for him as a coach and an individual.”
Brennan and Sitake coached in opposition to one another again in 2017, when Sitake led his Cougars to a 41-20 victory over San Jose State, the place Brennan was from 2017-23. Nevertheless, the stakes will likely be larger in Saturday’s matchup with BYU (5-0, 2-0 Huge 12) setting its sights on a convention championship.
In the meantime, the Wildcats (3-2, 1-1) have some work to do within the Huge 12 standings after falling 28-22 to Texas Tech final Saturday. Every week earlier, Arizona had generated some momentum by pulling off a 23-10 upset of then-No. 10 Utah.
Towards the Pink Raiders, the Wildcats restricted Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton to 214 yards on 17-of-29 passing. Morton did not throw for a landing, both.
However Arizona can have a stiffer problem on Saturday with Jake Retzlaff stepping underneath middle for the Cougars. Retzlaff is tied for the 18th-most TD passes within the nation amongst FBS groups (12), most just lately firing three scores in a 34-28 victory over Baylor on Sept. 28.
Retzlaff accomplished 18 of 32 passes for 218 yards and was picked off twice in opposition to the Bears.
“When it comes to the offense, I believe (Retzlaff) is absolutely beginning to come into his personal,” Sitake mentioned. “So I really feel actually comfy with all the pieces, the timing of all of it. He can get higher. However I like the place he’s at proper now. And I like the place his mindset is at. I sit up for seeing nice issues from him.”
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita handed for 301 yards in opposition to Texas Tech, however he tried 49 passes, finishing 28, with two interceptions and no touchdowns.
“I really feel like each time we obtained one thing going, I might make a mistake or two that stalled the drive,” Fifita mentioned in regards to the loss to the Pink Raiders. “So, I take full accountability.”
BYU’s move protection is rated twenty fourth nationally, permitting 171.0 yards per recreation by way of the air. The Cougars even have seven interceptions, tied for thirteenth most within the nation.
With Fifita struggling to complete possessions ultimately zone in opposition to Texas Tech, Arizona needed to accept six field-goal makes an attempt from Tyler Loop. By making good on 5 of these kicks, Loop set a single-game program document.
Although the Wildcats struggled to completely money in on their alternatives final day trip, Sitake is aware of simply how harmful they are often.
“Arizona has tons of expertise. They’ve an excellent quarterback and a really robust run recreation,” Sitake mentioned. “The protection additionally is aware of the best way to make performs and power turnovers. We predict the matchup goes to convey essentially the most out of us.
“Coming into Provo, they are going to see an excited dwelling base, however we won’t have a look at that as the one benefit to depend on. I am enthusiastic about how our group labored final week. I am excited in regards to the progress we’re making.”
–Discipline Degree Media