The Wildcats are back home for the first time in nearly a month in what is shaping up to potentially a historic day in Tucson. Arizona faces off against Kansas for the first time since 1966 in just the seventh matchup between the two programs all time. Check out this week’s Preview & Predictions ahead of this weekend’s Homecoming showdown between Arizona and Kansas.
Offense:
The offense moved into another gear over the last month as play-caller Seth Doege and quarterback Noah Fifita continue to build chemistry and rhythm. The offense has finished with over 350 yards in each of its last four games, including 400-plus yard performances against Oklahoma State and Colorado. Over the last two games, Noah Fifita has been immaculate, completing 35-of-45 passes for 482 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Fifita, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, is now three touchdowns away from setting the program’s all-time passing touchdowns record, currently held by Nick Foles and Willie Tuitama (65).
After being hindered to start the season due to injury, running back Kedrick Reescano has scored touchdowns on the ground in each of the last three games, allowing Arizona to call a more balanced offensive attack. That balance on the ground and through the air is helping the Wildcats stay ahead of the chains, move down the field with more ease, and find the end zone more frequently and consistently.
Against Power Four opponents, Kansas’ defense has allowed 30.6 points per game, including back-to-back 42-point games by Texas Tech and Kansas State. Look for another healthy balance of run and pass as Arizona’s high-octane offense continues to roll against the Jayhawks.
Defense:
The defense got back on track in a much needed tuneup game against Colorado. The Wildcats stymied the Buffaloes in the first half, before Deion Sanders and Co. turned to freshman quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis for a spark off the bench. Arizona forced five turnovers for the second time this season, the first time the defense has done so since 2000.
Arizona has struggled this season against athletic quarterbacks, something Kansas has in dynamic signal caller in Jalon Daniels. Daniels has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, while only tossing three interceptions on the year. He has also contributed another 271 yards and two scores on the ground.
While he is less likely to run between the tackles, with his game more closely resembles that of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, don’t be surprised if the Jayhawks try to capitalize on Arizona’s inability to stop the quarterback run.
Through the air, Daniels’ favorite targets are wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., who has 36 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns, and tight end Boden Groen, who has 29 grabs for 332 yards and four more scores.
If Arizona can get some pressure on Daniels, force him to move around in the pocket, and make him uncomfortable, Danny Gonzales’ ball-hawking defense could make it a long day for Kansas.
Special Teams:
Field position was one of the keys to Arizona success on the road in Boulder and Luke Wysong had plenty to do with that. The Wildcats have found something in punt returner Luke Wysong, who is fielding, securing, and returning punts much more effectively than Jeremiah Patterson. Wysong is averaging 11.4 yards per return, including a 27-yarder earlier on the year.
Michael Salgado-Medina did miss his first kick of the year under 40 yards in the win over Colorado, but given where the score was, and the “shirtless dude” trend sweeping college football causing some distractions, but his leg should be true in Tucson.
As always, as long as special teams doesn’t do anything to hurt the Wildcats today, the third phase of the game should be alright for Arizona.
Final Score Prediction:
Between’s the roll that Arizona’s offense has been on, and the defensive intensity that the Wildcats played with last week, a Homecoming win is on the horizon. Look for Arizona to beat Kansas 38-21 as Noah Fifita becomes the program’s all-time passing touchdowns leader, helping the Wildcats clinch a bowl game with six wins in Brent Brennan’s second year at the helm.