BYU vs. Arizona preview: What to watch for in Tucson battle

On Saturday, No. 18 BYU travels to Tucson, Ariz. for the first time since 2018 to take on the Arizona Wildcats.

While the Cougars will look to improve to 6-0 for the second year in a row, they will have to go through the wildcard quarterback Noah Fifita, who can go off any given Saturday.

BYU and Arizona through week seven

Arizona comes into Saturday's game a respectable 4-1, but has yet to get a signature win in the first half of the season. Its lone loss came against its toughest opponent yet, Iowa State, when the Cyclones trounced the Wildcats 39-14 in Tucson.

Fifita has had a bounce back year after a disappointing 2024 season. Through five games, Fifita has thrown for 1,341 yards, 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He's also added three rushing touchdowns.

BYU has once again had the perfect start to its season. After a 14-point come- from-behind victory against Colorado two weeks ago, the Cougars comfortably put away West Virginia last week, 38-24.

Bear Bachmeier had the best statistical game of his freshman season, throwing for a career-high 351 yards on only 25 attempts, and scoring two touchdowns on the night.

BYU's two starting linebackers Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker picked up injuries in last week's game. Kelly was listed as doubtful and Glasker was listed as probable going into Saturday's matchup.

BYU vs Arizona last season

Arizona came to Provo, Utah last year in one of the biggest national games in college football at the time. With BYU being ranked No. 14, FOX's "Big Noon Kickoff" decided to go to BYU for its weekly show.

The Cougars laid a beating on the Wildcats, coming away victorious 41-19 in a game that Fifita would like to forget.

Fifita only completed 26 of his 52 pass attempts and accounted for four turnovers on the day. It was one of his worst games in his collegiate career.

How to watch BYU vs Arizona
When: Saturday Oct. 11 at 6:00 p.m. MDT
Where: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz.
Channel: ESPN2