BYU football expert previews the Arizona game, makes a score prediction
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ASU will always be Arizona’s No. 1 rival, no matter the sport. But with the move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 the door opened for someone new to take over the No. 2 spot on regular opponents for the fanbase to have a rivalry with, and BYU fits that bill.
The Wildcats and Cougars have met each season since the UA joined the Big 12 in 2024, and that continues Saturday when they meet at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. BYU is ranked in the Top 25, as it was when it rallied to beat Arizona in double overtime last October as well as for the blowout victory at home two years ago.
To better understand this BYU squad, we reached out to Nick Lee of SB Nation sister site Vanquish the Foe for some insight and a score prediction. Below are his exuberant answers to our gloomy questions:
AZ Desert Swarm: BYU had no problem with its opening Big Sky opponent, same as Arizona. What were the most notable developments from this opening blowout?
Nick Lee: “Two words: Legend Glasker. The true freshman shot up the depth chart during camp and then became the first true freshman in BYU history to score three touchdowns from scrimmage in his debut. He’s the real deal. Unfortunately, the other side is two big injuries. Safety Raider Damuni and LJ Martin’s sidekick at running back Sione Moa suffered injuries and are likely out for this game and longer. Otherwise, BYU looks very much like the team that went 12-2 last year.”
Bear Bachmeier threw three touchdown passes and ran for another against Utah Tech, picking up where he left off a year ago. Where has his game changed, either for the better or not so great?
“He’s dropped some weight. That showed when he scrambled to the edge for a touchdown against Utah Tech. He’s still a ‘centaur’ but looks to be a little more shifty this season. The biggest area for improvement I still want to see is his deep ball, especially outside the numbers. He’s going to be a top 4 QB in the conference.”
LJ Martin is back but the top receiving targets are gone. Who are the top skill players that figure to play the biggest role in this game?
“As mentioned, Legend Glasker is bursting onto the scene. Two Big Ten transfers in receiver Kyler Kasper (Oregon) and tight end Walker Lyons (USC) have reshaped the pass-catcher group. Jojo Phillips is the main incumbent from last year who scored against Utah Tech. He will try and take advantage of the most targets he likely will get in his BYU career. Those four will help Bachmeier get going against a solid Arizona defense.”
The Cougars have a new defensive coordinator in Kelly Poppinga, albeit one that was on staff the previous few seasons. What’s that unit expected to look like, and who are the top players for Arizona to focus on?
“Losing Jay Hill certainly left Cougar fans concerned. However, Poppinga was on staff last year and is not looking to make this defense look different just for looking different’s sake. Plenty of impact players return from last season on all three levels. Keanu Tanuvasa leads the defensive line again. Isaiah Glasker is the mainstay at linebacker. Evan Johnson and Faletau Satuala in the secondary all return and look to be better. BYU has a top 25 defense and I don’t expect that to change. They added All-ACC linebacker Cade Uluave to replace Jack Kelly, who just made an NFL 53-man roster with the Giants. There is a chance this defense is just as good, if not better given the returning veterans on all three levels.”
Welcome to the exclusive club of Big 12 schools who have their most high-profile coach reporting to someone other than the AD. What’s the deal there, and do you see this coming to a head anytime soon?
“This certainly was not the quietest offseason in Provo with Kalani Sitake. First, of course, he was courted heavily by Penn State until Crumbl Cookie stepped in (yes, really). Then rumors swirled about how those promises that were made to Sitake in order to retain him are now not being fulfilled as agreed. AD Brian Santiago is known as a basketball-first guy. BYU certainly has a robust basketball program, but fans know football drives the ship. The growing frustration with Sitake and the fanbase growing louder about it certainly led to this decision. It seems like a temporary band-aid more than a long-term fix. I don’t think BYU fans can rest during this next coaching cycle.”
Prediction time. Does Arizona end its 5-game skid to BYU, winning in Provo for the first time since 1975, or do the Cougars continue to dominate this burgeoning rivalry? Give us a score pick.
“I understand Arizona wants payback after last year’s stunner. Arizona was one of several victims of the Cougars’ late-game rallies down by multiple scores. They are resilient. I don’t see that changing. LaVell Edwards Stadium will be buzzing for the first Big 12 game of the season. The Wildcats have a better chance than had this game been played late at night. The ‘Vampire Cougs’ are a real thing. Indeed, BYU has had Arizona’s number recently. Given the experience on both sides of the ball and it being the Big 12 home opener, I struggle to pick against BYU here. I do expect Arizona to be feisty and even lead at some point, given their own talent and experienced quarterback. I don’t see BYU covering the 7.5-point spread. But this being in Provo makes a difference for me. BYU 30, Arizona 24.”
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