Kansas football vs Arizona score prediction: Scouting report for Big 12 Conference game

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LAWRENCE — Although people outside the program will talk about Kansas football being a win away from bowl eligibility, coach Lance Leipold detailed this week that it’s not something that’s being continually stressed to players.

Instead, ahead of a matchup on Saturday against Arizona on the road, Leipold noted that the focus remains on specific game preparation. It’s not just another Big 12 Conference challenge the Jayhawks (5-4, 3-3 in Big 12) are facing, but one against a team that’s only loss at home came in double overtime. He’s confident the players know enough to understand what a sixth victory will mean, if they’re able to defeat the Wildcats (5-3, 2-3).

Prior to kickoff, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (CT) in Tucson, Arizona, here’s a scouting report and prediction:

Kansas football coach Lance Leipold previews Arizona

For the first time in Leipold’s tenure at KU, his team’s going to face Arizona. He praised the improvement the Wildcats’ coach Brent Brennan has led the team to in Brennan’s second season in charge. In Arizona, Leipold sees a team that has an argument it should only have lost one game all season.

Leipold also sees a Wildcats squad whose defense is schematically unique in some of the things it does, and that’s quarterback — redshirt junior Noah Fifita — is talented. In Fifita, there is someone Leipold would describe as accurate, able to get the ball out quickly, and mobile when needed. There’s a group of wide receivers that Leipold said has a mix of size, speed and quickness.

Kansas football offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski previews Arizona

KU offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski described Arizona’s defense as one of the more multiple teams you’ll face when it comes to the looks it can showcase. He thinks that makes it difficult for an offense to determine what’s going on in coverage, and is part of why the Wildcats are among the best in the Big 12 when it comes to picking off passes. Arizona is also capable of rushing with four guys or bringing pressure from elsewhere.

Zebrowski also allowed that he can be better at getting senior wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. the ball more, even as defenses try to take away Kansas’ top target in the passing game. Zebrowski highlighted how those in the NFL sometimes do well by taking chances with getting the ball to their receivers, as the Minnesota Vikings do with Justin Jefferson. So, that’ll be something to watch this weekend.

Kansas football defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald previews Arizona

KU defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald described Fifita as special, one of the best in the Big 12 and the main reason why Arizona’s offense has done so well. It’s not just that Fifita’s accurate and on point with his timing, but that he can also use his legs when he wants to. McDonald also thinks the Wildcats likely feel they should be 7-1 right now.

Elsewhere on the offense, McDonald outlined Arizona has a great group of wide receivers who are capable of turning otherwise routine catches into explosive plays. He’s also not overlooking what the Wildcats have at their disposal at running back or along the offensive line. He praised the way Arizona’s tackles keep defenders away from the quarterback, and guards keep the pocket from collapsing.

Kansas football players preview Arizona

KU redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Calvin Clements highlighted the variety Arizona’s defense has at its disposal, and noted it’ll be a big game for his fellow offensive linemen when it comes to sticking to their rules and having good eyes. It’ll also test his own development, which he says has seen its biggest steps in his mentality and technique.

KU redshirt senior defensive end Dean Miller is from California, as is Fifita, so he’s well aware of the Arizona quarterback. He also had high praise for the Wildcats’ offensive line, and volunteered that their left tackle has the potential to play in the NFL.

KU redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Marcus Calvin described Arizona’s offensive line as not just big, physical, and talented, but one that moves as an organized system from play to play. Kansas’ defensive tackles have a lot of responsibilities from game to game, and Calvin noted the experience the Jayhawks have in that position group helps ensure everyone understands what’s going on.