Eric Boggs 
BYU dominates Arizona to remain undefeated.
BYU’s defense stole the show once again, leading the No. 14 Cougars to a commanding 41-19 victory over Arizona. After a remarkable comeback three weeks ago against Kansas State, where they forced three turnovers in six minutes, BYU replicated the feat against Arizona, forcing key turnovers early in the second half to break the game wide open.
The Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) started strong, taking a 7-0 lead after Noah Fifita connected with Montana Lemonious-Craig on a 14-yard touchdown pass. However, their offense faltered in the red zone, failing to capitalize on multiple opportunities. Fifita threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, with two turnovers coming within the first three snaps of the second half.
BYU’s defense was relentless, with defensive back Jakob Robinson starting the second half with a deflected pass that he intercepted, setting up a touchdown pass from Jake Retzlaff to Chase Roberts. Just a minute later, Isaiah Glasker forced a fumble, which led to a field goal, giving the Cougars a 24-7 lead. BYU forced four total turnovers, including Glasker’s pick-six in the final minutes, sealing the victory.
Offensively, BYU (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) was efficient, with Retzlaff throwing for 218 yards and two touchdowns. LJ Martin added a one-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter, finishing with 95 total yards in his first game back in over a month. Darius Lassiter led BYU in receiving with 86 yards on five catches.
Arizona struggled to finish drives, moving the ball well outside the 30-yard line but stalling in the red zone. The Wildcats were just 1-for-6 inside the BYU 30-yard line. Fifita finished with 275 passing yards, one touchdown, and three costly interceptions.
BYU’s defense, led by coordinator Jay Hill, tightened up after a rocky first half, while Arizona’s offense remained inefficient, much like their loss to Texas Tech the week before. Despite Arizona’s 11-of-19 third-down conversions, the Wildcats failed to score when it mattered most.
The Cougars, now at the top of the Big 12 standings and bowl-eligible, will face Oklahoma State next Friday. Arizona will return home for two games, hosting Colorado and West Virginia.
Head coach Kalani Sitake praised his team’s effort, saying, “Great things happen when you just do your job.” As the Cougars continue to dominate, they remain a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
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