BYU got their sixth straight win over Arizona on Saturday because their defense played with an edge. They took a hit early, allowing Arizona to score on their opening drive, but BYU responded every time the Wildcat offense gained any steam. Defensively, it was their best victory over Arizona in Big 12 play.
For the first time in their time in the Big 12 together, BYU held Arizona under the century mark on the ground. In 2024, the Wildcats had 114 rushing yards and had 164 in 2025. In this season’s win, BYU allowed only 97 rushing yards. The Cougars were stout in defending the pass, too. Noah Fifita, Arizona’s fourth-year quarterback, who has had a great career, has been stymied by BYU.
In his first trip to Provo in 2024, he had 275 passing yards but threw three interceptions. Last year, in Tucson, he had 219 passing yards; this year, the Cougars held him to 230. In four games against BYU, Fifita had thrown four touchdowns but also four interceptions. The BYU defense has picked him off at least once in every game against him and Arizona.
BYU’s most important statistics have been consistent and good against Arizona. In 2024, they allowed 389 yards. In 2025, they improved, allowing 383 in double overtime. This year, they held them to 327 total yards. They only gave up 19 points in 2024, 27 in 2025, and this year were even better, allowing only 17 points.
I mentioned BYU forcing turnovers against Noah Fifita, but it’s not only the Arizona quarterback who has turned the ball over against the Cougars. Since the start of the 2024 season, BYU’s defense leads the FBS in interceptions. The Cougars have 43 (second most is Notre Dame with 41).
Defensive Play of the Game
While BYU’s forcing turnovers has been a big part of their success in 2024, 2025, and now in 2026. Nothing in this young season beats the play above. The fourth-down stop made by Cannon DeVries and Tommy Prassas was massive. If they don’t get that stop, Arizona gets a score out of that Red Zone trip and makes it a three-point lead at 24-21, or closes the gap to one at 21-20. BYU’s next drive then becomes one to retake the lead or make it a touchdown lead instead of being to take a two-score lead. This essentially ended up sealing the victory for BYU.
BYU swarmed to the football. DeVries led the team in tackles with nine, showing he’s going to be an impact player this season. Stars we knew, like Isaiah Glasker and Faletau Satuala, had eight and seven tackles, respectively. Cade Uluave had six tackles, but it was Tausili Akana who had the best game. The defensive end had four tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for a loss. BYU’s defense will look to build off the 28-17 victory next week against Colorado State.
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