BYU vs Arizona score prediction: Cougars vault the Wildcats to keep their momentum

Here we are, Cougars. On the precipice of that tantalizing sixth win, the BYU Cougars are staring down the field toward the Arizona Wildcats as Saturday's meeting approaches.

Standing at a perfect 5-0 is an incredible feeling for a football team that was expected to struggle for bowl eligibility. But now, with a top-15 ranking and one game standing in the way of bowl eligibility, Arizona is coming into Lavell's house to put a dent in the Cougars' flawless resume.

FOX Big Noon Kickoff has set up their booth at the base of LaVell Edwards Stadium and promoting this game as their featured matchup of the week. Noah Fifita and an upset-minded Arizona team come into Provo with the hopes of knocking off Jake Retzlaff and his unbeaten BYU Cougars.

Arizona is a threatening squad, despite already tallying two losses in their five games. The danger level surrounding an Arizona upset is still relatively minor when you focus on the Wildcats' low points. A blowout loss at the hands of Kansas State bodes well for the Cougars, who dominated Avery Johnson's squad during their trip to Provo, and last week's home loss against Texas Tech raised more questions than answers.

And yet, I can't help but worry about Fifita and McMillan's ability to take over a football game. Though they were trapped on the field against Baylor, Jay Hill's defense wasn't quite as dominant as in previous matchups. Baylor put up 28 points on the BYU defense, but I'm not discouraged by that sum, as the offensive stagnation allowed Baylor to build momentum, not defensive inability.

But BYU's defense still measures favorably, and a football game in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains always favors the Cougars, no matter the opponent. If Retzlaff can get the offense going with a reinvigorated run game--now that the backfield should finally have a healthy LJ Martin and Sione Moa--I see the defense doing its job and shutting down the Wildcats.

Utah's hubris led to their fall at the hands of Arizona, though, and there's no such thing as a sure-win in this year's ultra-competitive Big 12 Conference. For the first time in conference play, the Cougars are favored to win this battle of the Cats, but don't get your hopes up for another blowout victory in the same vein as K-State.

I see the offense handling business on Saturday, with a smothering defense containing Arizona's offense enough for the Cougars to win by multiple scores. Aaron Roderick's offense will pull out a few trick plays, but remain under control. As long as the offense can move the sticks, BYU's defense will hold up their end of the deal.

Final score: BYU 27, Arizona 16

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