The Keys for Arizona Football to pull off the upset over BYU

We’re under 48 hours until Arizona Football kicks off against BYU, and with the Cougars heavily favored, these are the keys for a Wildcat upset. 

The 2021 season is nearly here, and so far it has been a steady build-up for Arizona Football as the Wildcats prepare for BYU to kick off the Jedd Fisch era.

Coming in, we’re all too familiar with the challenge the Wildcats face. BYU is a mature, physical, and athletic football team that plays extremely disciplined and plays smart. Beating them isn’t easy by any means.

Adversely, Arizona enters this game a complete unknown. Losers of 12-straight, not many are expecting the Wildcats to be very good this year, and in part that is why Arizona is considered to be a 12.5-point underdog.

With Arizona Football predicted to lose against the BYU Cougars, if the Wildcats are to pull the upset, these are the keys to do it!

Control the Line of Scrimmage(s)

Easier said than done, but a big part of this game is going to be how the Wildcats play along the line of scrimmage on both sides.

BYU has size, particularly along the offensive side, however, this is arguably the best Wildcat defensive line we’ve seen in quite some time, so it is their time to deliver. If the Wildcats can create enough disruption, their chances improve significantly.

On the flip side of that, Arizona is going to have to create holes for their running backs, as well as keep their quarterback(s) vertical. Again, no easy feat against a big and physical team like BYU, but if Arizona can control the line of scrimmage(s), the possibility of a victory becomes a little more realistic.

Control the Clock

Arizona breaks in a new quarterback(s) on Saturday, and with confidence being a big factor for their young slingers, the Wildcats would be wise to play slow and control the clock.

Tying into the point of controlling the line of scrimmage, if Arizona can create holes, slow the offense down, and limit the time that BYU has the football, that would go a long way in potentially beating BYU.

Last season, the Cougars were a very efficient offense, and even with Zach Wilson gone, they still have plenty of pieces to be a solid and talented group.

In their only loss last season, Coastal Carolina dominated the time of possession, outpacing the Cougars 38 minutes to 22, and held BYU to just 17 points.

If Arizona can somehow control the time of possession, their chances of winning improve significantly.

Protect the Football

BYU is a smart and disciplined football team that doesn’t make many mistakes. Their offense is talented and efficient, and Arizona would be wise in not giving the Cougars extra opportunities.

Arizona is already facing a tough challenge against a good football team, and they cannot afford to give up very many turnovers if any. The Wildcats are going to need to play smart and efficient, and to me, it starts with protecting the football.

Slow down Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa

No easy feat by any means, and who knows if this is even realistic for the Wildcats, but if Arizona is going to come away victorious, a big part will be to slow down a talented backfield that features a two-headed monster in Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa.

Both are great north and south runners with plenty of wiggle and breakaway speed. Last year, the two combined for 1,574 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns, and that is not including the 467 yards and three touchdowns receiving.

The two are a threat to score every time they touch the ball, so if Arizona is going to come away victorious, they are going to need to find a way to slow down Allgeier and Katoa.

Still looking to lock in your bets ahead of the Wildcats’ weekend action in Las Vegas? Check WynnBet for more betting options!