Storylines, stats and quotes from Arizona’s loss to BYU

For Tucson fans, Arizona’s 28 to 17 loss at No. 15 BYU was a reminder that a promising start can disappear quickly in Big 12 play. The Wildcats led 17 to 14 at halftime Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, but they were shut out after the break and fell to last place in the conference standings after the league opener. Arizona’s next challenge will be responding to its first loss of the season, particularly after showing for two quarters that it could compete with one of the Big 12’s ranked teams.

The game changed sharply after halftime. Arizona generated 240 yards and 19 first downs in the opening two quarters, while controlling possession for 21 minutes, 29 seconds. In the second half, the Wildcats managed only 87 yards, four first downs and 12 minutes, 12 seconds of possession. Their third and fourth down efficiency dropped from four conversions in seven attempts before halftime to one conversion in six attempts afterward. BYU moved in the opposite direction, producing 233 second half yards, 11 first downs and 17 minutes, 48 seconds of possession.

Coach Brent Brennan said the central problem was finishing, both offensively and defensively. He praised Arizona’s physical effort and its effectiveness running against a strong BYU defense, but said the Wildcats failed to execute when the game reached its most important moments. BYU converted four of six third and fourth down opportunities in the second half, compared with Arizona’s one successful conversion in six tries. That difference helped the Cougars maintain control as Arizona’s offense stalled.

Two fourth down decisions became especially important. In the third quarter, Arizona reached the BYU 36 yard line while trailing 21 to 17. The Wildcats elected to punt rather than attempt a 53 yard field goal or go for the first down. The punt resulted in a touchback instead of pinning BYU near its goal line. Kicker Michael Salgado-Medina had already made a 37 yard field goal, had a career long of 57 yards and made a 51 yard kick in Arizona’s win over Cincinnati last season.

Brennan explained that the decision was based on confidence in his defense and a desire to recreate favorable field position. BYU went three and out on the ensuing possession, but Arizona still could not turn the opportunity into points. With slightly more than eight minutes remaining, Arizona faced fourth and four at the BYU 21. This time, the Wildcats went for the conversion. Quarterback Noah Fifita found West Virginia transfer Rodney Gallagher III, who was stopped after a three yard gain.

The officials initially ruled Gallagher had reached the line to gain, but a review moved the spot back and confirmed that he was short. Brennan said the Wildcats were trying to make up ground on the scoreboard and that he trusted Fifita to deliver. BYU defensive back made the tackle in space, preserving the stop. Arizona’s failure to score on either of those possessions meant that two potential field goals, or a touchdown opportunity, became a fourth quarter turning point.

BYU then delivered the decisive play. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier connected with freshman receiver Legend Glasker on a 61 yard pass, setting up a 12 yard touchdown pass to Oregon transfer and Chandler native Kyler Kasper. Kasper caught two touchdowns, the first two scoring receptions of his career. His earlier touchdown had given BYU the lead in the third quarter. Glasker entered the game after being named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week the previous week.

Arizona had looked in control early. The Wildcats opened with a 12 play scoring drive, during which Fifita completed six of seven passes for 52 yards. He finished the possession by scrambling to his right and powering into the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown, his fifth career rushing score and third since last season. Arizona also had a chance to build a two touchdown advantage when cornerback Jay’Vion Cole appeared to have a clear path to the end zone after a turnover opportunity, but he dropped the ball.

Fifita later threw his first interception of the season after BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker pressured him, with Cade Uluave making the pick. Bachmeier followed with a six yard rushing touchdown. Arizona reclaimed the lead before halftime when Fifita hit Southern Miss transfer tight end Shane King for a 16 yard touchdown, the first touchdown of King’s Arizona career. The pass threaded through the arms of BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa and put the Wildcats ahead 17 to 14.

Arizona also had to adjust after wide receiver Giovanni Richardson left in the first half following a tackle by Uluave near the Wildcats’ sideline. Richardson watched the rest of the game from the bench with an undisclosed injury, though he still led Arizona in receiving with five catches on six targets for 48 yards. Brennan said Richardson’s absence had a significant effect because he had been playing well.

Gallagher filled in and finished with five catches for 26 yards. Chris Hunter and Tre Spivey, the other members of Arizona’s starting receiving group, combined for three catches and 26 yards. Fifita credited Gallagher’s experience and said he stepped up, while also acknowledging that Richardson provides added explosiveness. For Arizona, the immediate task is to address the second half collapse, improve execution in critical situations and determine how the receiving corps will function if Richardson cannot return. The Wildcats now turn toward Week 3 after leaving Provo with a competitive first half, but no points and no margin for error in the second.