(Photo: ESPN)
Campus Clash
(22) Arizona Wildcats at (13) Texas Tech Red Raiders
Arizona (6-1):
For most of the year, the Big 12 has been a two-team race between the BYU Cougars and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Without question, those are two of the best teams in the conference. However, if I had to give you a third quality team in the Big 12, it would be this group in Tucson. I still remember when they decided to hire Brent Brennan as its next head coach. In his first season in 2024, he went 4-8, but last season, he led the Wildcats to a 9-4 record. Now, in 2026, Brennan has guided this team to a 6-1 record and a No. 22 ranking in the AP Top 25. The Arizona Wildcats have consistently moved the football downfield offensively, and it all starts with veteran quarterback Noah Fifita, who has become the centerpiece of this offense. Fifita is an accurate passer who can deliver the ball to his receivers without having to rely on the deep ball. He’s a quick decision-maker, and he’s more mobile than he appears to be. However, what has stood out to me most about No. 1 is the leader he has become. This team will go as far as he takes it. On the other side of the ball, the defense is also doing its part and making life miserable for opposing offenses. I’ve seen a unit that has generated turnovers and even pitched shutouts. Something worth watching is brewing within this program, and the Wildcats are trending in the right direction. This Saturday afternoon, Arizona will make its way to Lubbock for a huge Big 12 showdown.
Texas Tech (6-1):
You can’t win them all, right? That’s the beautiful thing about football: it’s a sport in which you must expect the unexpected. If everything we predicted happened exactly as expected, that would be boring, wouldn’t it? Now, one thing I’ll say is that this team is far from the group it was last year. Several key pieces from that team either left for the NFL or transferred elsewhere. Looking back at Week 8, They were a heavy favorite to beat the Cincinnati Bearcats. As I’ve said in the past, teams sometimes find themselves taking an opponent lightly, and that’s exactly what appeared to happen to them on Saturday. That can’t happen because it can give your opponent all the motivation in the world. So, what exactly went wrong for Texas Tech? First, they let too many opportunities slip away. When they reached the red zone, they often settled for field goals, leaving valuable points on the table. They scored just six points in the first half despite moving the ball downfield. Next, turnovers didn’t help their cause. When you turn the ball over, you put yourself at a disadvantage and make it harder to win. Finally, their defense struggled, particularly against the run. All of these factors contributed to their first loss of the season. I’m not going to write this team off after one loss. Remember, Texas Tech lost a game last season and still made it to the Big 12 Championship Game while securing a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. The Red Raiders return home on Saturday looking to bounce back.
Arizona X-Factor: Isaiah Mizell
Isaiah Mizell is one of Noah Fifita’s favorite targets, and he’s my X-factor for Saturday afternoon’s matchup. He is a potential big-play threat for the Wildcats, with the explosiveness to punish defensive coverage mistakes. He’ll look to attack a Texas Tech secondary that has struggled at times this season, and that matchup could be the difference-maker for Arizona’s offense. I’ll be watching to see whether the Wildcats can get Mizell isolated against one of Texas Tech’s cornerbacks and allow him to make a play for Fifita.
Texas Tech X-Factor: J’Koby Williams
I sometimes feel that J’Koby Williams gets overlooked within this offense, but I also believe he’s one of the players who can make this unit better when it comes to moving the football. With Cameron Dickey dealing with an ankle injury, the Red Raiders have turned to him, and he hasn’t disappointed. He averages around seven yards per carry and is explosive with the football in his hands. J’Koby can flip a game with one explosive run. If he’s able to average five to seven yards per carry, that will allow Texas Tech to control the tempo and take some of the pressure off quarterback Will Hammond.
Final Thoughts:
This is a crucial Big 12 matchup, as both teams enter with identical 6-1 overall records and 3-1 records in conference play. Arizona is looking for a signature win, while Texas Tech is looking to bounce back after being upset by Cincinnati and suffering its first loss of the season. For Arizona, the first order of business is to attack the Texas Tech secondary. The Red Raiders have allowed 266 passing yards per game, putting them among the nation’s worst pass defenses. If I’m Arizona, I’m attacking with quick passes, intermediate routes, and deep shots rather than playing conservatively. The Wildcats must also win on third down and sustain drives. A balanced approach, featuring short runs and smart play-calling, will help them stay ahead of the chains. Defensively, Arizona needs to force Will Hammond to make decisions quickly rather than allowing him to sit comfortably in the pocket. Make him uncomfortable, pressure him into difficult throws, and capitalize on his mistakes. For Texas Tech, the focus must be on capitalizing on every opportunity. When you’re in the red zone, touchdowns are far more valuable than field goals. Don’t leave points on the table! The Red Raiders must also protect Hammond and eliminate turnovers. He needs to make smart decisions against a stingy Arizona defense, while the Texas Tech defense must find ways to force Fifita into mistakes. The winner of this game will be in a strong position moving forward in the Big 12 race.
