Kansas State 1-2
Kansas State was upset by Army last week in a game where the Wildcats had the ball for just over three minutes in the entire second half. While Arizona has a much different style of offense, the K-State defense will need to be up to the challenge if it wants to stop the high-flying Arizona Wildcats.
Sophomore defensive backs Donovan McIntosh and Zashon Rich have started each game at corner for the Wildcats. Last week, they saw limited action against the triple option offense of Army, but it will be important this week against a pass-first team in Arizona. Both corners have good length and speed, which should help them make plays on the ball.
Wide Receiver Jayce Brown is in his third year with the Wildcats, and so far has been off to a good start. Brown had fewer receptions and yards than normal due to the lack of offense last week, but he should get plenty of chances this week. With fellow wide receiver Jerand Bradley down due to injury, Brown may move to multiple spots to try and help out the offense.
Arizona 2-0
Arizona has put up 40 points of offense in its first two games while not allowing a touchdown as well. Last year, Arizona struggled in its first year under head coach Brent Brennan, but this year the team looks to have turned a corner for the better. They will look to continue their dominant performance as K-State comes to town on Friday.
Quarterback Noah Fifita has played well this year, throwing for 534 yards and six touchdowns in the first two games. Fifita had an outstanding freshman year, followed by a shaky sophomore season. Fifita looks to have regained that freshman form of himself, but added poise and confidence, making him a tough stop for the K-State defense.
Wide Receiver Javin Whatley appears to be Fifita’s go-to-guy and so far has delivered with 208 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona lost superstar receiver Tetairoa McMillian to the NFL draft last season, making plenty of reps and targets available. So far this season, Whatley has made the most of them and will look to continue that in his toughest test of the season.
Who to Watch:
KSU: CB Donovan McIntosh, CB Zashon Rich, WR Jayce Brown
Arizona: QB Noah Fifita, WR Javin Whatley
Sept 12 @ 8 p.m. on Fox
Prediction: Arizona 27-24
K-State
Passing yds per game: 254 yards
Sacks: 7
Average Kickoff Return yds: 34 yards
3rd down conversion %: 34%
Arizona
Passing yds per game: 267 yards
Sacks: 7
Average Kickoff Return yds: 0
3rd down conversion %: 38%
