Javin Whatley runs in an 85 yard touchdown in the first quarter against Weber State after a two hour weather delay on Sep. 6 at Arizona Stadium.
The University of Arizona football team (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) returns to Tucson on Saturday, Oct. 3, for a Big 12 matchup against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-3, 0-1) at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon and the game will also be televised on TNT. Arizona and Oklahoma State have met nine times prior to Saturday's matchup, with the Cowboys holding a 5-4 series edge. The Wildcats won the most recent meeting in 2012, a 59-38 shootout in Tucson. Oklahoma State's only win in Tucson came in 1932.
The Cowboys have endured a turbulent start to the season. After a season-opening win, Oklahoma State has dropped three straight, including last week's 45-27 loss to Baylor. The program dismissed longtime head coach Mike Gundy on Sept. 23, and interim coach Doug Meacham has already overseen a defensive coordinator change as Clint Bowen replaces Todd Grantham. Several players have also entered the transfer portal during the 1-3 start.
On the field, quarterback Zane Flores has been inconsistent since taking over after an early injury to Hauss Hejny. Flores threw for 232 yards against Baylor but has struggled with accuracy on deep balls. Running backs Rodney Fields Jr. and Trent Howland provide balance in the backfield, with Howland scoring twice last week. Defensively, linebacker Bryan McCoy Jr. leads the team in tackles (36), while freshman Wendell Gregory has flashed promise on the edge. But the unit has allowed at least 200 rushing yards in three straight games and ranks 126th nationally against the run.
The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season last week in a 39-14 road defeat at Iowa State University. Despite the setback, Arizona continues to field one of the top defenses in the nation ranking 17th in total defense. The Wildcats have forced nine turnovers and average eight tackles for loss per game.
Quarterback Noah Fifita remains steady, averaging 241 passing yards per game while throwing for eight touchdowns. He threw for 253 yards and two scores against a great Iowa State defense. Running back Ismail Mahdi added 85 rushing yards and remains among the nation's most productive backs. On the season, Mahdi has posted an impressive 87 yards per game on seven yards per carry. Mahdi should surpass his average of 85 rushing yards per game against a weak Oklahoma State rush defense. Receiver Kris Hutson and linebacker Riley Wilson also turned in strong performances last week, with Hutson catching a 67-yard touchdown and Wilson recording two sacks.
For Oklahoma State, establishing rhythm on offense is critical. Sustaining drives and generating explosive plays from Fields Jr. and the run game will be necessary to keep Arizona's defense off balance. Defensively, the Cowboys must show immediate improvement against the run to contain Mahdi.
For Arizona, discipline at the line of scrimmage will be key after penalties hampered drives against Iowa State. Protecting Fifita and opening lanes for Mahdi can help the Wildcats control tempo. Arizona must feed Mahdi the ball until Oklahoma State proves they can stop the run. Defensively, forcing Flores into third-and-long situations and forcing turnovers could tilt momentum early.