BYU defeats Arizona 28-17 to rise to No. 11 in AP Poll

No. 15 BYU defeated the Arizona Wildcats 28-17 at LaVell Edwards Stadium, marking the Cougars’ first Big 12 victory of the season. BYU utilized a dominant second half to secure the win, moving to a 2-0 record. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the offense with three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, while Kyler Kasper recorded two receiving touchdowns.

Arizona (1-1) started the game strongly with an opening touchdown drive capped by a Noah Fifita scramble, but the offense struggled in the second half. The Wildcats were hampered by an undisclosed injury to leading receiver Giovanni Richardson during the first half. Following his departure, Arizona managed only 87 yards of total offense in the second half.

Following the victory, BYU rose in the AP Top 25 poll from No. 15 to No. 11, becoming the highest-ranked team in the Big 12. The Cougars surpassed Oregon and Oklahoma in the updated rankings.