TCU Faces Arizona’s Passing Threat in Tucson

TCU travels to Tucson on November 6 to face an Arizona team whose passing game is led by quarterback Noah Fifita. The Horned Frogs are coming off a comeback victory over Kansas, but will need a sharper all-around showing against the Wildcats.

Fifita has thrown for 2,481 yards and 19 touchdowns this season, with four regular-season games remaining. Against Texas Tech last week, he threw for a season-high 417 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mizell. Mizell has 675 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and has totaled 499 yards and four scores over his past three games.

Arizona’s pass protection has been a concern: the Wildcats have allowed 22 sacks, second-most in the Big 12, and Fifita was sacked five times against Texas Tech. Arizona’s defense, meanwhile, has recorded 25 sacks, tied for second in the conference. Senior linebacker Chase Kennedy leads the team with six sacks. The Wildcats have only two interceptions, though they have forced six fumbles and recovered five.

Arizona gives up 334.5 yards each game, the Big 12’s sixth-lowest total, while its offense averages 131.5 rushing yards per game, second-lowest in the conference. TCU’s priorities will be containing the Fifita-to-Mizell connection, protecting the ball and giving its receivers time to make plays.

A lower-scoring game appears likely, and TCU’s chances depend on timely defensive pressure and finishing drives. Arizona is pursuing a place in the Big 12 championship race; after facing TCU, the Wildcats are scheduled to play Utah.