The Arizona Wildcats make their entrance into the Big 12 while returning much of the core roster that beat five Top 25 teams in 2023, including the Sooners 38-24 in the Alamo Bowl.
New head coach Brent Brennan takes over a loaded offense and a potent defense, a tribute to former coach Jedd Fisch's recruiting abilities after taking over a program that lost its last 11 games.
Quarterback Noah Fifita leads a talented corps of receivers that includes Colorado transfer Montana Lemonious-Craig and tight end Keyan Burnett along with All-American Tetairoa McMillan.
Brennan has his team 3-1 in his first season and should put up a good fight at 10 p.m. CT on Saturday night as the Red Raiders ride into town for the first conference matchup between the two teams since they were both members of the old Border Conference.
Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire has found his footing in Lubbock and is 14-3 at home. But on the road, things are different. McGuire & Co. are just 3-8, and are heading into hostile territory in Tucson against a new conference opponent.
Quarterback Behren Morton and running back Tahj Brooks will have to pull out all the stops and play near-flawless football on Saturday night to remain unbeaten in Big 12 play this season.
Related: Red Raiders at Arizona Wildcats Week 6: How to Watch, Betting Odds
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The Red Raiders have been flying high offensively, scoring 52, 16, 66, 30 and 44 points, respectively. The outlier? Week 2, on the road at Washington State. This matchup on Saturday against Arizona is just the second road game of the season. McGuire is 3-8 on the road in two-plus seasons, and being away from Lubbock seems to cause the team fits.
The Texas Tech offensive was in great form last week scoring 44 points against a Cincinnati Bearcats team firing on all cylinders. The high-scoring offense will need to continue as the Wildcats, coming off a great road win over a ranked Utah team look to maintain its dominant defensive play. The Red Raiders will need to stay aggressive and play to their gameplay as the Wildcats will use the home-field advantage to their favor.
Look for potentially a lower-scoring game than what the high-powered offense is used to but if the Red Raiders can handle the crowds and altitude then this will be an exciting game.
Prediction: Red Raiders 24, Wildcats 28