The Arizona Wildcats are set to open their season under new head coach Brent Brennan, facing New Mexico at Arizona Stadium. Arizona, ranked No. 21 in the preseason AP poll, enters with high expectations following a successful rebuild under former coach Jedd Fisch. Brennan inherits a talented roster led by quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan, aiming to showcase one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and a defense bolstered by returning playmakers like linebacker Jacob Manu.
New Mexico, meanwhile, is navigating its own transition under new coach Bronco Mendenhall. The Lobos had a tough start last week, losing 35-31 to Montana State despite holding a 17-0 lead early in the game and a 31-14 advantage in the third quarter. Key mistakes and a failure to close out drives allowed Montana State to rally late, scoring twice in the final 4 ½ minutes, including a 93-yard run by Adam Jones and a game-winning touchdown run by Scottre Humphrey with just 10 seconds left. New Mexico’s offense showed promise with quarterback Devon Dampier passing for 173 yards and a touchdown, but inconsistencies in the second half proved costly.
Arizona’s offense will be a significant test for New Mexico’s defense, which allowed 567 total yards to Montana State, including 362 on the ground. For the Lobos, cleaning up mistakes and maintaining consistency will be critical if they hope to challenge the Wildcats. Mendenhall’s squad will need to build on the positives from their first game while addressing the defensive lapses that allowed Montana State to mount their comeback.
Saturday’s game not only marks the start of a new era for Arizona but also provides New Mexico with an opportunity to rebound and demonstrate resilience. Both teams are eager to prove themselves under new leadership, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup in Tucson.
The Lobos and Wildcats will kickoff from Arizona Stadium in Tucson, AZ in front of a national audience on ESPN. Coverage of the game will begin at 8:30 p.m. (MST).