Big 12 has big challenges; how will BYU and Utah fare Saturday?

Key Points:

• The Big 12 faces challenging nonconference games this week, with No. 20 Utah expected to defeat Arkansas and No. 15 BYU favored over Arizona at home.
• Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Iowa are all predicted to lose to stronger opponents from the Big Ten and SEC, with Kansas underdog to Missouri, Oklahoma State facing a tough game against Oregon, and Iowa favored over Iowa State.
• The BYU-Arizona game highlights a quarterback duel between BYU’s improved sophomore Bear Bachmeier and Arizona’s senior Noah Fifita, with BYU’s defense potentially giving them an edge due to returning top defensive backs and strong secondary coaching.
• Utah is poised for a strong performance against Arkansas, leveraging a versatile offense and a hostile home environment, while Arkansas struggles with a long road-game losing streak and offensive issues.
• BYU aims to control possession and pressure Arizona’s quarterback, relying on a deep defensive front seven, while Arizona must replace key defensive backs lost to the NFL and integrate transfers to maintain defensive strength.