Three Defensive Keys For Arizona Heading Into Houston

We take a look at three keys to the game defensively for Arizona against Houston this weekend.

Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive backs Michael Dansby (25) and Genesis Smith (12) both celebrate during the fourth quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

The Arizona defense held BYU scoreless in the second and third quarters last weekend before the Cougars came storming back in the fourth quarter to eventually win in double overtime. The Wildcats' defense has still performed exceptionally well overall this season, which has helped lead to a 4-2 start to the season.

Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Heading into this week, Arizona now ranks No. 6 in scoring defense (18.5) in the Big 12, No. 3 in total yardage allowed (275.7), No. 1 in passing defense (151.3) and No. 4 in run defense (124.3).

Across the entire country, the Wildcats rank No. 15 in total yardage allowed and No. 10 in pass defense.

In a recent article by ESPN's Mel Kiper, Arizona safety Genesis Smith came in at No. 8 in his current safety rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Iowa State Cyclones' running back Carson Hansen (26) breaks a tackle from Arizona Wildcats defensive back Genesis Smith (12) during the second quarter in the Big-12 conference showdown on Sept. 27, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Here is a look at a few keys for Arizona defensively on Saturday as it looks to enter its bye week on a winning note.

In the two losses for Arizona this season, it has struggled heavily getting teams off the field on third downs.

This past week, BYU went 8-for-16 on third downs and a few weeks ago, Iowa State went 6-for-13 on those downs.

Iowa State Cyclones' running back Carson Hansen (26) runs with the ball after making a catch around Arizona Wildcats linebacker Taye Brown (6) during the first quarter in the Big-12 conference showdown on Sept. 27, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Houston finds itself in the middle of the Big 12 in converting third downs at No. 9 converting 38.7 percent of its third downs. Overall on the season as a defense, Arizona is still third in the conference in defending those downs which shows how good they have been in the four wins. That success will need to continue this weekend.

Defending the quarterback run

Arizona struggled to keep BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier in the pocket last week as he ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

Oct 11, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman doesn't run as much as Bachmeier, but he has still proven to be capable with five scores on the ground this season. This comes after he ran for just two touchdowns combined during his three years at Texas A&M.

The Wildcats did a great job containing Avery Johnson against Kansas State earlier this season. They'll need to bring that same focus on the road this week against Houston and Weigman under center.

Sep 12, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) throws the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the second quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Shutting down the run game

The run defense struggled at times against BYU this past week, but it has still been a strong part of the defense for Arizona overall on the season.

Houston running back Dean Connors has run for 438 yards on four touchdowns on 95 carries to this point in the season. His rushing total ranks No. 6 in the Big 12.

Sep 26, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Houston Cougars running back Dean Connors (44) runs the ball and is tackled by Oregon State Beavers defensive back Jalil Tucker (22) during the second quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

What are your keys to the game for Arizona on the defensive side of the ball on Saturday? Let us know by clicking the link to find us and be sure to follow us.