Arizona is playing its homecoming game against Kansas on Saturday at Arizona Stadium after going on the road and beating Colorado, the second win away from Tucson in coach Brent Brennan’s career with the Wildcats.
Brennan spoke about the challenges of facing Kansas, the importance of homecoming and filling Arizona Stadium, and teachable moments despite a big 52-17 win against the Buffaloes.
Arizona (5-3, 2-3 Big 12) is a win away from becoming bowl eligible.
The Wildcats have not played Kansas (5-4, 3-3) since the 1966 season, when the Jayhawks won 35-13 at Arizona Stadium.
Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be televised by ESPN2.
The up and down Jayhawks
“Defensively, they have a great front. Physical, running the ball, they have a lot of experience there,” Brennan said in his opening comments. “In the back end, (cornerback) Jalen Todd is an explosive young player for them. Offensively, (quarterback) Jalon Daniels is brilliant … great player. Can do it all, make the throws, effective as a runner.”
Kansas is trying to stay on the right course after a 38-21 win over an Oklahoma State team that has fallen short of expectations and lost its head coach early in the season as a result.
The win over the Cowboys came after back-to-back 42-17 losses to Texas Tech and Kansas State and close loss to Cincinnati, 37-34, at home.
“Get the hell over it and play”
Despite the Colorada drubbing, there were a couple mistakes that could have bigger implications in a more competitive game.
Kris Hutson and Cornelius Warren III were the two Wildcats to have lost a fumble early in the third quarter and later in the back half of the fourth quarter.
“We’re definitely a team that is constantly talking about play the next play,” Brennan said. “The best thing you can do for yourself and the best thing you can do for this team is get the hell over it and play right now. Go get it.”
Kansas is tied for fifth in the Big 12 in fumbles forced with seven and is tied for sixth with fumbles recovered with five.
Homecoming brings back alums
Arizona will be hosting its 111th annual homecoming since the tradition began in 1914.
“I’m excited to see the fans show up for this game,” Brennan said. “It’s homecoming. We have all kinds of former players and alums coming back for this to create what I hope will be the absolute best environment we’ve had in Arizona Stadium all season.”
Arizona has had a tough time attracting fans to the stadium this year, most notably against BYU, the only ranked opponent Arizona played at home.
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