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While it might be lagging in terms of elite teams and revenue, the new-look Big 12 won’t be short on drama.
Arizona is one of the new faces entering the conference, and it does so on an extremely high—albeit slightly complicated—note.
There was nothing complicated about last season. After a 3-3 start, the Wildcats closed with seven straight wins. Quarterback Noah Fifita emerged as a star when thrust into action. His favorite target, wideout Tetairoa McMillan, did the same.
When Jedd Fisch left for Washington, Brent Brennan was named head coach. His biggest win thus far was ensuring that Fifita and McMillan didn’t leave, and it was a massive victory.
The roster largely stayed together, and it has experience and talent on both sides of the ball. The offensive line could be a strength, and that’s great news for a young, emerging QB. The defense has enough, especially in the back seven, to cause some problems.
In terms of the prospects of winning the conference, September will tell us plenty. Arizona plays at Kansas State and at Utah in back-to-back games, with a bye week wedged in between.
The two favorites to win the Big 12 also happen to be two of the tough places to play in the country. If the Wildcats can pull off one of these wins, they should be in a favorable position down the stretch.
It won’t be easy, but having two of the best offensive players in the nation could carry this team to new heights.
