Game Prediction: Arizona vs. No. 14 Iowa State

When you take that game out of the equation, Arizona averaged 18.2 PPG putting the unit near the bottom of the conference.

So far in three games, Arizona is averaging 37 PPG which places the Wildcats at No. 37 nationally.

Meanwhile on the defensive side of the ball, Brennan promoted Danny Gonzales to defensive coordinator where he has mixed up the scheme and has brought a new aggression to his unit.

In three games, the Wildcats have held opponents to 8.7 PPG, which places them at No. 10 nationally. Arizona has only allowed two touchdowns all season with both coming against Kansas State in the last game.

Now, Arizona gets ready for a game against No. 14 Iowa State following the bye-week with a Saturday night 4 p.m. (MST) kickoff time on ESPN.

As we get closer to kickoff, the first availability report of the Big 12 season for Arizona and Iowa State has been released. Going into the bye-week the Wildcats had several players that had been banged up through the first week and saw some time missed on the field.

Some guys that had been going through injury issues were defensive end Tre Smith, running back Kedrick Reescano, receivers Kris Hutson and Chris Hunter, defensive back Tredyan Stukes and linebacker Riley Wilson.

Of all of those players that have been going through issues, only Reescano was listed and the rest seem good to go after the first availability report of the season. This means, the Wildcats are the healthiest they’ve been all year as the team heads into Ames to take on the Cyclones.

Knowing that the Wildcats are coming into the game healthy and have had a bye-week ahead of the game against No. 14 Iowa State, we at Arizona Wildcats On SI have made are game prediction for the showdown in Ames.

Game Prediction

• No. 14 Iowa State: 20

• Arizona: 17

Reason

These might be the two best defensive teams in the Big 12 conference with elite-level athletes at all three levels of the defense. Arizona has been able to slow down the running game and keep running quarterbacks under control.

This game will be two tough teams fitting a physical battle that will be won by special teams. If you look at the issues the Wildcats have had with that unit, Iowa State seems to have the edge. So, that is why we are going with the Cyclones to escape with a 3-point win.