The Arizona Wildcats lost to BYU 28-23 in the season opener Saturday night at Arizona Stadium. Here are some pertinent notes, quotes and statistics:
NOTES
- Arizona lost for the fifth time in its past six games, dating to last season.
- The defeat was the Wildcats’ first in a home opener at Arizona Stadium since they lost to Ohio State 27-17 in 2000.
- The Wildcats had 326 yards of offense – less than in any game last season. Their lowest total in 2017 was 330 yards against Oregon.
- BYU possessed the ball for 22 minutes, 34 seconds in the second half to Arizona’s 7:26.
- QB Khalil Tate’s 14 rushing yards were 10 fewer than he had in any game last season. His eight rushing attempts tied his lowest total since he became Arizona’s starting quarterback. The other time he had eight rushes was against Arizona State, and he missed most of the second half of that game.
- Tate’s 34 passing attempts were one shy of his career high, set in that same game against the Ducks.
- Donovan Laie became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for Arizona since at least 1992. He was one of six players to make their first career starts for Arizona. Four were offensive linemen.
- Linebacker Colin Schooler finished with a career-high 16 tackles, topping his previous mark of 14 at Cal last season. The 16 tackles were the most by a Wildcat since Scooby Wright III had 19 against UCLA on Nov. 1, 2014.
- LB Tony Fields II had 11 tackles, the eighth time in his 14-game career in which he has reached double figures.
- Redshirt sophomore Isaiah Hayes, who missed all of last season because of a shoulder injury, set a career high with 13 tackles, surpassing his previous career mark of nine.
- Arizona’s defensive linemen, including the “Studs,†combined for nine tackles.
- CB Lorenzo Burns set a career high with three pass breakups.
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QUOTES
Tate on whether he wanted to run the ball more: “I wanted to win. That’s the overall reason for playing football. Everybody up here wants to win games. When the team wins, everybody wins.â€
DE Justin Belknap on the defense’s struggles in the second half: “We started catching cramps. I’m not making excuses or anything. That’s on us.â€
UA coach Kevin Sumlin on how BYU defended Tate: “They put together a blueprint with the way they played defense with the edges and not really attacking inside. Once we got to some spread formations instead of trying to get to the perimeter all the time, we were able to run it pretty effectively. If people are going to play you like that, we’ve got to get to some inside runs quicker and make the edges less effective – to be able to pull people out of the box. And then we’ve got to be able to take advantage of it.â€
Sumlin on Tate’s performance: “I never, ever talk about a quarterback’s performance right after the game, until I get back and look at the video. There are a lot of things that go into that. Was he flushed? Was he able to set his feet? Did he make the right reads? Were our guys at the right depth? There’s 10 other guys out there that are responsible for his success. Sometimes he’s cleaning up some other mistakes too. I’ll be able answer that better Monday.â€
Sumlin on the play of the offensive line: “We can be better. It was a lot of young guys out there, against an experienced defense. We were concerned about that coming into the game, obviously. But those are our guys. There were times we were able to move the football the way we wanted to move it. At times protection was good. It was just kind of hit and miss.â€
Sumlin on bouncing back: “The key to that is to stay together as a team and understand, hey, look, even if we had come back and won the game, we’ve still got issues. We have to address those issues honestly … and then move forward. The only way to do that is to not dwell on tonight but look at it for what it really is and fix the issues, starting tomorrow. And then be able to communicate those plans to our players and go back to work. We’ve got a lot of football left.â€
BYU coach Kalani Sitake on defending Tate: “I think the game plan that the defensive staff had was really good. There were some things that we were doing to try to keep them guessing on a lot of stuff and keep them contained, which meant we couldn’t just tee off and try to come after him and apply pressure. He’s a guy that can make someone miss, and it’ll cost you.â€
STATS
- BYU had 23 first downs; Arizona had 22.
- BYU rushed for 183 yards; Arizona rushed for 129.
- BYU converted 5 of 12 third downs (41.7 percent); Arizona converted 6 of 15 (40.0).
- The teams combined for one sack and zero turnovers.
- µþ³Û±«â€™s average starting field position was its 30-yard line; Arizona’s was its 25.
- µþ³Û±«â€™s Squally Canada had a game-high 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
- Arizona RB J.J. Taylor had 112 scrimmage yards (85 rushing, 27 receiving) and a touchdown.
- Taylor, Shawn Poindexter (4-68) and Tony Ellison (4-45-1) tied for the team lead with four receptions apiece.
- Newcomer Dylan Klumph averaged 45.6 yards on five punts, with one touchback and one downed inside the 20-yard line.
Photos: BYU upsets Arizona Wildcats 28-23 in teams' season opener
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona wide receiver Shawn Poindexter (19) has sure first down inside the Cougar 20 slip through his hands in front of Brigham Young defensive back Chris Wilcox (32) late in the fourth quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku (5) gets a handful of Arizona wide receiver Cedric Peterson (18) to keep him form a catch in the end zone late in the fourth quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
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Brigham Young running back Squally Canada (22) takes a bow after his sprint up the middle on third and long gave the Cougars the final first down to clinch a 28-23 win over Arizona at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 1, 2018.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young head coach Kalani Sitake, left, celebrate with a member of his staff as the clock winds down the final seconds of the Cougars 28-23 win at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona players run onto the field under a fireworks display as they prepare to face Brigham Young at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona players gather in an end zone to kneel just before the kick-off against Brigham Young at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Students in the Zona Zoo section line up along the newly shortened wall for the Wildcats game against Brigham Young the first for the latest renovation of Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Kevin Sumlin faces his first major test as Arizona coach.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate (14) rolls out and dumps a pass against Brigham Young in the first quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona safety Isaiah Hayes (21) takes down Brigham Young wide receiver Neil Pau'u (84) at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Kevin Sumlin's debut as Arizona coach did not go as planned.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona wide receiver Devaughn Cooper (7) and Brigham Young defensive back Chris Wilcox (32) crash to the turf well before the ball arrives, but no call came the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate (14) turns the corner in front of BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) for a short gain in the second quarter of their matchup at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 1, 2018.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Tailback J.J. Taylor was one of Arizona's few bright spots in the season opener vs. BYU.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona wide receiver Cedric Peterson (18) and Brigham Young defensive back D'Angelo Mandell get tangled up pursuing a pass along the sidelines that fell incomplete in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) finds the seam between Arizona defensive end Jalen Harris (49), left, and defensive end JB Brown (12) to escape and get off a completed pass in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young wide receiver Dylan Collie (3) manages to haul in the ball that fell into his arms after being deflected by Arizona safety Isaiah Hayes (21) the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young tight end Darlin Holker (32) gets well behind Arizona cornerback Lorenzo Burns (2) for a catch and run that came up inches short of being touchdown in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate (14) fires a pass over Brigham Young linebacker Butch Pau'u (38) in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young wide receiver Micah Simon makes a first down catch inside the ten in front of Arizona cornerback Tim Hough (8) in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona running back J.J. Taylor (21) skips out of the grip of Brigham Young defensive back Austin Lee (11) on a long run in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona cornerback Lorenzo Burns (2), left, and linebacker Colin Schooler (7) meet in the middle to stop Brigham Young running back Squally Canada (22) in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (6) stones Brigham Young wide receiver Aleva Hifo (15) after his catch in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona defensive end Justin Belknap (86) pleads with a game official after getting his helmet ripped off against Brigham Young in the third quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
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BYU tight end Matt Bushman, a Tucson native and Sabino alum, yells after hauling in a 24-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of the Cougars’ 28-23 win over ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV on Sept. 1, 2018, at Arizona Stadium.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona running back J.J. Taylor (21) goes over his linemen to break the plane and score against Brigham Young in the fourth quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Brigham Young linebacker Butch Pau'u (38) and defensive lineman Earl Tuioti-Mariner (91) manage to stop Arizona running back J.J. Taylor (21) just short of the goal line on a two point conversion in the fourth quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Brigham Young defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) gets a handful of the helmet of Arizona running back Gary Brightwell (23) but doesn't get called for a penalty in the first quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona wide receiver Shawn Poindexter (19) slips out of the grip of Brigham Young defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku (5) and help set up a Wildcat field goal in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona defensive end Justin Belknap (86) top, linebacker Colin Schooler (7) and defensive tackle PJ Johnson (52) bury Brigham Young quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) in the first quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona wide receiver Tony Ellison (9) left, gets a head bump from teammate Arizona running back J.J. Taylor (21) after his catch to give the Wildcats a 10-7 lead against Brigham Young in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
University of Arizona vs BYU

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate (14) turns the corner on Brigham Young linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona linebacker Colin Schooler (7) gives a roar after helping down Brigham Young quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) in the first quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona sophomore tight end Bryce Wolma, right, earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Academic first team thanks to a 4.00 GPA.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

BYU wide receiver Aleva Hifo breaks the tackle by Arizona safety Isaiah Hayes (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona wide receiver Shawn Poindexter (19) gains a first down against BYU during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona cornerback Lorenzo Burns, left, had one of his best games as a Wildcat.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin, left, and BYU coach Kalani Sitake talk before an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin leads his team on his first Wildcat Walk as Arizona prepares to open the season against Brigham Young at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Kimberlee Romo uses the old trick of a finger in the beer to lower the level of foam so she can get a fuller cup on the first day of beer sales at Arizona Stadium for the Wildcats' game against BYU, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

A young fan comes face to face with the Button Salmon bust just before the Wildcat Walk as Arizona prepares to face Brigham Young at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Students hurry through one of the new tunnels providing access to the Zona Zoo student section before Arizona takes on Brigham Young at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Some standing water greets the first fans through gate 3 on the opening night of new renovated Arizona Stadium for the game against Brigham Young, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

The newly lowered wall in front of the Zona Zoo student section, cut down significantly during the recent remodeling, just before the Wildcats take on Brigham Young at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. BYU football season opener

Arizona safety Tristan Cooper (31) slams into Brigham Young wide receiver Neil Pau'u (84) but not before he cradles a catch in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday September 1, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.