BYU Breaks Away in Second Half to Edge Arizona in Big 12 Opener

BYU pulled away in the second half to beat Arizona 28-17 in the Big 12 opener, after the Wildcats led 17-14 at halftime but were shut out after the break. Arizona QB Noah Fifita threw for 230 yards with a TD and an INT, while BYU’s Bear Bachmeier accounted for all four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) and LJ Martin added 98 rushing yards. Arizona WR Gio Richardson left the game with an injury as the offense stalled in the second half; Arizona also faced turnover challenges and red-zone stalls. The loss drops Arizona to 1-1 (0-1 Big 12) and extends BYU’s edge in the series, now 6 straight defeats for UA to BYU. Next up, Arizona hosts Northern Illinois on Sept. 19.