Three Arizona Wildcats defensive stars to watch against the Houston Cougars

The Wild cats from Arizona have been outscored 280-199 this season. That’s one way to get one loss before being eliminated from bowl game contention.

The Wild cats host of the Houston Cougars on Friday at Arizona Stadium, and limiting the Cougars’ offense will be a primary problem Arizona.

Arizona (3-6, 1-5 in Big 12) is outscored 200-109 in Big 12 action and hasn’t won a conference game since winning Utah during their opener in September. The Utes may be the only team more disappointing in the Big 12, given expectations.

After giving up 56 points to UCFyou can bet Arizona’s defense is tuned in – or at least the Wildcats hope so.

The Cougars (4-5, 3-3) have been outscored 198-137 this season and 148-85 in Big 12 play. The difference is that Houston has won three of its last four games. But Houston was outscored 94-82 in those games. The Cougars don’t score many points, but their defense can shut it down.

Here are three defensive players to watch for each team.

DB Dalton Johnson

With three games remaining, Johnson is one of several defenders who will have to stay committed to a depleted defense. He leads the Wildcats in tackles with 66, with two forced fumbles and two passes defended. He has to put on a big play.

DB Tacario Davis

He has been in trouble for much of the season, but he continues to play and play, which is fitting for a player some believe will be selected highly in April. NFL draft. He has 33 tackles, but has also defended five passes. The veteran would like nothing more than to finally get a pass, something he has yet to do.

DB Genesis Smith

Looking ahead to 2025, Smith is the defense the Wildcats can build around. Since taking over for the injured Treydan Stukes, he has been delivered. He has 40 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed and a forced fumble.

DB AJ Haulcy

This star defensive end from Houston will play on Sundays at some point. He was one of the top coverage corners in the Big 12 and has four interceptions this season. He is also a confident tackler, with 54 on the season, which is second on the team.

LB Michael Batton

Batton is Houston’s leading tackler with 66 carries this season. He is also one of the best pass rushers with three sacks. He even took away a card. For a team still looking for more playmakers, Batton is the defenseman the Cougars rely on most.

DL Keith Cooper Jr.

He is the team’s best lineman entering the game with 2.5 sacks and 27 tackles. If the Cougars expect to get a push to pressure Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, it will likely start with Cooper.