{"id":847217,"date":"2026-09-14T07:18:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T07:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/847217\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T07:18:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T07:18:45","slug":"arizona-coach-brent-brennan-reflects-on-loss-to-byu-deseret-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/847217\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona coach Brent Brennan reflects on loss to BYU \u2013 Deseret News"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week ahead of his team\u2019s Saturday matchup with BYU, Arizona coach Brent Brennan<\/a> offered a quote that became a bit of bulletin board material for the Cougars and their fans. <\/p>\n

Referring to Arizona\u2019s most recent visit to Provo in 2024, Brennan said he \u201cdidn\u2019t feel like the (BYU) crowd was a problem,\u201d instead attributing that loss to Wildcat turnovers and overall poor performance.<\/p>\n

But Cougar fans still took issue with what Brennan said \u2014 despite him having later added that LaVell Edwards Stadium had a \u201cgreat crowd\u201d \u2014 and BYU\u2019s official social media accounts even posted a hype video Friday night that began with a clip of Brennan\u2019s quote.<\/p>\n

After Arizona fell 28-17 Saturday for its sixth consecutive loss to the Cougars, Brennan could only laugh about his earlier quote, which he said had been taken \u201cout of context.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great environment. They do a great job here with that,\u201d Brennan told reporters postgame.<\/p>\n

\u201c… That was a crazy quote, you know what I mean? My players were like, \u2018Coach, they\u2019re killing you (online),\u201d he continued with a laugh.<\/p>\n

After leading 17-14 at halftime Saturday, the Wildcats were shut out in the second half, with BYU putting up a pair of touchdowns to fend off upset-hungry Arizona.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just have to finish,\u201d Brennan said. \u201cThat comes down to execution. That is (the) red line for us, and we didn\u2019t finish in the fourth quarter on offense or defense. <\/p>\n

\u201cAs frustrated as we are, I was proud of how hard we played. I thought we played physical. I thought we ran the ball effectively against a really good defense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 1 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars wide receiver Reggie Frischknecht (18) celebrates a touchdown with his teammates during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 2 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats tight end Shane King (8) catches the ball for a touchdown during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 3 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) catches the ball during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 4 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats tight end Shane King (8) dances with his teammate Tre Spivey (12) after scoring a touchdown during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 5 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars running back Lj Martin (4) pushes the pile forward as he runs with the ball during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 6 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats tight end Cole Rusk (14) catches the ball during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 7 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) throws the ball to his wide receiver Rodney Gallagher III (84) during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 8 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) dives for a first down during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 9 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars running back Lj Martin (4) runs with the ball during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 10 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake speaks into his headset during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 11 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars running back Lj Martin (4) runs with the ball during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 12 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats tight end Cole Rusk (14) is overthrown during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 13 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) makes a leaping pass during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 14 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Leroy Palu (95) sacks BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 15 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan encourages his players during a timeout at a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 16 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats head coach Brent Brennan yells at a referee during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 17 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars defensive lineman Tausili Akana (13) sacks Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 18 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats tight end Cole Rusk (14) runs with the ball during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 19 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats tight end Cole Rusk (14) runs with the ball during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 20 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) throws the ball during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 21 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Leroy Palu (95) celebrates a sack during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 22 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats running back Quincy Craig (24) is then down by BYU Cougars defensive end Braxton Lindsey (30) during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 23 of 32<\/p>\n

Arizona Wildcats running back Kedrick Reescano (3) runs with the ball during a football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 24 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars wide receiver Reggie Frischknecht (18) crosses into the end zone during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 25 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars tight end Roger Saleapaga II (2) bobbles a pass during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 26 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) celebrates after defending a reception during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 27 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars tight end Roger Saleapaga II (2) tries to obtain possession of a bobbled catch while defenders prowl to intercept the ball during a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 28 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake high-fives fans during the Cougar Walk ahead of a football game against the Arizona Wildcats at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 29 of 32<\/p>\n

Two girls sit on their father\u2019s shoulders during the Cougar Walk ahead of a football game against the Arizona Wildcats at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 30 of 32<\/p>\n

The BYU marching band marches through fans during the Cougar Walk before a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 31 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 32 of 32<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against Arizona at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News <\/p>\n

The Wildcats\u2019 clock struck midnight with just over eight minutes left to play in the fourth quarter, as a Noah Fifita pass to Rodney Gallagher III on fourth and 4 was ruled short of the first down, which gave the ball back to the Cougars for them to score an insurance touchdown.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s football. They made a good play,\u201d Brennan said of the fourth down stop. \u201cThey were right at the sticks. I think that\u2019s disappointing, but really in that moment what choice do you have, right? <\/p>\n

\u201cThe only choice you have is to get back to fighting because there\u2019s still plenty of time left in the football game, and in my opinion, we did not execute at the level we need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arizona is now 1-1 on the season with the loss and heads back to Tucson to host Northern Illinois next Saturday and attempt to return to the win column.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest thing is that we went on the road, we played a top 15 team and we battled for four quarters,\u201d Brennan said. \u201cWe played physical, we played tough, we didn\u2019t back down. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re disappointed with the outcome. That part of it is not fun, but we have so much football left to play. What\u2019s important is what we do next with our next opportunity to improve and get better.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This week ahead of his team\u2019s Saturday matchup with BYU, Arizona coach Brent Brennan offered a quote that…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":847218,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[399,398,396,397,3125,99],"class_list":["post-847217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-football","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-news-feed-local","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/847217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=847217"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/847217\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/847218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=847217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=847217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=847217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}