Arizona State fell to No. 2 Utah 40-39 in a high-scoring thriller, marking the Wildcats’ first home loss in over a year. Despite the defeat, Pro Football Focus (PFF) awarded the team an overall grade of 74.1, highlighting a stark contrast between a potent offense and a vulnerable defensive front. The offense earned a strong 76.1 mark, driven by an elite pass grade of 84.6, while the defense struggled significantly, receiving a 64.2 overall score. The most glaring issue was tackling, which received a dismal 49.8 grade, exposing a critical weakness that allowed Utah to sustain long drives.
Noah Fifita shines with 88.0 grade as tackling struggles sink Wildcats’ defense
Quarterback Noah Fifita was the standout performer, posting an impressive 88.0 overall grade on at least 20 snaps. His performance was supported by a solid offensive line, with left guard Rhino Tapa’atoutai leading pass blocking efforts with an 89.3 grade and center Zach Henning contributing an 85.9. On the perimeter, wide receiver Chris Hunter III (73.7) and Isaiah Mizell (70.9) provided reliable targets, while Giovanni Richardson (70.7) added value in the run game with a 78.6 run blocking grade. Cornerback Jay’Vion Cole also delivered a strong individual performance, earning an 83.5 overall grade despite the unit’s collective struggles.
The defensive line showed flashes of promise, with defensive tackle Mays Pese recording a 72.2 overall grade, but the unit failed to contain Utah’s rushing attack effectively. The tackling deficiency, rated at 49.8, proved costly in a game decided by a single point. For Arizona (7-3, 4-3 Big 12), the takeaway is clear: while the passing attack remains elite, the defense must improve its fundamentals in tackling to compete with top-tier opponents. As the season progresses, addressing this specific metric will be crucial for the Wildcats to secure a postseason berth.
Source: Yahoo Sports
