After watching the film of Arizona's loss to Iowa State, Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales was encouraged by the Wildcats' defense despite allowing 39 points.
UA only allowed 2.4 yards per rush last Saturday and "didn't get bullied around by the bully of this league," Gonzales said.
"We just didn't execute in the key moments and big plays," Gonzales said. "If you're going to give up big plays, you're going to lose on both sides of the ball, and we did."
Iowa State had six passes for 189 yards against the Wildcats, which Gonzales said "is the difference in the game." Marquis Groves-Killebrew and Ayden Garnes were Arizona's cornerbacks who allowed the six passes.Â
Iowa State wide receiver Carson Brown (10) tries to catch a pass as he is defended by Arizona defensive backs Treydan Stukes (2) and Michael Dansby (25) during their game on Sept. 27, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
"Those six plays that led to 189 yards, a couple of them didn't even have to happen if we do our job the way we're trained to do it," Gonzales said.Â
Since Arizona plays an aggressive style of defense with disguised blitzes by linebackers and defensive backs, the UA cornerbacks often play man coverage, which runs the risk of explosive passes and receivers coming down with catches in one-on-one situations.Â
"We're going to put those guys on an island because of what we do and how violent we play and the demeanor and the resilience we're going to play," Gonzales said. "I have the confidence in those guys to play that."Â
Arizona cornerback Michael Dansby said Oklahoma State is "going to throw the ball, for sure," against the Wildcats.
"They got a free range of motion," Dansby said. "It's a widespread of things they're going to do."Â
Even though Arizona's defense took a step back last game following a dominant three-game start, the Wildcats are one of two teams in college football this season to not allow a passing touchdown; Nebraska is the other one.Â
Arizona has the 24th-best passing defense in college football and is tops in the Big 12 for defensive efficiency (52.5%). The Wildcats are tied for first in the Big 12 for the most interceptions. Arizona nickel back Treydan Stukes, who's no longer on a snap count to rehab a knee injury, had Arizona's only takeaway on Saturday with an interception in the second half against Iowa State.Â
"Having Stukes back is big for the defense in general and also the team," Dansby said. "His leadership on the field is going to elevate us."
