Arizona
Cardinals vs Rams: Three X Factors
The Arizona Cardinals’ opener against the Buffalo Bills a week ago had mixed results.
On one hand, Kyler Murray was solid and found ways to make plays despite being under constant duress. On the flip side of the ball, the defense was bullied by Josh Allen and couldn’t help the offense when they needed the help to play catch up.
Arizona returns to State Farm Stadium for their home opener against the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams, which will be quite the challenge.
LA has a host of Pro Bowlers on offense, including Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams – all of whom have had great success against the Cardinals’ defense.
It will once again fall on Murray and the offense’s shoulders to keep the Cardinals in this game, but they’ll need the following players to have great days if they want to get the upset and their first win of the season.
Paris Johnson Jr
This Cardinals offensive line was bullied against the Bills a week ago, surrendering four sacks and constant pressure throughout 60 minutes. Things get no easier ais the Rams, who have booked edge rushers in Byron Young and first-round rookie Jared Verse, who each recorded a sack in week one’s loss to the Lions.
The duo was far from the issue in the defeat, and they will be the key on defense for LA against the Cardinals.
We, unfortunately, know what to expect from Kelvin Beachum at right tackle, but second-year man Paris Johnson Jr will have quite the task in front of him with a chance to prove himself.
A lot of pressure will be placed on Johnson, right, wrong, or indifferent. But a strong day from Johnson dramatically increases the Cardinals’ chances to get the win.
Kyzir White and Mack Wilson Sr
White (first) and Wilson (third) were two of the Cardinals’ top three tacklers from last week and they’ll once again need to put up some big numbers against the Rams.
LA has no shortage of weapons but running back Kyren Williams may be the top priority for this defense to slow down. After all, Williams ran for 301 yards on 8.4 yards per carry plus a touchdown against Arizona in two games last season.
The defensive line needs to be on their A-game, but it’ll be up to White and Wilson to contain Williams if he gets to the second level and keep him from breaking off big runs.
Sean Murphy-Bunting
Sean Murphy-Butning has the “pleasure” of covering Cooper Kupp this weekend…
If the Cardinals are smart, and I believe they will recognize this as a top priority, they will put Kupp in bracket coverage to make sure Murphy-Bunting, and his teammates aren’t covering Kupp one-on-one. There are few defensive backs in the league who can do it, so this is no insult to the veteran corner.
However, Murphy-Bunting will be likely tasked with lining up on the former Super Bowl MVP the most, and thus he’ll need to put together the best performance of his career.
As No. 1 Arizona men’s basketball heads into its non-conference finale against South Dakota State, the Wildcats enter the matchup riding a dominant unbeaten run and showcasing one of the most balanced rosters in the country.
Arizona (12-0) isn’t just winning, it’s doing so with elite offensive efficiency, strong rebounding, and depth scoring and several key contributors will be central in dictating the game’s flow against a scrappy Jackrabbits squad.
Brayden Burries — Dynamic Scoring Threat
At the top on the list of players South Dakota State must contend with is freshman guard Brayden Burries. Burries has emerged as a consistent scoring option, averaging about 14.0 points per game while showing range and confidence from deep.
His ability to create his own shot and hit timely buckets gives Arizona a go-to scorer when defenses tighten, and his recent 20-point performance against Bethune-Cookman underscored his upside in high-tempo play.
Burries are dangerous both off the catch and in transition, forcing defenders to commit early and opening space for cutters and shooters alike. Defensively, he’s also shown a willingness to compete, which could be a factor in disrupting South Dakota State’s rhythm.
Koa Peat — Frontcourt Force
Inside, forward Koa Peat provides Arizona with a multifaceted threat. Peat is averaging around 13.8 points per game, combining physical intimidation with agility on both ends of the court. His rebounding, defensive rotations, and ability to finish around the rim make him central to Arizona’s inside-out game plan.
Peat’s presence in the post demands attention; if the Jackrabbits collapse to stop him, it can open up kick-out opportunities for shooters. Conversely, his ability to face up and attack closeouts creates mismatches that Arizona can exploit.
Jaden Bradley — Playmaking Lead Guard
Another key piece for the Wildcats is guard Jaden Bradley, whose all-around game catalyzes Arizona’s offense. Bradley averages approximately 13.4 points and nearly 4.0 assists per game, serving as the primary distributor and floor general. His decision-making helps maintain offensive fluidity, and his defensive effort, including multiple steals, adds value on both ends.
Bradley’s versatility allows him to orchestrate pick-and-roll actions, penetrate closeouts, and find open teammates, which is a skill set that will be crucial against South Dakota State’s defensive schemes.
Supporting Contributors: Dell’Orso, Kharchenkov & Awaka
Arizona’s depth is a strength that’s continued to show up in games. Anthony Dell’Orso has provided scoring punch off the bench, while Ivan Kharchenkov contributes athleticism and defensive intensity. Tobe Awaka’s rebounding and physicality on the boards also help the Wildcats control possession and limit second-chance points. A vital area against a team that thrives in transition.
Matchup Outlook
For Arizona, the keys against South Dakota State will be to impose its tempo, control the paint, and move the ball efficiently to find open shots. With multiple legitimate scoring threats from Burries’ sharpshooting to Peat’s interior play and Bradley’s playmaking the Wildcats present a multifaceted challenge. South Dakota State will need to do more than focus on one player; Arizona’s rotation is deep, and its scoring doesn’t hinge on a single source.
If the Wildcats execute with the same balance and defensive tenacity they’ve shown all season, they should dictate the game’s rhythm and limit the Jackrabbits’ offensive effectiveness.
Tell us how you see the Holiday Bowl playing out for Arizona by commenting on our Facebook page. Also, be sure to follow @NateMartTSports on X for updates on all things Arizona Wildcats.
The final snap has been taken. The final pass has been tossed. No more tackles. No more touchdowns. The final whistle has blown. High school football in Arizona has come to a close.
Now that the dust has settled, and before we head into 2026, High School On SI is looking at the top statistical leaders in particular states and listing the top performers from the 2025 campaign to put a bow on the fall for good.
The following stats were pulled from MaxPreps.com and are in order of the most yards (along with other notable stats). All listed players are quarterbacks.
VOTE for which player you think had the best 2025 season at the bottom of the page.
(Name, school, year)
(Total yards, TDs, games played, yards per game)
3,826 yds, 41 TDs, 12 GP, 318.8 yds/game
3,815 yds, 33 TDs, 13 GP, 293.5 yds/game
3,377 yds, 36 TDs, 12 GP, 281.4 yds/game
3,132 yds, 34 TDs, 11 GP, 284.7 yds/game
2,947 yds, 41 TDs, 10 GP, 294.7 yds/game
2,866 yds, 37 TDs, 13 GP, 220.5 yds/game
2,818 yds, 38 TDs, 14 GP, 201.3 yds/game
2,815 yds, 37 TDs, 12 GP, 234.6 yds/game
2,796 yds, 33 TDs, 14 GP, 199.7 yds/game
2,740 yds, 30 TDs, 12 GP, 228.3 yds/game
(Poll closes Jan. 4 at 8 p.m.)
Open Division: Basha 34, Chandler 7 — Basha capped a spectacular season with a decisive championship victory over Chandler.
6A: Casteel 42, Centennial 27 — Casteel emerged as the dominant 6A program with a big postseason run and title game success.
5A: Desert Mountain 21, Canyon View 7 — A competitive matchup that saw Desert Mountain seize the crown.
4A: Mica Mountain 42, Arcadia 17 — Mica Mountain took control in the 4A final.
3A: Round Valley 13, Benjamin Franklin 10 — A tight and thrilling defensive battle.
2A: Scottsdale Christian 27, St. Johns 22 — Scottsdale Christian claimed a close-fought 2A title.
1A: Hayden 66, Bagdad 20 — Hayden dominated the 1A championship.
Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school sports news.
To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app:
Download iPhone App | Download Android App
The 2025 college football season wraps up with more than 40 bowl games over the rest of December and into January. That can make it hard to keep track of just when and where all the games are taking place. On Saturday, the Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4) and Miami (OH) RedHawks (7-6) meet up in Tucson, Arizona to battle in the Arizona Bowl.
USA TODAY is covering all the action from kickoff to trophy ceremony, but there’s still time to experience the game in-person. Here’s everything you need to know about the Arizona Bowl before the RedHawks and Bulldogs take the field.
How to buy tickets for every College Football Playoff game
Buy Arizona Bowl tickets
2025 Arizona Bowl date, time, location
All times Eastern
- Matchup: Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4) vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks (7-6)
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m.
- Venue: Casino Del Sol Stadium
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- TV Station: The CW Network
2025 Arizona Bowl odds
Opening lines
- Spread: Fresno State -6
- Moneyline: Fresno State -220; Miami (OH) +180
- Total: 42.5
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