Wildcats Going Bowling on Saturday

The Arizona Wildcats return to bowl action when they face the BYU Cougars in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl.

The Arizona Wildcats return to bowl action for the first time since 1998 when they face the BYU Cougars in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday.

In a series that dates back to 1936, Arizona owns an 11-9-1 advantage over BYU. The Wildcats won the last meeting in Tucson in 2006, but dropped a 20-7 decision in Provo in 2007.

The Cougars had won three of four prior contests in the UA's final days in the Western Athletic Conference in the late 1970s.

The Las Vegas Bowl showdown will mark the first game between the two schools at a neutral site.

Arizona has a more than a few players with game experience against BYU – 25 to be exact. 

The game will feature a match of offenses capable of moving the ball, with BYU rated 17th nationally in total offense (444 ypg) behind a No. 7 passing attack and Arizona checking in at 34th in total offense (401 ypg) behind a balanced attack. Both teams can score, with the UA (37 ppg) holding a slight edge over BYU (35 ppg).

Arizona's No. 20 defense could be helpful in its quest for a first bowl victory since the 1998 Holiday Bowl.

Willie Tuitama of Arizona and Max Hall of BYU give their teams veteran quarterback leadership. Austin Collie of BYU, fourth nationally with 7.9 receptions per game, and the UA's  Mike Thomas, the No. 3 active career receptions leader with 255 grabs, are two of the nation's most dynamic receivers.

The UA takes on a team familiar with the scene at Sam Boyd Stadium: it's the Cougars' fourth consecutive Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl appearance and quest for a third straight victory.

Arizona closed its 2008 regular season in solid fashion with a 31-10 victory over Arizona State to take the Territorial Cup trophy, state bragging rights, a winning record and a bowl invitation from Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl representatives.