BYU football: Arizona has answer for Pitta

LAS VEGAS — Two of the best tight ends in the nation will be featured Saturday in the Las Vegas Bowl.

BYU's Dennis Pitta (78 catches, 1,025 yards, six touchdowns) and Arizona's Rob Gronkowski (43 catches, 645 yards, 10 TDs) play key roles in their respective offenses.

"(Gronkowski) and Pitta are very similar in that they're great receivers and they can block pretty well, too," said BYU linebacker David Nixon. "They have the same body style, big and very athletic.

With that being said, we have a lot on our plate with their tight end. We're really going to have to cover him.

"He's (quarterback Willie) Tuitama's main look," Nixon continued. "We're going to have to focus on that and double him up a little bit.

At the end of the day, we've got to put pressure (on Tuitama) so he doesn't have time to throw to him. We've got to play sound defense and make sure we don't give up any big plays to their tight ends and their other threats."

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall is impressed with Gronkowski, who was named third-team All-America this week.

"He's a fabulous player. I don't think he's been defended well yet or effectively by anyone they've played," Mendenhall said. "He has a unique combination of size and hands that makes him very difficult to cover. They use a scheme that gets the ball to him. It will be a difficult challenge for us. Much like Dennis Pitta is when teams play us."

DIFFERENT PATHS: While BYU has played in the previous three Las Vegas Bowls, this marks Arizona's first bowl appearance in 10 years.

Both teams are grateful to have one more game.

"We have been so close in getting a more positive direction. Every time we have got there, we have kind of stumbled," said Wildcats coach Mike Stoops. "This was a better ending. We are guaranteed a winning record, which is something we have not had in 10 years. I have great resolve for these players that have been here through this and stuck with us and took a chance on our program."

Will the Cougars be able to match Arizona's emotion, given their excitement about finally getting to a bowl game?