Top 5 Anu Solomon Games at Arizona
By Brad Malone
Sep 20, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon (12) passes the ball during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Arizona won 49-45. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
1. Nov. 20, 2015
Arizona 49 Cal 45
In the pantheon of Arizona Football lore, there are three distinct moments that will be talked about decades from now.
There was Chuck Cecil’s 106-yard interception return to the house in 1986, spoiling the sun devils National Title hopes.
Arizona Wildcats
Next was Ortege Jenkins‘ ‘Leap By the Lake’, when on fourth down from the Arizona 9-yard line, with no time-outs and 0:12 left Jenkins did the unthinkable by scoring a rushing touchdown by completing a front flip into the end zone, while avoiding a Husky defender.
The third play is still fresh in our minds and it is part of the reason the game against Cal last year is No. 1 on our list.
When the fourth quarter started against Cal last November, thousands of fans had already abandoned Arizona Stadium. The Cats trailed 31-13 and little hope could be felt from the fans who did stick around.
What happened next was improbable and unthinkable. Arizona scored 36 points in the fourth quarter and found a way to stay in a game most Wildcats fans originally thought should have been an easy win.
Solomon was a big part of the incredible fourth quarter. He set an all time single game school record by passing for 520 yards against the Bears, but his final pass of the evening is the one we will never forget.
Trailing by two near midfield with only seconds remaining, the Cats were out of field goal range and had no choice but to give Solomon some space to let one fly and hope someone on the receiving end could make a play.
Solomon took the snap, ran right and heaved the ball with all his might towards the back right side of the end zone.
Senior Austin Hill came down with the ball and the ‘Hill Mary’ was born.
The people who stuck around were ecstatic and the celebration lasted for several minutes.
Some of the people who didn’t stick around didn’t find out until the next morning, when they opened the paper that they had missed the greatest comeback and ending in Arizona Football history.
Thanks for the memories Anu. Can’t wait to make more this year.
Bear Down!