Arizona Football: Top 5 Wins Vs. UCLA
By Brad Malone
No. 1: Cats Ruin Bruins Chance to Move to No. 1
Nov. 1, 1980
UCLA (No. 2) 17
Arizona 23
During Larry Smith’s first year in Tucson the Cats had the tough luxury of hosting the No. 2 team in the nation, three times in less than a month. USC and Notre Dame left the Old Pueblo victorious but UCLA was a different story.
Earlier that afternoon Mississippi State did the Bruins a solid and took out the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide.
All UCLA had to do to become the No. 1 team in the land was to handle their business against little brother Arizona.
Trailing 17-14 at the half, Arizona struck quickly in the third quarter.
The Cats went 80 yards downfield in less than a minute and scored the go-ahead touchdown when Tom Tunnicliffe connected with Bill Nettling for a 39-yard touchdown pass.
The pre Desert Swarm defense allowed only 82 yards of offense to the Bruins in the second half, while shutting them out in the final 30 minutes.
Next: Arizona Needs Help At Depleted Running Back Position
UCLA would make it interesting in the final moments, but a desperation heave was intercepted by Dave Liggins giving the Cats the huge upset win.
Bear Down!