Zona Zealots
Fansided

Arizona Football: Wildcats fall to favored Houston Cougars team

By Eric Townsend

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brandon Dawkins
TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brandon Dawkins /
facebooktwitterreddit

It was a hard fought battle for the Wildcats last night, but it was ultimately errors that cost the Arizona Football team in their loss to Houston.

Arizona Football came into the game against Houston as one point underdogs and lost by three points. The Cougars came into this one with the reputation of having a talented football team, and last night certainly showed us that.

However, here we are, another week into the season, and there are still some questions regarding the team. Costly turnovers, plus missed opportunities doomed the upset-minded Wildcats.

More from Arizona Wildcats

The game was highlighted by the offense… err, I mean the lack of it. The offense sputtered, unable to produce touchdowns, something it is supposed to do in the ‘highly potent’ spread offense.

We have to give Houston tons of credit, as they responded to the challenge quite well. The Cougars have a stout defense, riddled with playmakers, namely defensive lineman Ed Oliver who created problems for Arizona last night.

Once again, senior running back Nick Wilson missed game time due to injury, something that has plagued his career at Arizona. Sophomore sensation JJ Taylor answered the call and was pretty productive for the Wildcats; he carried the ball 17 times for 87 yards (27 long). What’s interesting was the absence of freshman Nathan Tilford, as could have potentially helped last night.

Junior quarterback Brandon Dawkins still seemed to struggle to connect with his receivers. Dawkins missed on a couple of crucial passes including a pass over the head of his wide open receiver in the end zone which would have won the game for the Cats looking back. But Dawkins did end the evening 17 of 29 passing completing 178 yards. His rushing, however, was not as effective, as the Cougars held him to just 26 yards rushing on 13 attempts.

Khalil Tate came into the game in the fourth quarter. He marched Arizona down the field, before the team settled for a field goal, making the game 19-16. His teammates went crazy on the sidelines and the spark added by Tate was unmistakeable.

Tate would again take the field later in the quarter helping the Wildcats move the ball, before throwing a costly pick that would essentially seal the victory for the Cougars. Note, the Cats defense held the Cougars, and no score resulted, but the timing of the interception was crucial, and Tate knew it.

Defensively, Arizona looked quite solid last night as they held Houston to just 383 yards and 17 points. Remember, the Cougars got two points from a safety. The Wildcats would also pick-off quarterback Kyle Allen, twice.

On a high note, Josh Pollack accounted for 10 of Arizona’s 16 points, that one missed field goal would have tied the game. He hit both a 42 and a 45-yard field goal, not an easy task!

In a night that felt like it could have been a Wildcat win, it was surprisingly the offense that came short.

Here are your stats!

It was a great effort, but the loss stings, and gets fans agitated, already calling to fire head coach Rich Rodriguez. It is still premature, and Houston is a talented team, but the season will become much tougher following their game against UTEP this next week.

Defense highlights included emerging stars. There were two interceptions, one by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (his third in two games) and another by Lorenzo Burns. Jace Whittaker made a huge stop and true freshman Scottie Young‘s racked up another seven solo tackles. Scottie and Demetrius were honored with the post game presser appearance.

Highlights from the game:

Must Read: More on Arizona Football

At Zona Zealots, we’re bummed about the loss, especially considering it was so close and mistakes cost us the chance at victory. Hopefully, the Wildcats learn, and bounce back after a tough loss! Bear Down, Arizona!

Home/Arizona Wildcats