Arizona Football competes, but falls short in loss to Washington

SEATTLE, WA – Hoping to score the upset, Arizona Football (3-4, 1-3) competed but came up short in their 49-39 loss to Washington (5-2, 2-2). 

Despite gaining 526 yards, turning the ball over zero times, and scoring 39 points, it ultimately wasn’t enough for Arizona Football as the Wildcats fell 49-39 to the Washington Huskies.

Granted, Arizona would keep pace for much of the game, but unfortunately, the Wildcats’ defense could not make enough stops to give Arizona a chance.

Huskies quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. was the difference-maker in this one. The graduate transfer threw for 516 yards and four touchdowns while completing 36-44 passes as Washington’s offense gained 595 yards of total offense.

Washington would start the game by scoring first. After holding Arizona to a quick, three-and-out, the Huskies would drive 46 yards on five plays to go up 7-0 on its first drive of the game.

However, a turnover on downs by the Huskies on their ensuing possession would set up Arizona for a touchdown as Jayden de Laura connected with freshman, Tetairoa McMillan. A missed tackle by Washington would allow T-Mac to scamper in from 46 yards out to tie it at 7-7.

Unfortunately, Washington would respond with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on the ensuing possession to regain the lead at 14-7.

But back-to-back failed drives by the Huskies would allow Arizona to come back into this one! Trailing 14-7, the Wildcats would respond with a four-play, 55-yard touchdown drive that ended in a 39-yard reception from de Laura to Dorian Singer to make it 14-14.

However, with over two minutes remaining in the half, the Huskies would have enough time to drive 75 yards on 12 plays to take the 21-14 lead at the half.

A competitive second half by Arizona Football would keep this one fairly close, but the Wildcats ultimately couldn’t hang on in the end.

Getting the ball back to start the second half, Washington’s offense wouldn’t slow down as they opened the half on a two-play, 48-yard touchdown drive that made it 28-14 in favor of the Huskies after Penix, Jr. found Rome Odunze.

Four plays later, the Wildcats would respond to make it 28-21 after freshman running back Jonah Coleman plunged it in from three yards out, but unfortunately, the Huskies would not be stopped. Just a few plays after Arizona cut into Washington’s lead, the Huskies would score again, this time on an eight-yard touchdown scamper from Penix, Jr. to make it 35-21.

Luckily, the Cats would go quietly, again responding on offense, this time it was a 48-yard field goal from Tyler Loop that ended the drive as Arizona cut the lead to 35-24.

Still, in rhythm, Washington’s offense would find the end zone yet again, this time completing a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive as Penix, Jr. would connect with Odunze for six for the second time of the day to make it 42-24 Huskies.

Still fighting, Arizona would not go away as the Cats would find the end zone again, this time it was de Laura who connected with tight end Tanner McLachlan from 20 yards out to make it 42-31.

Holding Washington to a field goal attempt on the ensuing drive, the Huskies would miss the field goal, which set up the Cats for a 71-yard touchdown drive that ended in an acrobatic catch by McMillan in the end zone. A successful two-point conversion made it 42-39 and put the Cats within striking distance.

Unfortunately, Washington would quell all hopes for a Wildcat upset as the Huskies drove 75 yards on eight plays to make it 49-39.

Arizona would try to drive the field and give themselves a chance for a potential field goal, but the 41-yard attempt from Loop sailed left as the Cats fell to Washington by a 49-39 final.

With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 3-4 (1-3) on the season and will have a week off before returning to action against USC the following week at home. The Trojans are coming off their first loss of the season to Utah.

Don’t forget to follow us at @ZonaZealots on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of Arizona news, opinions, and recruiting updates!