TUCSON, AZ – Controlling things from the opening kick, Arizona Football (6-3, 4-2) put a beatdown on the visiting No. 20 UCLA Bruins (6-3, 3-3), winning 27-10.
The hot streak continues! Welcoming No. 20 UCLA to town for Homecoming Weekend, Arizona Football was ready for the challenge of facing its third-straight Top 25 opponent.
Holding the Bruins to just 271 yards (114 yards rushing) and 10 points, the Wildcats dominated UCLA in every facet of the game, winning 27-10.
Despite UCLA keeping this close entering the fourth quarter, Arizona stayed aggressive as the offense controlled the clock and moved the ball well against a stout defense.
Once again led behind a balanced offensive attack, Noah Fifita got the start for the Cats where he would finish the game with an impressive 300 yards passing on 25-32 passing (78 percent), as the redshirt freshman threw for three touchdowns to just one interception.
Behind him, the Wildcats rushed for 129 total yards with Jonah Coleman rushing for 77 yards on 17 attempts meanwhile Michael Wiley ran for 26 yards on four attempts before going down with an apparent injury.
And luckily for us, Arizona would get things going early in this one! After blocking UCLA’s early field goal attempt, the Wildcats would capitalize, driving 76 yards on 11 plays that was capped by a nine-yard touchdown strike from Noah to Montana Lemonious-Craig to make it 7-0.
A few drives later, the Wildcats would score again! This time driving 61 yards on seven plays that ended in a nine-yard touchdown strike from Fifita again, as he connected with Jacob Cowing to make it 14-0, Cats!
Unfortunately, UCLA’s offense would finally come to life as they drove 75 yards in a little over a minute, scoring a touchdown in the waning seconds of the first half to cut Arizona’s lead to 14-7.
However, that touchdown didn’t come without controversy though, as it appeared the ball was secured while touching the turf. Regardless, the touchdown stood.
This was not a touchdown, this is bullshit. Thank god this conference is dissolving! pic.twitter.com/cH9FsJw1kf
— ZonaZealotsFS (@ZonaZealots) November 5, 2023
Leading at the break, Arizona Football would need to continue its momentum if they hoped to come away with the win in this one!
Getting the ball to start the half, the Wildcats’ offense would find a bit of a rhythm again, driving 55 yards on 14 plays before settling for a field goal to make it 17-7, Arizona.
Unfortunately, UCLA would respond again, this time driving 64 yards on 14 plays as they settled for a 29-yard field goal to make it 17-10 with 2:28 remaining in the third quarter.
The Nail in the Coffin
Needing a huge drive, Arizona responded in kind! This time driving 75 yards on six plays as the Wildcats capped things off with an acrobatic, toe-tapping touchdown from Tetairoa McMillan to make it 24-10 with 14:37 to play.
Not done! Arizona’s defense would continue to put the stranglehold on the visiting Bruins, getting the ball one last time as they drove 72 yards on five plays before settling on a 22-yard field goal from Tyler Loop to ice the game!
Arizona would eventually hold on, winning 27-10 in convincing fashion!
𝐁𝐎𝐖𝐋 𝐒𝐙𝐍 🎳 pic.twitter.com/bk35njF5f9
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) November 5, 2023
With the victory, the Wildcats improve to 6-3 (4-2) on the year and become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2017. Now, Arizona will turn its focus to Colorado this week as they resume conference action against the Buffaloes next week in Boulder!
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