Arizona beats Oklahoma St. 59-38
In order to find a Wildcat fan who was completely prepared for an Arizona victory on Saturday, you’d have to walk the tailgates a few times over. Given the recent history of Arizona’s meetings with Oklahoma State, many people were expecting the same outcome: A high scoring Cowboy offense, unable to be contained. Fortunately for the Wildcats, that outcome couldn’t have been farther from the truth (this link provides a great video of the sounds from the stadium).
When the Cowboys opened with a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter, many fans were gearing up to leave. OKST scored just 95 seconds into the game and again 5 minutes later, seemingly taking the game and turning it into another 84-0 romp (as they did in their home opener vs Savannah State). But the Cowboys wouldn’t return to the scoreboard for the rest of the half. Instead Arizona received a spark and took off, scoring 30 unanswered points.
However, the Cowboys opened the second half much like the first, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions to pull within two points of the Cats. But they wouldn’t get any closer as the Cats turned two 4th quarter interceptions into touchdowns.
Sophomore running back Ka’Deem Carey was the top performer for Arizona, having 26 carries for 126 yards. Carey’s 4 touchdowns for the night, including one receiving touchdown, were crucial in increasing Arizona’s momentum. Quarterback Matt Scott connected with the receivers early and often, completing 28 of 41 passes for 320 yards. One point of concern Arizona did not improve from last game was protecting the QB though. Scott was sacked four times during the course of this game, while the defense did not get their hands on OK St’s QB Wes Lunt even once . The Cats did, however, cause four turnovers, including three interceptions.
After worries of Arizona’s “Kicker Curse” being alive and well, starting kicker John Bonano regained fan support by completing 3 field goals (22, 46, and 25 yards) and having 6 successful PAT attempts. . Jonathan McKnight’s 4th quarter pick-six was called the biggest play of the week in the PAC-12 by ESPN’s Ted Miller. McKnight intercepted Wes Lunt’s pass and ran it back for a 48 yard touchdown. Arizona attempted a two point conversion that was unsuccessful due to defensive pass interference. On the second attempt, the Cats were able to convert on a pass to Taimi Tutogi, putting them ahead 45-31 (which gave them a two touchdown lead and some cushion).
To say the stadium was electrified would be an understatement. The stands were packed as fans and foes stayed to watch a game that was expected to be a blow out. While it is understandable for fans to be tired after a long day of pre-gaming and tailgating, Arizona Athletics is emphasizing the importance of fan support and keeping Arizona Stadium at capacity until the Cats are off the field. Arizona pushed the slogan “50,000 strong, all game long,” meaning the team needs all 50,000 in attendance to be there until the game is over. Many times, the atmosphere in the stadium makes all the difference when it comes to winning and losing. ZonaZoo, comprised of 10,000 students and located directly behind the Wildcats’ bench, is notorious for thinning out after halftime and being sparse by the end of the game. However, Saturday’s game retained the student section for the majority of the game, only emptying in the final minutes. This truly gave Arizona the “Home Field Advantage”. Billy Distler, a UA senior and member of multiple organizations on campus, said, “I used to think that I was not as important as just one fan of a massive stadium, but now I know that every fan, every positive voice helps the team conquer any gridiron foe they face.”
Coach Rich Rodriguez and the Cats put on a show for their fans. While they were expected to lose, Arizona proved that they are a new team this year. Matt Scott displayed impressive vision on the field and connected well with his receivers and running backs. This was a completely unexpected win that will boost Arizona’s momentum going into the third week. As if the win wasn’t enough, Arizona had the honor of knocking OK St. out of the AP Top 25 and proudly accepted the 24 spot.
Arizona’s next opponent is South Carolina State. The game will take place on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 7:30pm. As always, gate open 2 hours before kickoff and the Coca-Cola Fan Fiesta will begin 3 hours before kickoff. Tucson is expecting a high of 94 with, thankfully, no rain. Be there at kick off and stay to sing Bear Down, Arizona after the game to show support for your Arizona Wildcats!
From the heart of Wildcat Country, Bear Down.
