Arizona (3-3) loses to #18 Stanford (3-3) on the road 54-48.
After a promising start to the season, the Arizona Wildcats have fallen to 3-3 for the season. While .500 doesn’t seem that bad, taking a closer look at individual games tells the full story. The Wildcats have lost their last three games, all against conference foes. Additionally, of the Cat’s three wins, only one was considered a tough opponent.
The most recent game for Arizona, against the Stanford Cardinal, was almost a win for the Cats. However, the lead was lost. The Cats were held off the scoreboard the entire first quarter, while the Cardinal scored on their opening drive. Arizona was only allowed two possessions in the first quarter, with most of the time being in the hands of Stanford. The game seemed to be turning in Arizona’s favor when they scored in their first two drives of the second quarter while holding off Stanford in their first possession. However, Stanford scored one for themselves with 3:29 remaining in the half. Arizona ended the half with another field goal with 0:25 remaining in the half to make the score 14-13 Stanford.
The third and fourth quarters were electric for both Arizona and Stanford. The third quarter held 20 points each, including 3 back to back scoring drives (two for the Cats, one for the Cardinal). The moment of truth came in the 4th quarter. The Cats were up by 14 points with only 10 minutes remaining in the game. With 7:04 and 1:21 remaining, the Cardinal scored two touchdowns to tie the game at 48-48.
In overtime, the Cats were not able to score on their attempt. Matt Scott’s 3rd and 10 pass attempt was intercepted giving the Cardinal their scoring opportunity early. Stanford’s senior running back Stepfan Taylor ran the ball in for a 22 yard touchdown to end the game.
As always, Arizona struggles with maintaining a lead and has the tendency of making small errors that lead to major gains for the opponent. Matt Scott was sacked 3 times in Saturday’s game, two of them being on consecutive plays. While Scott has shown his abilities in opening games, he still needs protection in order to open up his vision or a running lane. Monday’s front cover of The Arizona Daily Wildcat, University of Arizona’s daily student newspaper, held a photo of Scott being lifted off the ground by Stanford’s junior defensive end, Ben Gardner. In order to see more of Scott’s infamous runs, the offensive line will have to hold back their opponents long enough for Scott to find an open lane and take it.
Arizona will receive its first bye week this weekend, giving time to heal their wounds, both physically and emotionally. When they come back on the 20th of October, they will face the Washington Huskies. In their last meeting, the Dogs overcame the Cats 42-31. One of the most well known moments of the Arizona/Washington matchup is known as the Immaculate Interception. With less than 3 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, Nick Foles’ pass to Delashaun Dean was deflected off of Dean’s foot, intercepted by Washington’s Mason Foster and returned for a 37-yard touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion making the final score 36-33.
The game at 7:00pm on October 20th will be Arizona’s Family Weekend. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top” and will feature a pool party, variety show, and carnival. More information on this event will be included in the Washington preview article in the coming weeks.
From the heart of Wildcat Country, Bear Down.
