Arizona Wildcats Defeat 22nd-Ranked Bearcats for Third Consecutive Win

The Arizona Wildcats achieved their third consecutive victory by defeating the No. 22 Cincinnati Bearcats with a score of 30-24 on Saturday afternoon. This win followed their previous triumph against Kansas, which secured their eligibility for a bowl game. The Wildcats, now 7-3 overall and 4-3 in Big 12 play, showcased resilience, having trailed at halftime for the second consecutive game.

Key Performers in the Game

Noah Fifita notably became the school’s all-time leader in career passing touchdowns. He accomplished this feat with a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Gio Richardson, finishing the game with 294 passing yards on 23 completions out of 31 attempts. Fifita now holds 68 touchdown passes, surpassing former players Nick Foles and Willie Tuitama.

Defensive Highlights

• Cincinnati’s quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, finished the game with 154 yards passing and one touchdown.
• Arizona’s defense intercepted Sorsby twice, increasing his season total of interceptions.
• Dalton Johnson’s interception on the first play of the game highlighted the Wildcats’ defensive prowess.

Scoring Summary

The Wildcats had an impressive total offense, outgaining Cincinnati 475 yards to 344. They ran for 181 yards, with Kedrick Reescano leading the charge with 94 yards, including a critical 50-yard rushing touchdown. Michael Salgado-Medina contributed significantly with three successful field goals, featuring a decisive 51-yarder late in the game.

Game Flow

Arizona started strong, quickly scoring a touchdown through Ismail Mahdi after an early interception. However, Cincinnati responded swiftly, taking a 14-7 advantage at one point. The Wildcats’ inability to convert in the red zone was notable, as they settled for field goals multiple times.

Turning Point and Final Moments

Entering the second half down 14-10, Arizona came out strong, eventually taking the lead with a touchdown drive that included significant contributions from Chris Hunter. A crucial moment occurred when Arizona extended its lead to 27-17 with a touchdown pass to Richardson.

Despite Cincinnati’s efforts to close the gap, Arizona’s defense held firm. The Bearcats converted on two fourth downs but could not ultimately prevail, turning the ball over on downs late in the game. Arizona’s Salgado-Medina capped the victory with a field goal, solidifying their lead to 30-24.

Next Matchup

The Wildcats are set to return home for Senior Day, hosting the Baylor Bears. This matchup will mark the second meeting between the two teams since their last encounter in the 1992 Sun Bowl.