Arizona football (4-7, 2-6 Big 12) dropped a crucial game against the TCU Horned Frogs (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) in a devastating 49-28 loss in Fort Worth, Texas. Arizona needed to win its last two matchups including its matchup against ASU next week to become eligible for a bowl game. With this loss, Arizona is not eligible to compete in a bowl game.
In their four away losses this year, the Wildcats have lost by 20+ points, and in their last two away outings, they have given up 40+ points to opponents.
Offense:
The story of Arizona’s offense was told in the first snap of the game with an interception off a Noah Fifita pass. This interception set the tone for how TCU was ready to play.
Despite the offense’s slow start, Fifita would be able to get off 284 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. While only being sacked twice, Fifita would still lose 20 total yards. He was also able to find his core connection in Tetairoa McMillan, getting McMillan to 115 yards receiving.
This was McMillan’s fifth game of the season reaching 100+ receiving yards. With 115 receiving yards against TCU, McMillan also became the all time receiving leader in program history with 3,355 career receiving yards, breaking Bobby Wade’s record of 3,351 with one game left to play.
Arizona did have some good offensive drives. Their first touchdown drive saw a massive 51-yard pass to tight end Sam Olson, the longest so far this year. Then a 17-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hunter capped off the drive for the Wildcats. Hunter scored again for the Wildcats in the fourth quarter, getting his third touchdown of the year and his highest-scoring career game as a Wildcat.
While Arizona’s passing game was still present for most of the outing, the running game is where Arizona was stopped, with Quali Conley getting the ball 13 times with only 42 rushing yards.
Defense:
Arizona’s defense started the first half on a good note, limiting TCU to 2 touchdowns on five drives. They also had an early interception on the Horned Frogs which saw freshman Jack Luttrell grabbing his first pick since his two-interception outing against Colorado.
With that interception, Luttrell currently ties Genesis Smith with three interceptions for the first spot on the roster. Luttrell has been one of the bright spots for this year’s struggling team and he will surely have a bright future in the year to come.
Arizona allowed another TCU touchdown, but then forced two straight punts that allowed the offense to bring the lead back within reach, 14-13.
After the good start by the Arizona defense, the Horned Frogs took off scoring 5 touchdowns in five straight drives. Arizona would be lit up by TCU on the ground and the air, with the Horned Frogs having a massive 38-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. TCU also got off big runs having two 30-yard rushing plays, one resulting in a touchdown, and another 20-yard touchdown.
While it certainly was heartbreaking to see the chance of a crucial win slip away, a late-game fumble recovery and touchdown from Sterling Lane II softened the blow. This was Lane’s first career fumble recovery and the team’s first defensive touchdown of the season.
Looking Ahead:
Arizona looks to end their season in a good light against in-state rival ASU in Tucson on Nov. 30. ASU has been on a hot streak, going 9-2 and 6-2 in Big 12 play this season.
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