The Arizona football team (3-2, 1-1 in Big 12) suffered a disappointing 28-22 loss against Texas Tech University on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Arizona Stadium. Despite Arizona’s offense making a comeback in the second half, it wasn’t enough.
Following Arizona’s first Big 12 conference victory in program history, a 23-10 upset against the No. 10 University of Utah, the Wildcats came home to take on Texas Tech in Arizona’s Big 12 home opener of the season. The game took place on Military Appreciation Night and the pregame events included a parachute drop-in from five soldiers into Arizona Stadium.
Offense
Arizona’s offense struggled in the first half as the Wildcats could not find a way to complete a pass during the beginning of the first quarter. Texas Tech came out aggressive and pressured Noah Fifita early in the game. Arizona completed its first first-down in the closing minutes of the first quarter and Tyler Loop completed a 47-yard field goal in the to score Arizona’s first points, putting the score at 3-7.
Arizona continued to let Texas Tech get ahead in the second quarter and a pass from Fifita was intercepted after it was tipped at the line. The turnover led to a 30-yard kick by Texas Tech’s Gino Garcia, sending the Red Raiders into halftime leading 18-3. For the third time this season, Arizona failed to score 10 points in the first half and the Wildcats only gained 11 yards on their first 11 rushing plays.
Coming out of the half, Loop was able to complete a 40-yard kick after three straight incomplete passes, giving Arizona the chance to score again for the first time since the first quarter. After a fumble recovery, Loop would get another field-goal attempt, completing a 30-yard kick to keep Arizona in the game 18-9.
Quali Conley scored the first touchdown for Arizona from the three yard line with a minute remaining in the third quarter. Arizona’s offense shined in the second half, as Loop would gain yet another field goal attempt from 37 yards, putting Arizona up 19-18 in the fourth quarter.
“I’m grateful Tyler Loop is on our team and he definitely kept us alive tonight and then gave us a chance to stay within striking distance and eventually take the lead,” head coach Brent Brennan said after the game.
Defense
Arizona’s defense struggled as Texas Tech gained the first points of the game to lead 7-0 after Tahj Brooks rushed up the middle and completed the touchdown for the Red Raiders on a three yard run.
Arizona pressured Texas Tech, with the Wildcats completing their first sack of the game by Stanley Ta’ufo’ou shortly into the second quarter. The Wildcats would not be able to withstand Texas Tech’s offense for long, though, as Brooks scored another touchdown that pushed the lead to 15-3 with the Red Raiders completing a successful 2-point conversion.
Throughout the second half, Arizona found its footing in its defense after recovering a fumble. Taye Brown was able to recover the ball for the Wildcats, who would not allow Texas Tech the chance to score in the third quarter.
Texas Tech completed a field goal attempt of its own, with Garcia kicking 41 yards to reclaim the 21-19 lead for the Red Raiders. Arizona fumbled the ball, giving Texas Tech the chance to gain a first down with under three minutes remaining in the game. The Red Raiders did not slow down their offense as Brooks scored on a 32-yard run to push the lead to 28-19. Loop would make a final field goal attempt, kicking from 52 yards to finalize the score as Arizona fell to Texas Tech 28-22.
After the game, Brennan discussed his initial thoughts and what could have been done better.
“I loved the way we rallied, if we could have answered with touchdowns in the red zone I think we could have kicked the door down on the game but we didn’t and that’s the truth,” said Brennan.
Looking ahead
The Wildcats will be taking a trip to Provo, Utah where they will continue conference play and take on BYU on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
