The Arizona Wildcats have secured bowl eligibility with an impressive upset victory over the No. 19 UCLA Bruins. This win marks the Wildcats’ sixth of the season, making them eligible for a bowl game for the first time since 2017. It is also the most wins they have achieved in a single season under head coach Jedd Fisch.
The Wildcats’ triumph over UCLA is particularly noteworthy because it is the first time in their history that they have beaten three consecutive ranked teams. Prior to facing UCLA, Arizona defeated No. 19 Washington State and No. 11 Oregon State. The team’s success has brought a renewed sense of excitement and pride to the program.
The game against UCLA showcased the Wildcats’ strengths on both offense and defense. Arizona’s defense, which has been impressive throughout the season, held UCLA to only 10 points and prevented them from scoring touchdowns in the red zone. The Wildcats’ offense, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Noah Fifita, amassed 429 total yards, including 129 rushing yards, which is the most UCLA has allowed this season.
Fifita had an outstanding performance, completing 78% of his passes for 300 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He connected with Arizona’s top receiving trio, Jacob Cowing, Tetairoa McMillan, and Montana Lemonious-Craig, for all three of his touchdown passes. Tight end Tanner McLachlan also had a standout game, with five catches for 66 yards.
Head coach Jedd Fisch expressed his excitement about the team’s success and acknowledged the incredible support from the Arizona fans. He described the game atmosphere as the best he has seen during his tenure as head coach and encouraged the fans to continue their support.
With this victory, the Arizona Wildcats are likely to secure a spot in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time since the 2017 season. Coach Fisch believes that the team has earned the right to be ranked and is proud of their accomplishments thus far. He emphasized that the team’s mindset is to continue improving and striving for success in future games.
The Wildcats’ season has been defined by close losses and impressive victories, with their three losses coming by a combined 16 points. The team’s resilience and belief in their ability to win every game has been a driving force behind their success.
Moving forward, Arizona aims to build on their achievements and continue their winning streak. Coach Fisch emphasized that the team feels they belong and approach each game with a winning mindset. The Wildcats’ performance has generated excitement among fans and placed them firmly in the conversation as a competitive team in the Pac-12 conference.
Overall, the Arizona Wildcats’ upset win over the No. 19 UCLA Bruins has secured their bowl eligibility and solidified their position as a rising team in college football. With their impressive performances on both sides of the ball, they have proven that they belong among the top teams in the country. The future looks bright for the Wildcats as they continue to strive for success in their upcoming games.
