Arizona Stuns No. 11 Oregon State with Back-to-Back Wins
The Arizona Wildcats football team pulled off a stunning upset against the 11th-ranked Oregon State University Beavers, securing a thrilling 27-24 victory. This significant win marks the Wildcats’ second consecutive triumph over a nationally ranked opponent, a feat they haven’t achieved since their impressive 2014 season when they appeared in the Fiesta Bowl. The Wildcats also put an end to their four-game losing streak at home against ranked teams, with their previous triumph occurring in October 2017.
The Wildcats knew they were up against a formidable challenge, entering their third top-12 matchup in the last four games and their fourth consecutive clash against a ranked opponent. The Oregon State Beavers boasted an impressive lineup, with quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei named to both the Maxwell Award and Manning Award watch lists, running back Damien Martinez displaying great production in the Pac-12, and wide receivers Silas Bolden and Anthony Gould causing headaches for opposing defenses.
Despite starting quarterback Jayden de Laura appearing on the sidelines, Arizona’s Noah Fifita took charge as the starter for the fourth consecutive game, showcasing remarkable poise throughout the match. Fifita completed 25 of his 32 pass attempts for 275 yards and three touchdowns, despite facing an interception and enduring a career-high four sacks. With these impressive statistics, Fifita now leads the team in all major passing categories.
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan emerged as Fifita’s preferred target, receiving a team-leading 11 targets. McMillan put on a show, hauling in eight passes for 80 yards and securing a touchdown, marking his third touchdown reception in the last four games with his former high school quarterback. On the opposing side, Jacob Cowing continued his impressive streak, catching at least one reception in his 52nd consecutive game, making it the second-longest active streak nationwide. Cowing recorded six catches for 36 yards and even made a four-yard rushing attempt.
Arizona’s running backs played a crucial role in keeping the offense firing on all cylinders. Senior Michael Wiley made a triumphant return after a three-game injury absence, showcasing his skills as a pass-catcher by recording five catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Wiley’s second touchdown, a sensational 40-yard catch-and-run, gave the Wildcats a 27-17 lead with less than four minutes remaining in the game. Jonah Coleman displayed incredible determination and balance, shaking off five defenders before finally being brought down by a sixth Beaver. DJ Williams also played a pivotal role, expertly dismantling the Oregon State defense to set up Wiley’s second touchdown while effectively running down the game clock.
Arizona’s defense adopted a bend-but-don’t-break approach throughout the match. Oregon State arrived at the game with a perfect 25-for-25 track record of scoring in red zone trips. However, the Wildcats managed to deliver a crucial stop, allowing the Beavers to convert only 28 of their 29 red zone trips by the end of the night.
The Wildcats’ defensive backs consistently found themselves in the right positions. Cornerback Tacario Davis narrowly missed three potential interceptions, sending a clear message to Uiagalelei about testing his side of the field. Furthermore, Gunner Maldonado’s seven solo tackles included a touchdown-saving tackle on Oregon State’s Atticus Sappington during a fake field goal attempt. Treydan Stukes and Ephesians Prysock each contributed a pass breakup and three tackles.
Middle linebacker Jacob Manu continued to make significant contributions on defense, tallying eight total tackles, two quarterback hits, 0.5 tackles for loss in collaboration with Justin Flowe, and a pass breakup in the end zone.
Kicker Tyler Loop showcased his prowess by nailing a career-long 51-yard field goal in the first quarter, surpassing his previous record of 48 yards. In the fourth quarter, Fifita executed a pooch punt that covered 49 yards, pinning Oregon State deep in their territory at the 5-yard line.
Oregon State’s tight end, Jack Velling, secured his eighth receiving touchdown of the season, putting him on par with the single-season receiving touchdown record for Oregon State. With plenty of games remaining in the season, Velling has the opportunity to make history by surpassing this milestone. No other tight end in Oregon State’s history has managed to secure more than seven touchdown passes in a single season.
