Arizona Football Does The Unthinkable Against Oregon…Again

With quite possibly the greatest win in program history for the Arizona Wildcats, they find themselves undefeated through five games. For the second year in a row, Arizona stunned Oregon, this time on the Ducks own turf. The final score of 31-24 was an outcome no would have expected.

From the beginning, Arizona football made the Oregon offense look average, a feat not too many teams can accomplish. It seemed as if the Wildcats were playing up to Oregon’s level, meanwhile the Ducks were playing down. But it’s amazing how the defense was able to keep up with Oregon the entire game. For some reason, Arizona couldn’t tackle UTSA, but managed to go stride for stride with the fastest team in the country. Oregon did not have a 100 yard rusher and their big plays were limited, as Oregon had just three plays go for more than 20 yards. Oregon was also playing without four of their starting offensive linemen and Arizona football took advantage. The pocket quickly collapsed for Mariota, resulting in a sack or scramble for minimal yardage. The Wildcats recorded 5 sacks in one night, the most since recording six against Arizona State back in 2010. For what it’s worth, Oregon’s offensive coordinator claims Mariotta was hurt, but if your quarterback is hurt, you probably shouldn’t be running trick plays to throw to him in the open field.

Oct 2, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field after losing to the Arizona Wildcats 24-31 at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

But a tip of the hat to Arizona and their offense as well. Anu Solomon played exceptionally well as a freshman in his first game at Autzen Stadium. Aside from a devastating fumble inside the ten yard line just before the half, Anu showed great poise and command of the offense. He finds himself back in the top five for passing yards in the country, finishing 20/31 with 287 yards, a touchdown and an interception, due to an athletic play from the corner on the sideline. The performances of freshman running back Nick Wilson and senior running back Terris Jones-Grigsby were similar to Ka’Deem Carey. Both backs fighting for extra yardage and grinding out big plays in key moments. Together, the two combined for 336 total yards, almost 70% of Arizona’s offense.

But now the question, is Oregon really that great this year? Maybe. However it wouldn’t be surprising if Oregon loses at least two more games this season. In the media, it’s not Arizona football being on the rise, it’s about Oregon falling out of contention of the College Football Playoffs. However a lot of controversy rose after the game, as many believed that Oregon was inappropriately flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the game. The flag then made what would have been a field goal attempt on 4th down a first and goal situation for Arizona, allowing them to punch it in for the final score of the game. But if the penalty flag wasn’t thrown, Scooby Wright III would have ripped the ball out of Mariota’s hands to end the game. So there’s that.

It’s an existing new era for Arizona football, as fans are eagerly awaiting the plethora of prime time games this weekend. With this win, the Wildcats have a strong chance of cracking the top 15. But who knows, Oregon isn’t in the SEC.

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