Arizona Wildcats Overcome NAU in Thrilling Showdown to Extend Win Streak
The Arizona Wildcats faced off against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on Saturday, September 7, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson for their Week 2 college football game. With high expectations following their impressive 61-39 victory over New Mexico, the Wildcats were set to continue their momentum. However, the game proved to be more challenging than anticipated, as Northern Arizona had also shown strong form with a 66-6 win over Lincoln (CA) in their opener.
Arizona entered the game as a significant favorite, with BetMGM Sportsbook giving them a 28-point advantage. Historically, Arizona has dominated the series with a 16-2 record over Northern Arizona, including a commanding 38-3 victory in their last encounter in 2023. Despite this, the Wildcats had to dig deep to secure a win this time around.
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The game, broadcast on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. MST, was called by Chris Sylvester with Brad Hopkins providing analysis. The Wildcats' performance was a mixed bag, showcasing both their offensive strengths and defensive resilience. Despite a lackluster offensive showing, where they only managed 361 yards and struggled on third downs, their defense stepped up crucially. Arizona was initially trailing 10-6 at halftime but turned things around in the second half.
The defense played a pivotal role, limiting NAU to just 198 yards and making crucial stops. One such play was a key stop on a 4th-and-short situation, where Jacob Manu and Chase Kennedy thwarted NAU's attempt to convert. The Wildcats capitalized on this momentum shift, with Jeremiah Patterson scoring a pivotal touchdown. Later, a safety by Chubba Ma’ae provided a crucial 15-10 lead, and Kedrick Reescano's 56-yard touchdown run sealed the 22-10 victory.
This win not only kept Arizona’s undefeated streak alive but also tied their school record for consecutive wins at nine, matching the streaks from 1974-75 and 1997-98. Despite an off-day offensively, with quarterback Noah Fifita having his lowest output of the season, the Wildcats' defensive prowess and key plays ensured they overcame the halftime deficit.
Arizona's next challenge is a short week, as they prepare to face No. 17 Kansas State on Friday night. The Wildcats will need to refine their performance as they step into more challenging territory. This victory over NAU demonstrates the Wildcats’ grit and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for a promising yet demanding season ahead.
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