Arizona loses heartbreaker to the Ducks

2009 Arizona Wildcats ... Head Coach: Mike Stoops

2009 Schedule
CFN Prediction: 5-7
2009 Record: 6-4

9/5 Central Mich W 19-6
9/12 No Arizona W 34-17
9/19 at Iowa L 27-17
9/26 at Oregon St W 27-32
10/3 OPEN DATE
10/10 at Washington L 36-33
10/17 Stanford W 43-38
10/24 UCLA W 27-13
10/31 OPEN DATE
11/7 Wash St  W 48-7
11/14 at California L 24-16
11/21 Oregon L 44-41 2OT
11/28 at Arizona St
12/5 at USC

2008 Schedule
CFN Prediction: 7-5
2008 Record: 8-5

Aug. 30 Idaho W 70-0
Sept. 6 Toledo  W 41-16
Sept. 13 at N Mexico L 36-28
Sept. 20 at UCLA W 31-10
Sept. 27 OPEN DATE
Oct. 4 Washington W 48-14
Oct. 11 at Stanford L 24-23
Oct. 18 California W 42-27
Oct. 25 USC L 17-10
Nov. 1 OPEN DATE
Nov. 8 at Wash State W 59-28
Nov. 15 at Oregon L 55-45
Nov. 22 Oregon State L 19-17
Nov. 29 OPEN DATE
Dec. 6 Arizona State W 31-10
Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 20 BYU W 31-21

Arizona Wildcats

Nov. 21
Oregon 44 … at Arizona 41 2OT
Jeremiah Masoli connected with Ed Dickson for an eight-yard touchdown with six seconds to play to force overtime, he found Jeff Maehl for a four-yard touchdown pass in the first overtime, and won the game on a one-yard run in the second. Arizona never had control of the game, but it had a chance to hold late in regulation for the win after Juron Criner took a Nick Foles pass 71 yards for a touchdown, but Masoli was able to lead the way to the game-tying drive. Arizona answered in OT with a Criner three-yard touchdown catch, his third of the game, but only came up with a 41-yard Alex Zendejas field goal in the second OT. Foles threw four touchdown passes in the see-saw game, but Masoli was able to run for three touchdowns and helped the Ducks get up early on a nine-yard scoring pass to Maehl. Oregon outgained Arizona 459 yards to 441.
Player of the Game: Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli completed 26-of47 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns with an interception, and he ran 16 times for 61 yards and three scores.
Arizona: Passing: Nick Fles, 30-46, 314 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Greg Nwoko, 16-58, Receiving: Juron Criner, 5-93, 3 TD
Oregon: Passing: Jeremiah Masoli, 26-47, 284 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: LaMichael James, 19-117, Receiving: Jeff Maehl, 12-114, 2 TD 
What It All Means: If there was any question about whether or not Arizona was for real, it came extremely close to proving that it really does deserve to be talked about among the best teams in the Pac 10. The Rose Bowl dreams are gone now, the defense couldn’t come up with a stop, and didn’t have an answer for Jeremiah Masoli late in overtime and in the extra frames, but the Wildcats played extremely well. Now the key will be to not let the rest of the season slip away. Arizona can go from being on the verge of going to the Rose Bowl to 6-6 in the blink of an eye with road trips to Arizona State and USC coming up.

Nov. 14
at California 24 … Arizona 16
In a strange game, Cal’s Giorgio Tavecchio kicked four field goals, including a 22-yarder with 4:46 to play for a two-point lead, but he made the biggest play on an odd tackle of Travis Cobb, who appeared to have a clear path for a score on the ensuing kickoff. The Wildcats drove into field goal range, but QB Nick Foles had a pass batted back to him, he caught it, and tried to throw it again leading to a penalty to take the Cats out of field goal position. Cal’s Shane Vereen put the game away on a 61-yard scoring dash. Arizona got into the end zone on a one-yard Keola Antolin one-yard run and an eight-yard A.J. Simmons catch.
Player of the Game: Cal RB Shane Vereen ran 30 times for 159 yards and a score, and he caught a pass for ten yards.
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 25-41, 201 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Keola Antolin, 19-78, 1 TD, Receiving: David Roberts, 4-52
California: Passing: Kevin Riley, 13-22, 181 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Shane Vereen, 30-159, 1 TD, Receiving: Marvin Jones, 5-65
What It All Means: Uh oh. Arizona controlled its own Rose Bowl destiny, but the tough part of the schedule is kicking in and the team failed its first test with Oregon, at Arizona State, and at USC left to play. Cal’s defense doesn’t stop anyone, but the Wildcats were only able to manage 274 yards of total offense. Even so, the defense did a decent job of keeping the Jahvid Best-lest Bears under wraps. The offense needs to ramp up the firepower in a hurry to keep up with Oregon next week, or else the Cats will fall further and further down the bowl pecking order.

Nov. 7
at Arizona 48 ... Washington State 7
Travis Cobb took the opening kickoff 95 yards for a score and Arizona rolled to a 34-0 halftime lead and got up 48-0 before Washington State finally got on the board late with a 64-yard Jared Karstetter touchdown catch. William Wright returned a punt 86 yards for a Wildcat score and Nick Foles connected with Terrell Turner to a 28-yard touchdown in the easy win. Arizona outgained Wazzu 471 yards to 185 and allowed just eight first downs.
Player of the Game: Arizona QB Nick Foles completed 12-of-19 passes for 136 yards and a score.
Washington State: Passing: Marshall Lobbestael, 7-11, 103 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Dwight Tardy, 4-44, Receiving: Gino Simone, 4-16
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 12-19, 136 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Matt Scott, 10-91, Receiving: Delasuaun Dean, 4-53
What It All Means: Arizona has set itself up well, and now it’s time to go to work. Dismantling Washington State is hardly a big feat, but on a three-game winning streak and with the Rose Bowl fates in its own hands, Arizona has to go on the road for three of the final four games starting at Cal next week with Oregon to follow. The offense continues to show balance and explosiveness, and it’s deep with Matt Scott and Keola Antolin doing a nice job running the ball in place of the banged up Nic Grigsby. The special teams were great against Wazzu and the defense was stifling. Is Arizona really that good or did it just look good against a bad slate? We’ll find out. 

Oct. 24
at Arizona 27 … UCLA 13
Arizona turned the ball over five times, but managed to get by the Bruins with two Nick Foles touchdown passes to Juron Carter, including a 41-yarder to start the scoring. UCLA couldn’t take full advantage of all the breaks with two Kai Forbath field goals before the defense finally gave the team a touchdown on a Tony Dye 28-yard fumble return for a score. But Arizona was able to put the game out of reach late in the third on a six-yard Nick Booth run. The Bruins managed just 211 yards of total offense.
Player of the Game: Arizona S Cam Nelson made six tackles, two sacks, broke up a pass, and forced two fumbles
UCLA: Passing: Kevin Craft, 6-17, 75 yds
Rushing: Johnathan Franklin, 9-36, Receiving: Taylor Embree, 3-20
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 22-34, 247 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Kealo Antolin, 16-77, Receiving: Terrell Turner, 5-55 
What It All Means: With Washington State up next, Arizona is all but assured of a six-win season before the rough final month kicks in. The Wildcats were able to win even though Nick Foles couldn’t stop giving the ball away. The running game was strong and the defense came up with one of its best performances of the season. However, to beat the great teams on the slate in November, everything will have to be perfect. Five turnover games might be okay against UCLA, but they’re not going to fly against Oregon or Cal.

Oct. 17
at Arizona 43 … Stanford 38
In a wild night of passing, it was a 57-yard Nic Grigsby run that decided the game and gave Arizona the win. Stanford had a chance to put the game away, but blew it on fourth and one on the Arizona eight with a dropped pass by Chris Owusu and opened the door for a Wildcat rally. Greg Nwoko ran for a 43-yard score for the Wildcats in the fourth quarter, but it was QB Nick Foles who dominated with 415 yards and three scoring passes, but Stanford’s Andrew Luck helped the Cardinal get up early and finished with 423 yards and three touchdown passes. But his one interception proved costly with Robert Golden taking it 79 yards for a touchdown in the first few minutes. Stanford finished with 584 yards and Arizona cranked out 553.
Player of the Game: Arizona QB Nick Foles completed 40-of-51 passes for 415 yards and three touchdowns
Stanford: Passing: Andrew Luck, 21-35, 423 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Toby Gerhart, 28-123, 2 TD, Receiving: Chris Owusu, 5-116, 1 TD
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 40-51, 415 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Nic Grigsby, 7-89, 1 TD, Receiving: Juron Criner, 12-152
What It All Means: Nick Foles has been fantastic, and while he’s going to make a few mistakes now and then, he’s turning into one of the nation’s most dangerous passers. Coming off the heartbreaker against Washington, the Wildcats came back roaring with a brilliant passing day from Foles and a little bit of pop from RB Nic Grigsby, but the defense sputtered and struggled against the Stanford balance. Even so, Arizona got the win even though not everything was working as well as hoped defensively. That won’t be a problem with the offensively challenged UCLA and Washington State up next, and as long as Foles stay hot, the Wildcats have a chance to hang with everyone left on the schedule. However, the next two weeks are must wins with a brutal finishing kick. 

Oct. 10
at Washington 36 … Arizona 33
Washington scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes as Jake Locker connected with Kavario Middleton for a 25-yard touchdowns before what might be the Pac 10 play of the year if the Huskies go on to have a big season. Arizona’s Nick Foles, who threw for 384 yards, threw a low pass that Delashaun Dean bobbled and appeared to drop, but it went off his foot, bounced into the air, and into the arms of Mason Foster, who took the interception 37 yards for the improbable game winning touchdowns. Locker also ran for a 56-yard score and connected with Devin Aguilar for touchdown passes from five and 29 yards out.
Player of the Game: Washington QB Jake Locker completed 12-of-23 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns with an interception, and he ran 11 times for 92 yards and a score.
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 39-53, 384 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Greg Nwoko, 16-54, 1 TD, Receiving: David Roberts, 12-138, 1 TD
Washington: Passing: Jake Locker, 12-23, 140 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Jake Locker, 11-92, 1 TD, Receiving: Devin Aguilar, 3-43, 2 TD
What It All Means: What kind of bounceback ability does Arizona have? After having the Washington game in hand, and seeing it go away it gut-wrenching fashion, the Cats have to quickly get ready for Stanford to start off a nice three game homestand that should define their bowl hopes. Nick Foles was having a whale of a game before the late interception, and David Roberts was unstoppable at times. But the shorter the memory, the better. This was a game they should’ve won. 

Sept. 26
Arizona 37 … at Oregon State 32
Nick Foles carried the Arizona offense throwing three touchdown passes highlighted by a 13-yard touchdown to Terrell Turner midway through the fourth quarter. Jacquizz Rodgers kept the Beavers in the game with 13 catches and two short touchdown runs, but the OSU pass defense couldn’t keep Foles in check. Sean Canfield threw two touchdown passes including a 13-yarder to Aaron Nichols to pull the Beavers within three late, but he was sacked for a safety to seal the UA win.
Player of the Game: Arizona QB Nick Foles completed 25-of-34 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, and he ran for a score.
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 25-34, 254 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Kaola Antolin, 12-46, Receiving: David Roberts, 5-52
Oregon State: Passing: Sean Canfield, 31-47, 303 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Jacquizz Rodgers, 16-85, 2 TD, Receiving: Jacquizz Rodgers, 13-70 
What It All Means: Nick Foles might have to play more and more of a role in the offense with Keolo Antolin getting hit with a leg injury and Nic Grigsby getting knocked out with a shoulder problem. The defense had problems with the Oregon State passing game, but Devin Ross and Vuna Tuihalamaka each made 12 tackles and did what they could to keep Jacquizz Rodgers in check … for the most part. Getting a nice road win like this is a good step for the program, and now, after starting out the Pac 10 season with a victory, the Cats have to prove they’re for real by doing it again at Washington. However, the defense and the linebackers have to be more consistent to stop Jake Locker.

Sept. 19
at Iowa 27 … Arizona 17
Adam Robinson came up with two short scores and the defense held Arizona to just 253 yards with eight first downs as Iowa came up with an easier win than the final score would indicate. Arizona get its first touchdown on a 38-yard interception return by Trevin Wade, but couldn’t get back into the end zone until late in the fourth when the outcome had been settled. Daniel Murray nailed two second half field goals for the Hawkeyes and Brandon Wegher scored from two yards out.
Player of the Game: Iowa RB Adam Robinson ran 18 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns
Iowa: Passing: Richard Stanzi, 20-32, 205 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Adam Robinson, 18-101, 2 TD, Receiving: Colin Sandeman, 5-47
Arizona: Passing: Nick Foles, 6-11, 55 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Nic Grigsby, 11-75, Receiving: Nic Grigsby, 3-14
What It All Means: Arizona’s offense couldn’t get anything going against Iowa, with the biggest problem coming on third downs. The Wildcat quarterbacks combined to completed 10-of-25 throws as UA converted just 2-of-12 third down chances and held the ball for only 22:04. Forget about doing much in the Pac 10 if there isn’t better quarterback play; everyone will tee off on Nic Grigsby and the running game like Iowa did. Another big concern is the run defense that couldn’t handle Adam Robinson, and now the D has to deal with Oregon State’s Jacquizz Rodgers.

Sept. 12
at Arizona 34 .. Northern Arizona 17
Nic Grigsby's 94-yard dash came up a yard short of the goal line, but it was a big part of a 207-yard day with touchdown runs from 25 and 30 yards out in the first quarter. It was a fight for the Wildcats with NAU getting two Michael Herrick to Ed Berry touchdown passes, but it wasn't nearly enough. Nick Foles threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Juron Criner and Keola Antolin ran for a one-yard score in the second half to pull away. Arizona outgained the Lumberjacks 365 yards to 67 on the ground.
Player of the Game: Arizona RB Nic Grigsby ran 15 times for 207 yards and two scores.
Northern Arizona: Passing: Michael Herrick, 20-30, 159 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Alex Henderson, 14-56, Receiving: Ed Berry, 7-71, 2 TD
Arizona: Passing: Matt Scott, 14-20, 150 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Nic Grigsby, 15-207, 2 TD, Receiving: Terrell Turner, 5-46, 1 TD
What It All Means: While corner Trevin Wade helped save the defense with two interceptions, and the offense couldn't convert yards into points early on, Arizona did what it had to do to  get the win. The Cats got enough of a push to be tested going into next week's battle with Iowa, and now they should be battle tested. Matt Scott was fine throwing the ball, but Nic Grigbsy is the team's offensive playmaker and the solidifying force. Now the team has to learn to put the bad teams away earlier and it has to be more consistent. However, in a rebuilding year, 2-0 isn't bad with the real season about to kick in.

Sept. 5
at Arizona 19 ... Central Michigan 6
Alex Zendejas hit four field goals and Nic Grigsby added a three-yard touchdown run as Arizona slugged its way past Central Michigan. The supposedly high-octane Chippewa offense was held to 182 yards with Dan LeFevour getting the only score on a five-yard run in the fourth. The Wildcats held on to the ball for 37:45 including 10:44 in the first quarter and 10:04 in the fourth.
Player of the Game: Arizona RB Nic Grigsby ran 23 times for 118 yards and a score.
Central Michigan: Passing: Dan LeFevour, 18-31, 108 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Antonio Brown, 3-31, Receiving: Kito Poblah, 6-47
Arizona: Passing: Matt Scott, 19-30, 202 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Nic Grigsby, 23-118, 1 TD, Receiving: Terrell Turner, 6-55
What It All Means: Central Michigan might have the best offense in the MAC and has the type of veteran firepower that should be cranking out 400 yards and 35 points per game without breathing hard. Arizona shut the attack down cold by swarming all over QB Dan LeFevour and not letting the great CMU receiving corps breathe. Matt Scott took a little bit to warm up as the Arizona starting QB, but he got the hang of things and kept the offense moving. Now the Cats have to turn all the field goal drives into touchdowns to match the defense's production.