Following a signature win for Brent Brennan and Arizona, the Wildcats earned two weekly awards from the league, one for an individual performance, and one for a position group. After a dominating rushing performance, Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi took home Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors, while the Wildcats’ front five earned Offensive Line of the Week honors.
In his thrilling performance against Kansas State, Mahdi finished with 221 all-purpose yards, including 189 rushing yards on 22 carries. Within his standout night, Mahdi gashed the K-State defense for a 60-yard carry in the first half, setting up Arizona’s first touchdown of the game. He followed it up in the second half with a 27-yard reception a crucial 3rd-and-15, helping Arizona extend its lead to six late in the fourth quarter. Mahdi’s 189 rushing yards are also the most against a Power Four opponent through week three.
It’s the first Big 12 Player of the Week award for Arizona this season, and first league award since defensive back Genesis Smith took home Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors last November.
Mahdi’s performance would not have been possible without Arizona’s front five, which the league recognized with the Offensive Line of the Week Award. The award, which is sponsored by Old Trapper Beef Jerky, is also referred to as the “Beef of the Week” award. Arizona’s offensive line help pave the way for 234 total rushing yards, as well as two rushing touchdowns by quarterback Noah Fifita, who has more rushing touchdowns this season than he did in his career entering the year.
Arizona is off this week with a bye before returning to action in its Big 12 season opener against Iowa State on Saturday, September 27, at 4:00 PM MST on ESPN.
[…] player to receive Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors this season, joining running back Ismail Mahdi, who finished with 221 scrimmage yards, including 189 rushing yards, in Week 3 against Kansas […]