The Wildcats ended their 5-game losing streak and kept their bowl game hopes alive on Friday with a 27-3 win over Houston, highlighted by Tyler Loop’s 62-yard program-record field goal and the Pride of Arizona Marching Band receiving the 2024 Sudler Trophy. Check out our postgame thoughts and analysis from Friday’s matchup between Arizona and Houston below.
Offense:
– Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan’s chemistry shined once again. When things break down and Noah is forced to extend plays, that’s when he and T-Mac are at their best. Even though Noah knew he had a free play after Houston jumped offsides, his ability to scramble, roll out to the left, and find T-Mac for a 33-yard touchdown is the latest addition to the duo’s extensive backyard football highlight reel.
– Quali Conley needed his performance probably more than anyone else on the offense. After fumbling in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, ball security, and more importantly, his confidence, were critical heading into Friday. The San Jose State transfer carried the ball 11 times for 107 yards and touchdown, and also hauled in three receptions for 27 yards and another score.
After rushing for just 12 yards in the first half, Quali said the message was to run the ball more in the second half, and that he “took that personal.” Late in the third quarter, Conley did just that, exploding for a 50-yard touchdown.
Quali showed great patience on the run, but it was tight end Tyler Powell, pulling from right to left, who had the crucial lead block that made way for the score. At the end of the run, T-Mac made sure Arizona was going to score, flying down the field and laying the final block at the 10-yard line. Perfect execution from everyone involved on the play!
Defense:
– Arizona’s creativity on defense was key to Friday’s victory. The Cats often crowded the box with eight players, and utilized a number of different looks that had Houston’s offense confused throughout the night. With the defense crowding the line of scrimmage, Houston struggled knowing whether Arizona was bringing pressure or dropping back into coverage. That confusion led to three Houston turnovers, and another four turnovers on downs.
– Genesis Smith was the undisputed MVP on defense for the Wildcats. The sophomore defensive back finished with seven tackles, including 1.5 TFLs, along with a pass breakup, fumble recovery, and interception. Smith has been on a roll since the Alamo Bowl last season, but the way he has stepped up, especially in the wake of losing Treydan Stukes and Gunner Maldonado, just might be the secret to keeping Arizona’s bowl hopes alive.
– It wasn’t just Smith’s performance that was integral to Arizona’s win on Friday. It was the way Smith came up with the biggest plays of the night when the defense needed them most. For example, after Arizona punted on its opening drive, the Cougars had an opportunity to create some early momentum. Instead, on a third and long near midfield, Genesis Smith recovered a Houston fumble, setting up Arizona’s first score of the game. In a game of momentum early, Smith was the difference maker.
Special Teams:
– Tyler Loop is a straight up dawg! Max Zendejas is a legend, but a 62-yard program-record field goal may have just cemented Loop as the best kicker in Arizona program history.
– The snapping and holding components of the kicking operation continue to be an area of concern. Brennan said Michael Salgado-Medina dropped the ball on Arizona’s failed field goal attempt, but either way, three straight games with a bad snap/hold can’t happen, especially with a kicker of Loop’s caliber.