The University of Arizona football team (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) suffered a heartbreaking 31-28 loss to the University of Houston on Saturday, Oct. 18, at TDECU Stadium. Senior kicker Ethan Sanchez drilled a 41-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Cougars (6-1, 3-1) to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022.

Houston outgained Arizona 396-381 and dominated on the ground, rushing for 232 yards compared to the Wildcats’ 112. The Cougars controlled possession for just under 30 minutes, converting 8 of 14 third downs and both of their fourth-down attempts.

Arizona and Houston have met five times, with the Cougars holding a narrow 3-2 edge in the all-time series. The two programs faced off last season in Tucson, where the Wildcats earned a 27-3 win. Saturday’s game marks Arizona’s first trip to Houston since 2018, when the Cougars rolled to a 45-18 victory.

Houston this season 

Houston enters the matchup riding high after a dominant 39-17 win over Oklahoma State University, improving to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play. Junior quarterback Conner Weigman, a University of Texas A&M transfer, leads the Cougars’ balanced offense with 1,216 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also ranking second on the team in rushing yards (145) and first in rushing touchdowns (5).

The Cougars’ ground attack is powered by senior running back Dean Connors, who, before facing Arizona, has recorded 438 rushing yards and six total touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. In the passing game, Weigman distributes the ball evenly among a deep group of targets, led by wideouts Amare Thomas (362 yards, 2 TDs) and Stephon Johnson (266 yards, 2 TDs) and tight end Tanner Koziol (258 yards, 3 TDs).

Defensively, Houston is anchored by senior linebacker Jalen Garner, who has 42 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Cougars’ front seven has been disruptive all season, holding opponents under 100 rushing yards in four of six games and ranking among the top units in the Big 12 in sacks and tackles for loss.

Arizona this season

Arizona looks to bounce back after a 33–27 double-overtime loss to No. 18 BYU last weekend. The Wildcats led by 10 points late in the fourth quarter before the Cougars rallied to force overtime. Fifita will look to bounce back Saturday after a poor showing against BYU, only throwing for 219 yards with a 55 percent completion percentage. Fifita threw a crucial interception in the redzone, a mistake he must avoid on the road in Houston. 

Running back Kedrick Reescano had his best outing of the year against BYU, rushing for 90 yards on 13 carries. Fellow back Ismail Mahdi continues to serve as a key playmaker, with 477 all-purpose yards while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Wildcats remain one of the most complete units in the country. They rank top-20 nationally in total defense (15th), passing yards allowed (10th), and turnovers gained (20th), while allowing just one passing touchdown all season — the fewest in the FBS. Safety Genesis Smith leads the team with 26 tackles and five pass breakups, while defensive backs Jay’Vion Cole and Treydan Stukes have combined for four interceptions.

For Houston, the key will be continuing its offensive rhythm under Weigman. The Cougars looked to establish the run with Connors early and use play action to attack Arizona’s secondary. Houston must also protect Weigman against a blitz-heavy Arizona front that has generated consistent pressure this season.

For Arizona, discipline and ball security will be crucial. Head coach Brent Brennan emphasized the importance of limiting turnovers heading into the matchup, saying, “We just have to not turn the ball over… against a really good team on the road, that’s really, really hard to overcome.” The Wildcats will need a balanced offensive attack and strong execution in the red zone to avoid another close defeat. Defensively, Arizona must contain Weigman’s dual-threat ability and prevent explosive plays downfield.

Offense

Redshirt junior quarterback Noah Fifita continued his efficient season, completing 24-of-26 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Fifita, who was not intercepted, has now completed 76 percent of his passes this season. He opened the scoring with a 70-yard touchdown to Tre Spivey on Arizona’s first possession, later connecting with Luke Wysong for a 13-yard strike, giving the Wildcats a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter.

Spivey led all Arizona receivers with 70 yards and two total touchdowns. Wysong added three catches for 20 yards and a score. Kris Hutson finished with four receptions for 56 yards, and Javin Whatley hauled in seven passes for 42 yards as the Wildcats spread the ball among nine different receivers.

On the ground, Arizona ran 31 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Reescano had 11 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown, while Ismail Mahdi added 42 yards on six attempts, including a 15-yard burst. Fifita scrambled for 18 yards on 10 carries.

Arizona was sharp in situational play after failing to convert a crucial 4th down in the first half, finishing 3-for-3 in the red zone and converting both fourth-down attempts in the second half. The Wildcats allowed four sacks for a loss of 20 yards, which stalled several drives.

Defense

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman was the difference-maker, throwing for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing while rushing 14 times for 98 yards and another score. Connors complemented him with 100 rushing yards on 20 carries, giving the Cougars two players over the 90-yard mark.

Weigman threw two touchdowns to wide receiver Amare Thomas and one to tight end Tanner Koziol. Houston’s scoring was timely, as the Cougars were able to respond to every one of Arizona’s scores. The Cougars finished with 25 first downs and averaged 5.8 yards per play.

For Arizona, linebacker Max Harris paced the defense with 13 total tackles, while Dalton Johnson added 11. Taye Brown recorded 10 stops and Genesis Smith broke up two passes in the secondary. 

Despite multiple opportunities, the Wildcats failed to generate a takeaway or sack against Weigman.

“It was just a really tough day,” Brennan said after the game. “We came out fast and physical early, and there was a lot to be proud of. But this team is hurting right now. You lose on the last play of the game, that makes every person in here sick. We’ve made a ton of progress, but not closing that thing out when we had an opportunity today just hurts. That starts with me.”

Looking ahead

Arizona enters its second bye week of the season before going on the road to play the University of Colorado, Boulder on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Folsom Field.

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