November in Tucson is a time when the weather finally cools, college basketball kicks off, and the city’s biggest college town lives up to its reputation. For the University of Arizona Wildcats football team, it also means a storied tradition of taking down ranked opponents on their home field.
Recent success continues the legacy
When the Wildcats host No. 2 Utah this Saturday at Casino Del Sol Stadium, it will mark the 38th occasion a Top 25 team has visited Tucson in November. Fourteen of those visits have ended in defeat for the visitor, including nine losses against teams ranked in the Top 10.
The most recent home victory over a ranked foe came in 2023, when Arizona routed No. 16 Utah 42‑18 on Senior Day. That win followed a 2022 season that ended with a double‑overtime loss to No. 6 BYU, underscoring the Wildcats’ ability to rebound and compete against elite competition.
Historical highlights
Arizona’s November upset record stretches back decades. The last time a Top 10 team visited Tucson in November was in 2019, when No. 7 Utah defeated the Wildcats 35‑7. However, the five Top 10 visitors before that were all knocked off, highlighted by a dramatic double‑overtime win over No. 10 Utah in 2015 and victories over Top 5 Oregon squads in 2013 and 2007.
The 2007 triumph over No. 2 Oregon remains a milestone. Despite entering the season 4‑6 and facing a ninth straight bowl‑less year, the Wildcats surged to a 31‑11 halftime lead, fueled by an interception and punt‑return touchdowns by Antoine Cason, and held on for a 34‑24 victory.
That Oregon win was the third consecutive season the Wildcats defeated a Top 5 opponent at home in November. In 2006, Cason secured a game‑winning pick‑six against No. 8 California, and in 2005 Arizona steamrolled unbeaten No. 7 UCLA 52‑14.
Roots of the tradition
The earliest November home upset dates to 1992, when Arizona faced unbeaten No. 1 Washington. After a narrow 8‑7 loss to a top‑ranked opponent in September, the Wildcats rose to the occasion, forcing four takeaways and beating the Huskies 16‑3.
Overall, Arizona holds a 31‑65 record against ranked opponents at home. While the numbers reflect the challenges of competing with elite programs, the frequency of November upsets demonstrates the Wildcats’ ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
What the upcoming game means
The upcoming clash with No. 2 Utah offers another chance for the Wildcats to add to their November upset ledger. A win would not only continue a proud tradition but also provide a morale boost as the team looks toward postseason aspirations.
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere at Casino Del Sol Stadium, where the community gathers each November to support the Wildcats. Whether the outcome mirrors past triumphs or adds a new chapter to the rivalry, the game underscores Tucson’s unique place in college football history.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
