In a thrilling finish on Saturday night, the Arizona Wildcats rallied to defeat the TCU Horned Frogs 29‑28. With just 39 seconds remaining, kicker Michael Salgado‑Medina converted a 37‑yard field goal after Arizona recovered an onside pooch kick, sealing the upset.
Key moments
The Wildcats, now 7‑2 overall and 4‑2 in the Big 12, narrowed the gap to 28‑26 when quarterback Noah Fifita connected with Quincy Craig on a 15‑yard touchdown pass with 1:45 left in the fourth quarter. Their two‑point conversion attempt failed, prompting Arizona to line up for an onside kick.
Ian French’s pooch kick floated over the Horned Frogs’ front line, and TCU’s Ed Small was unable to secure the ball. Arizona’s Zuri Watson recovered the ball at the TCU 26‑yard line, giving the Wildcats a prime scoring opportunity.
Four plays later, Salgado‑Medina’s field goal put Arizona ahead 29‑28. The win was sealed when defensive back Tyrese Boss intercepted a TCU pass, preserving the lead and keeping Arizona’s shot at the Big 12 championship alive.
Arizona’s recent success
Arizona has now won seven straight home games, its longest streak since the 1993‑94 season. Coach Brent Brennan praised his team’s resilience, saying, “The players kept believing, the sideline was electric. It was just magic the way that thing finished.”
TCU’s missed chances
TCU’s Jaden Craig contributed two rushing touchdowns, including a 2‑yard score that gave the Horned Frogs an 28‑20 lead in the fourth quarter. He also threw for 232 yards and caught a 6‑yard touchdown pass from quarterback Fifita in the third quarter.
Earlier, TCU took a 14‑10 halftime lead after Hudson Hooper returned a 93‑yard interception for a touchdown, following a misread pass by Arizona’s quarterback. Despite the momentum, the Horned Frogs could not hold on.
Coach reactions
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes expressed disappointment, stating, “I’m disappointed for our players. It’s been a frustrating year. We’ve lost a lot of close games.” Arizona’s coach Brennan highlighted the team’s perseverance and the electric atmosphere that fueled the comeback.
Looking ahead
Both teams have important matchups coming up. TCU will host Kansas State on Nov. 14, while Arizona welcomes No. 3 Utah on the same date, a game that could further shape the Wildcats’ path to the conference title.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
