Arizona fell 40‑39 to No. 2 Utah on Saturday night at Casino Del Sol Stadium, snapping a seven‑game home winning streak and ending any chance of a Big 12 championship appearance.
According to KOLD.com, Utah held on for the narrow victory after a delayed start—originally set for 5:30 p.m., the kickoff was pushed to 8:30 p.m. because the Utes were grounded by a nationwide FAA travel stoppage on Friday. The Wildcats, now 7‑3 overall and 4‑3 in conference play, were unable to recover after Utah reclaimed the lead with a 70‑yard touchdown pass from Devon Dampier to Creed Whittemore with 3:13 left.
Azdesertswarm.com reported that the crowd of 48,158 was the largest of the season, and that the game featured a flurry of big plays: Utah’s running back Daniel Bray rushed for 197 yards and a score, while Devon Dampier accounted for four touchdowns—two rushing and two passing—and amassed nearly 300 total yards of offense.
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for a game‑high yardage total, but sources differ on the exact figure. Azdesertswarm.com listed Fifita with 356 passing yards, whereas KOLD.com reported 348 yards; both outlets agree he threw three touchdown passes. Isaiah Mizell caught a 10‑yard TD early in the fourth quarter to give Arizona a 39‑33 lead, and later added a 59‑yard reception that set up the go‑ahead score.
Key defensive moments included a fumble recovery by Mays Pese and a muffed punt recovery by long snapper Drew Nicolson, both cited by azdesertswarm.com. Cornerback Jay’Vion Cole also recorded an interception that set up a short Arizona drive.
After the loss, head coach Brent Brennan told azdesertswarm.com that the team “showed we can play with anybody” and emphasized the need to “learn from it” in the next 24 hours. He praised the fan atmosphere, noting that supporters stayed on their feet for the entire night despite the three‑hour delay.
Quarterback Fifita, speaking to azdesertswarm.com, called himself “one of one” and described the effort as “a heavyweight fight.” He also expressed disappointment that the final drive fell short, saying the defense gave the ball back with just over two minutes left but the offense could not capitalize.
Arizona’s schedule now turns on the road, with a visit to Kansas State on Nov. 21 followed by the Territorial Cup against Arizona State on Nov. 28, the 99th meeting in the rivalry series.
Sources: azdesertswarm.com, kold.com, azdesertswarm.com, azdesertswarm.com
