The Arizona Wildcats boat-raced the Iowa State Cyclones out of Tucson Saturday night, winning 39-3. The Wildcat defense put on a show, holding ISU’s vaunted rushing attack to 1.7 yards per carry and easily the best player on the Cyclone offense, Aidan Flora, to just 3 yards per carry. The offense was in rhythm most of the game, minus the odd third quarter, and was able to move the ball with ease.
With this type of game, there are plenty of players who have excellent performers. However, there can
only be a few that earn the title of Players of the Game.
Offense: Noah Fifita, QB
- Game Stats: 27-for-34, 308 yds, 2 TD; 3 car, 18 yds
Noah had himself a game. He started early with the 71-yard bomb to Isaiah Mizell that was placed perfectly. And from there he continued his strong play. Noah made just about every throw he needed to and didn’t force the ball where it wasn’t supposed to be. He spread the love as well, hitting nine different receivers. He targeted a tenth, Arthur Ban, who was unable to finish the catch before having the ball smacked away by the defender. Noah’s poise in the pocket was excellent, with one example being the the 40-yard touchdown pass to Henry Gabalis. Noah had a deep dropback on play action, stepped up into the pocket and delivered a beautiful ball to the wide-open Gabalis.
Defense: Dash Fifita, LB
- Game Stats: 6 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 QB Hurry
Dash didn’t start the game, but he made his presence known as soon as he stepped onto the field. He came flying up the middle and forced an errant throw by Connor Moberly. Dash didn’t look back after that. He sacked Moberly twice and came flying in to stop a run in the backfield. Even though he only played 16 snaps, Dash ended up with the most tackles, TFLs and sacks for the defense. He is a definite playmaker and shows that he is more than deserving of the playing time he’s getting, maybe even more.
Special Teams: Chase Ridley, P
- Game Stats: 3 punts, 138 yds, 46 yds per punt, 57-yd long, 2 fair catches, 2 inside the 20
Ridley is a player on the team who, I believe, doesn’t get the respect he deserves. He shined in that bizarre third quarter. And it’s because of him that Iowa State was disadvantaged when Arizona’s offense stalled out. He did amazing work ensuring that Aidan Flora could not return any punts and was able to pin two of this three punts inside the 20-yard line. So not only did Ridley do his job, he did it incredibly well and continues to show why he is an invaluable part of the program.
Honorable Mentions:
- Isaiah Mizell, WR: 8 rec, 134 yds, 1 TD
- Tyler Powell, TE: 4 rec, 20 yds
- Quincy Craig, RB: 9 car, 51 yds, 1 TD; 1 rec, 15 yds
- Kedrick Reescano, RB: 8 car, 41 yds, 1 TD
- Malcolm Hartzog Jr., S: 4 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 PBU
- Tyrese Boss, CB: 1 tackle, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 QB Hurries
