2008 Arizona Wildcats football team

Last updated

2008 Arizona Wildcats football
Arizona Wildcats logo.svg
Las Vegas Bowl champion
Las Vegas Bowl, W 31–21 vs. BYU
Conference Pacific-10 Conference
Record8–5 (5–4 Pac-10)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes (2nd season)
Offensive scheme Air raid
Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops (5th season)
Base defense 4–3
Home stadium Arizona Stadium
Uniform
Pac-10-Uniform-UA-2008.png
Seasons
  2007
2009  
2008 Pacific-10 Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 3 USC $  8 1   12 1  
No. 10 Oregon  7 2   10 3  
No. 18 Oregon State  7 2   9 4  
California  6 3   9 4  
Arizona  5 4   8 5  
Arizona State  4 5   5 7  
Stanford  4 5   5 7  
UCLA  3 6   4 8  
Washington State  1 8   2 11  
Washington  0 9   0 12  
  • $ Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2008 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Mike Stoops, in his fifth year at Arizona. The Wildcats played their home games at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona and compete in the Pacific-10 Conference. Arizona finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 7–5, and faced BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 20, their first postseason appearance since 1998; they defeated the Cougars 31–21 for a final record of 8–5. In that game, the Wildcats' 31 points were the most put up by the team in any of their bowl appearances. Senior wide receiver Mike Thomas, playing in his final game as a Wildcat, also got the Pac-10 record of most receptions by any wide receiver in the Pac-10. Senior Quarterback Willie Tuitama was named MVP for the 2008 Las Vegas Bowl, by throwing 328 yards, 2 pass TD's and 1 rush TD.

Contents

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 307:00 p.m. Idaho *W 70–047,511
September 67:00 p.m. Toledo *
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, Arizona
W 41–1650,939
September 135:00 p.m.at New Mexico *L 28–3632,337
September 20Noonat UCLA FSN W 31–1065,434
October 44:30 p.m. Washington
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, Arizona
Versus W 48–1455,624
October 112:00 p.m.at Stanford L 23–2430,689
October 187:00 p.m.No. 25 California
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, Arizona
FSNAZ W 42–2748,372
October 257:15 p.m.No. 4 USC Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, Arizona
FSNL 10–1757,427
November 82:00 p.m.at Washington State W 59–2824,118
November 1512:30 p.m.at Oregon FSNAZL 45–5558,369
November 224:00 p.m.No. 21 Oregon State
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, Arizona
VersusL 17–1948,503
December 66:00 p.m. Arizona State
ESPN W 31–1058,704
December 206:00 p.m.No. 17 BYU *ESPNW 31–2140,047
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Mountain time
Schedule Source: 2008 Arizona Wildcats football schedule

Game summaries

vs Idaho

Idaho Vandals (0–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vandals00000
Wildcats143571470

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: August 30, 2008
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 88 °F (31 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,511
  • Referee: Larry Farina
Game information
First quarter
  • (10:35) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 1-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:25; Arizona 7–0)
  • (1:15) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 5-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:41; Arizona 14–0)
Second quarter
  • (13:17) ARIZ – Marquis Hundley 87-yard punt return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 21–0)
  • (9:24) ARIZ – Chris Gronkowski 12-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 2:00; Arizona 28–0)
  • (4:44) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 2-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:43; Arizona 35–0)
  • (1:33) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 3-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:31; Arizona 42–0)
  • (0:09) ARIZ – Terrell Turner 3-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Alex Zendejas kick (Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 0:39; Arizona 49–0)
Third quarter
  • (3:23) ARIZ – Matt Scott 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 2 plays, 13 yards, 0:44; Arizona 56–0)
Fourth quarter
  • (10:52) ARIZ – Nick Booth 7-yard pass from Matt Scott, Alex Zendejas kick (Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:24; Arizona 63–0)
  • (7:27) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 1-yard run, Alex Zendejas kick (Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:58; Arizona 70–0)
StatisticsIDAARIZ
First downs727
Total yards112521
Rushing yards25–6449–265
Passing yards48265
Passing: Comp–Att–Int10–27–423–31–0
Time of possession23:5536:05
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
IdahoPassing Nathan Enderle 10/25, 48 yards, 3 INT
RushingDeonte Jackson10 carries, 25 yards
Receiving Eddie Williams 3 receptions, 18 yards
ArizonaPassing Willie Tuitama 17/21, 179 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Nic Grigsby 19 carries, 169 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDelashaun Dean5 receptions, 77 yards

In the 2008 season opener, Arizona would dominate in this 70–0 shutout over the visiting Vandals of Idaho. For the game, the Wildcats would outgain the Vandals in total offense 521 to 112 yards. The game also marked the most points scored in a game by Arizona since a 74-0 victory in 1921 over the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy in addition to its first shutout since the 1996 season. [1]

vs Toledo

Toledo Rockets (0–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rockets063716
Wildcats101431441

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: September 6, 2008
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 99 °F (37 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,939
  • Referee: Jack Wood
Game information
First quarter
  • (4:45) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 20-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:21; Arizona 3–0)
  • (0:30) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 7-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:00; Arizona 10–0)
Second quarter
  • (9:20) TOL – Alex Steigerwald 20-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 6:10; Arizona 10–3)
  • (7:57) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 27-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, 1:12; Arizona 17–3)
  • (5:28) TOL – Alex Steigerwald 35-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 2:29; Arizona 17–6)
  • (1:15) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 11-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:05; Arizona 24–6)
Third quarter
  • (9:22) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 26-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:30; Arizona 27–6)
  • (3:17) TOL – Alex Steigerwald 21-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:59; Arizona 27–9)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:55) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 7-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:15; Arizona 34–9)
  • (12:52) TOL – Stephen Williams 3-yard pass from Aaron Opelt, Alex Steigerwald kick (Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:06; Arizona 34–16)
  • (3:27) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 12-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:52; Arizona 41–16)
StatisticsTOLARIZ
First downs1228
Total yards244452
Rushing yards24–7433–153
Passing yards170299
Passing: Comp–Att–Int21–31–026–34–0
Time of possession27:0332:57
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ToledoPassingAaron Opelt21/31, 170 yards, TD
RushingDaJuane Collins10 carries, 54 yards
Receiving Stephen Williams 12 receptions, 67 yards, TD
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama25/33, 292 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby20 carries, 135 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Mike Thomas 9 receptions, 138 yards, TD

at New Mexico

Arizona Wildcats (2–0) at New Mexico Lobos (0–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats777728
Lobos101010636

at University StadiumAlbuquerque, NM

  • Date: September 13, 2008
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Clear, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 32,337
  • Referee: Terry Leyden
Game information
First quarter
  • (10:43) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 43-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:37; Arizona 7–0)
  • (5:24) UNM – James Aho 24-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:55; Arizona 7–3)
  • (0:20) UNM – Donovan Porterie 25-yard pass from Rodney Ferguson, James Aho kick (Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:06; New Mexico 10–7)
Second quarter
  • (13:00) UNM – James Aho 43-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:30; New Mexico 13–7)
  • (8:23) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 15-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:26; Arizona 14–13)
  • (1:35) UNM – Rodney Ferguson 25-yard run, James Aho kick (Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:09; New Mexico 20–14)
Third quarter
  • (14:36) UNM – Rodney Ferguson 10-yard run, James Aho kick (Drive: 1 play, 10 yards, 0:06; New Mexico 27–14)
  • (9:54) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:34; New Mexico 27–21)
  • (2:16) UNM – James Aho 48-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:48; New Mexico 30–21)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:55) UNM – James Aho 42-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:58; New Mexico 33–21)
  • (5:58) UNM – James Aho 46-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:55; New Mexico 36–21)
  • (4:38) ARIZ – Juron Criner 28-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:13; New Mexico 36–28)
StatisticsARIZUNM
First downs2118
Total yards388335
Rushing yards24–6747–221
Passing yards321114
Passing: Comp–Att–Int27–50–214–18–1
Time of possession26:4233:18
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama27/50, 321 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
RushingNic Grigsby18 carries, 72 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas12 receptions, 136 yards, TD
New MexicoPassing Donovan Porterie 13/17, 89 yards, INT
Rushing Rodney Ferguson 26 carries, 158 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingChris Hernandez4 receptions, 39 yards

at UCLA

Arizona Wildcats (2–1) at UCLA Bruins (1–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats31401431
Bruins730010

at Rose BowlPasadena, CA

  • Date: September 20, 2008
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Light Haze, 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,434
  • Referee: Larry Farina
  • TV announcers (FSN): Barry Tompkins (play-by-play), Petros Papadakis (analyst), Jim Watson (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:21) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 41-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:57; Arizona 3–0)
  • (3:41) UCLA – Korey Bosworth 1-yard fumble return, Kai Forbath kick (UCLA 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (13:11) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 22-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:49; Arizona 10–7)
  • (9:46) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 3-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:20; Arizona 17–7)
  • (0:00) UCLA – Kai Forbath 35-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 4:26; Arizona 17–10)
Third quarter
  • No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
  • (12:49) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 4-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 1:43; Arizona 24–10)
  • (6:48) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 8-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:32; Arizona 31–10)
StatisticsARIZUCLA
First downs1511
Total yards388335
Rushing yards35–11128–115
Passing yards22281
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16–29–015–31–0
Time of possession29:0830:52
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama16/29, 222 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby20 carries, 59 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas4 receptions, 115 yards
UCLAPassing Kevin Craft 15/31, 81 yards
RushingChane Moline11 carries, 72 yards
Receiving Terrence Austin 5 receptions, 36 yards

vs Washington

Washington Huskies (0–4) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Huskies070714
Wildcats171417048

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: October 4, 2008
  • Game time: 4:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,624
  • Referee: Michael Batlan
  • TV announcers (Versus): Joe Beninati (play-by-play), Kelly Stouffer (analyst), Lewis Johnson (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (10:47) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 29-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 2:46; Arizona 3–0)
  • (7:10) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:24; Arizona 10–0)
  • (0:00) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:15; Arizona 17–0)
Second quarter
  • (11:55) WASH – Paul Homer 1-yard run, Ryan Perkins kick (Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:00; Arizona 17–7)
  • (8:13) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 48-yard punt return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 24–7)
  • (3:58) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 9-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 2:10; Arizona 31–7)
Third quarter
  • (10:50) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 8-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:08; Arizona 38–7)
  • (5:42) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 49-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:26; Arizona 41–7)
  • (0:38) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 2-yard run, Alex Zendejas kick (Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:46; Arizona 48–7)
Fourth quarter
  • (8:33) WASH – Michael Gottlieb 20-yard pass from Ronnie Fouch, Ryan Perkins kick (Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 1:50; Arizona 48–14)
StatisticsWASHARIZ
First downs1228
Total yards244452
Rushing yards28–6351–256
Passing yards181193
Passing: Comp–Att–Int12–28–117–21–0
Time of possession23:4836:07
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
WashingtonPassing Ronnie Fouch 12/28, 181 yards, TD, INT
RushingBrandon Jonhson13 carries, 35 yards
Receiving Jermaine Kearse 1 reception, 62 yards
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama25/33, 292 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby14 carries, 113 yards, TD
Receiving Rob Gronkowski 5 receptions, 109 yards, 3 TD

at Stanford

Arizona Wildcats (4–1) at Stanford Cardinal (3–3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats3140623
Cardinal737724

at Stanford StadiumStanford, CA

  • Date: October 11, 2008
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 30,689
  • Referee: Brian O'Cain
Game information
First quarter
  • (6:38) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 19-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 84 yards, 5:38; Arizona 3–0)
  • (1:06) STAN – Doug Baldwin 3-yard pass from Tavita Pritchard, Aaron Zagory kick (Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 5:27; Stanford 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (6:38) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 25-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:05; Arizona 10–7)
  • (3:35) ARIZ – Nate Ness 75-yard interception return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 17–7)
  • (0:09) STAN – Aaron Zagory 22-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 3:16; Arizona 17–10)
Third quarter
  • (4:20) STAN – Anthony Kimble 1-yard run, Aaron Zagory kick (Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:19; Tied 17–17)
Fourth quarter
  • (11:55) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 22-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 3:59; Arizona 20–17)
  • (5:48) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 23-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:28; Arizona 23–17)
  • (0:25) STAN – Toby Gerhart 1-yard run, Aaron Zagory kick (Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:16; Stanford 24–23)
StatisticsARIZSTAN
First downs1621
Total yards336438
Rushing yards23–7748–286
Passing yards259152
Passing: Comp–Att–Int22–34–016–24–2
Time of possession25:2534:35
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama22/34, 259 yards
RushingNic Grigsby15 carries, 66 yards, TD
ReceivingTerrell Turner10 receptions, 175 yards
StanfordPassing Tavita Pritchard 13/17, 113 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Toby Gerhart 24 carries, 116 yards, TD
Receiving Ryan Whalen 5 receptions, 62 yards

vs No. 25 California

No. 25 California Golden Bears (4–1) vs Arizona Wildcats (4–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 25 Golden Bears7173027
Wildcats01428042

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: October 18, 2008
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Clear, warm, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 48,372
  • Referee: Jack Folliard
  • TV announcers (FSN Arizona): Dave Sitton (play-by-play), Lincoln Kennedy (analyst), Sean Mooney (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:19) CAL – Verran Tucker 2-yard pass from Nate Longshore, Giorgio Tavecchio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:51; Arizona 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (14:13) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 20-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:25; Tied 7–7)
  • (12:35) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 11-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:29; Arizona 14–7)
  • (7:51) CAL – Jahvid Best 67-yard run, Giorgio Tavecchio kick (Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:13; Tied 14–14)
  • (3:34) CAL – Cameron Morrah 18-yard pass from Nate Longshore, Giorgio Tavecchio kick (Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:37; California 21–14)
  • (0:03) CAL – Giorgio Tavecchio 42-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 0:25; California 24–14)
Third quarter
  • (13:14) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 56-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:41; California 24–21)
  • (9:20) CAL – Giorgio Tavecchio 40-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:23; California 27–21)
  • (6:33) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 1-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:42; Arizona 28–27)
  • (6:16) ARIZ – Devin Ross 21-yard interception return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 35–27)
  • (1:29) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 35-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:04; Arizona 42–27)
Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays
StatisticsCALARIZ
First downs1817
Total yards425404
Rushing yards23–11041–179
Passing yards315225
Passing: Comp–Att–Int25–56–216–27–1
Time of possession29:0229:32
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CaliforniaPassing Nate Longshore 18/37, 218 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Jahvid Best 16 carries, 107 yards, TD
Receiving Verran Tucker 4 receptions, 68 yards, TD
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama16/27, 225 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Keola Antolin 21 carries, 149 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingMike Thomas6 receptions, 104 yards, TD

vs No. 4 USC

No. 4 USC Trojans (5–1) vs Arizona Wildcats (5–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 4 Trojans377017
Wildcats037010

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: October 25, 2008
  • Game time: 7:15 p.m.
  • Game weather: Clear, 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 57,427
  • Referee: Jay Stricherz
  • TV announcers (FSN): Barry Tompkins (play-by-play), Petros Papadakis (analyst), Jim Watson (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (12:29) USC – David Buehler 43-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:54; USC 3–0)
Second quarter
  • (12:56) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 30-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:56; Tied 3–3)
  • (5:03) USC – Stafon Johnson 2-yard run, David Buehler kick (Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 7:53; USC 10–3)
Third quarter
  • (12:18) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:46; Tied 10–10)
  • (7:56) USC – Stanley Havili 30-yard pass from Mark Sanchez, David Buehler kick (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:22; USC 17–10)
Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays
StatisticsUSCARIZ
First downs1913
Total yards367188
Rushing yards41–15130–100
Passing yards21688
Passing: Comp–Att–Int21–36–114–31–1
Time of possession33:3426:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
USCPassing Mark Sanchez 21/36, 216 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Stafon Johnson 19 carries, 83 yards, TD
Receiving Damian Williams 5 receptions, 77 yards
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama14/30, 88 yards, INT
RushingNic Grigsby14 carries, 69 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas6 receptions, 45 yards

at Washington State

Arizona Wildcats (5–3) at Washington State Cougars (1–8) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats1421101459
Cougars777728

at Martin StadiumPullman, WA

  • Date: November 8, 2008
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Overcast, 50 °F (10 °C)
  • Game attendance: 24,118
  • Referee: Larry Farina
Game information
First quarter
  • (10:10) WSU – Dwight Tardy 18-yard run, Wade Penner kick (Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:43; Washington State 7–0)
  • (4:13) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:52; Tied 7–7)
  • (0:52) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 43-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:53; Arizona 14–7)
Second quarter
  • (14:53) WSU – Kevin Lopina 4-yard run, Wade Penner kick (Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 0:53; Tied 14–14)
  • (10:20) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 4:31; Arizona 21–14)
  • (2:47) ARIZ – Willie Tuitama 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:37; Arizona 28–14)
  • (1:06) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 6-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:22; Arizona 35–14)
Third quarter
  • (12:36) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 6-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:24; Arizona 42–14)
  • (9:22) WSU – Logwone Mitz 2-yard run, Wade Penner kick (Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:09; Arizona 42–21)
  • (3:54) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 40-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:20; Arizona 45–21)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:54) WSU – Kevin Lopina 6-yard run, Wade Penner kick (Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 2:20; Arizona 45–28)
  • (7:03) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:46; Arizona 52–28)
  • (4:35) ARIZ – Matt Scott 18-yard run, Alex Zendejas kick (Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 2:13; Arizona 59–28)
StatisticsARIZWSU
First downs2812
Total yards531208
Rushing yards57–31729–94
Passing yards214114
Passing: Comp–Att–Int11–15–110–20–3
Time of possession37:2722:33
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama11/15, 214 yards, TD, INT
RushingNic Grigsby28 carries, 197 yards, TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski4 receptions, 83 yards, TD
Washington StatePassingKevin Lopina8/15, 94 yards, 2 INT
RushingLogwone Mitz11 carries, 57 yards, TD
ReceivingBen Woodard2 receptions, 49 yards

Washington State scored first – taking its first lead of the season in a Pac-10 game – when Dwight Tardy took a pitch from QB Kevin Lopina and ran 18 yards with 10:10 left in the first. Arizona replied with a 12-play drive and WR Mike Thomas ran 5 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski caught a short pass from QB Willie Tuitama and ran 43 yards for a touchdown to put Arizona up 14–7 at the end of the first quarter. After getting the ball on their own 46 to start the next drive, WSU's Logwone Mitz tore off runs of 8 and 42 yards to take the ball to Arizona's 4. Lopina ran it in to tie the score at 14. Arizona replied with an 81-yard drive with RB Keola Antolin running 5 yards up the middle for a 21–14 lead with 10:20 left in the half. The WSU offense stalled the rest of the half. Meanwhile, Tuitama ran in from the 4 on a broken play for a 28–14 Arizona advantage. Arizona's Devin Ross intercepted Lopina on the next series, and RB Nic Grigsby ran it three times, the last for a 6-yard touchdown and a 35–14 halftime lead. Wildcat RB Xavier Smith scored on a 6-yard run on the opening drive of the second half for a 42–14 lead. Mitz scored from 3 yards out on the next series to bring WSU to within 42–21. Arizona would go on to beat Washington State by a final score of 59–28 for win number 6, making the Wildcats eligible for their first bowl game since 1998. [2]

at Oregon

Arizona Wildcats (6–3) at Oregon Ducks (7–3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats10772145
Ducks21243755

at Autzen StadiumEugene, OR

  • Date: November 15, 2008
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Light Overcast, 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 58,369
  • Referee: Michael Batlan
  • TV announcers (FSN Arizona): Dave Sitton (play-by-play), Lincoln Kennedy (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (14:18) ORE – Jeremiah Masoli 66-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (Drive: 3 plays, 85 yards, 0:42; Oregon 7–0)
  • (13:28) ORE – Patrick Chung 31-yard interception return, Morgan Flint kick (Oregon 14–7)
  • (8:58) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 29-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 4:30; Oregon 14–3)
  • (2:16) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 2-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:41; Oregon 14–10)
  • (0:25) ORE – Terence Scott 44-yard pass from Jeremiah Masoli, Morgan Flint kick (Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 1:51; Oregon 21–10)
Second quarter
  • (11:46) ORE – Jeremiah Masoli 5-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 1:42; Oregon 28–10)
  • (9:34) ARIZ – Chris Gronkowski 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:12; Oregon 28–17)
  • (7:34) ORE – Jeremiah Masoli 6-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:12; Oregon 35–17)
  • (3:28) ORE – Jeff Maehl 65-yard pass from Jeremiah Masoli, Morgan Flint kick (Drive: 3 plays, 88 yards, 0:59; Oregon 42–17)
  • (0:00) ORE – Morgan Flint 23-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 0:44; Oregon 45–17)
Third quarter
  • (12:46) ORE – Morgan Flint 39-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 0:58; Oregon 48–17)
  • (8:53) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 7-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:53; Oregon 48–24)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:56) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 3-yard run, Willie Tuitama two-point pass to Rob Gronkowski (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:51; Oregon 48–32)
  • (8:55) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 1-yard run, two-point run failed (Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:48; Oregon 48–38)
  • (6:38) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 13-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:03; Oregon 48–45)
  • (3:38) ORE – LaGarrette Blount 40-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (Drive: 2 plays, 45 yards, 0:12; Oregon 55–45)
StatisticsARIZORE
First downs3018
Total yards527504
Rushing yards52–19930–206
Passing yards328298
Passing: Comp–Att–Int29–46–221–27–0
Time of possession41:4618:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama29/45, 328 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingKeola Antolin20 carries, 87 yards, 4 TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski12 receptions, 143 yards, TD
OregonPassing Jeremiah Masoli 21/26, 298 yards, 2 TD
RushingJeremiah Masoli10 carries, 89 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Terence Scott 6 receptions, 87 yards, TD

The Oregon Ducks started hot against the Arizona Wildcats in Eugene, with Jeremiah Masoli getting a career-high in rushing touchdowns (3) and broke the record for an Oregon quarterback in this category in a single Ducks game. He also had two passing touchdowns, all five in the first half. Oregon led at the half, 45–17, but Arizona started the second half hot. The Wildcats managed to hold the Ducks to merely ten points in the second half, while they had a 21-point fourth quarter to pull within three. However, a 40-yard touchdown hit from Masoli to LeGarrette Blounte sealed the Ducks win, 55–45, to avenge a loss to the Wildcats from last year. This game was the first in which the Ducks wore their new "blackout" jerseys and black helmets, to fit with the Autzen Stadium "blackout" theme for the game.

vs No. 21 Oregon State

No. 21 Oregon State Beavers (7–3) vs Arizona Wildcats (6–4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 21 Beavers037919
Wildcats037717

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: November 22, 2008
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Mostly clear, 74 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 48,503
  • Referee: Jack Folliard
  • TV announcers (Versus): Ron Thulin (play-by-play), Kelly Stouffer (analyst), Lewis Johnson (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays
Second quarter
  • (8:17) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 27-yard field goal (Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 7:44; Arizona 3–0)
  • (0:00) OSU – Justin Kahut 47-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:19; Tied 3–3)
Third quarter
  • (9:06) OSU – James Rodgers 7-yard run, Justin Kahut kick (Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:31; Oregon State 10–3)
  • (0:16) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 16-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 6:31; Tied 10–10)
Fourth quarter
  • (8:26) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 9-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:26; Arizona 17–10)
  • (3:58) OSU – Sammie Stroughter 7-yard pass from Sean Canfield, kick failed (Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:28; Arizona 17–16)
  • (0:00) OSU – Justin Kahut 24-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:19; Oregon State 19–17)
StatisticsOSUARIZ
First downs1719
Total yards390297
Rushing yards33–16641–139
Passing yards224158
Passing: Comp–Att–Int20–32–016–22–0
Time of possession27:1732:43
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Oregon StatePassing Sean Canfield 20/32, 224 yards, TD
Rushing James Rodgers 10 carries, 102 yards, TD
Receiving Sammie Stroughter 5 receptions, 116 yards, TD
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama16/22, 158 yards, TD
RushingKeola Antolin25 carries, 114 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas6 receptions, 50 yards

Before an enthusiastic crowd of 48,503 at Arizona Stadium, Oregon State had to go without starting quarterback Lyle Moevao, sidelined by a shoulder injury. Then they lost tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, the Pac-10's leading rusher and Pac-10 Player of the Year candidate, to a shoulder injury on their second possession. With the score tied at 10–10 early in the fourth quarter (on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski with 16 seconds left in the third quarter), Oregon State head coach Mike Riley went for it twice on fourth down near midfield. The first one worked and the second did not, and it proved costly. After backup tailback Ryan McCants lost a yard on fourth-and-1 at Arizona's 49, the Wildcats went on an eight-play march capped by a 9-yard touchdown run by RB Keola Antolin to give Arizona a 17–10 lead. Oregon State responded with a 10-play, 80-yard drive for a touchdown. Then, Beavers kicker Justin Kahut missed the extra point with 3:58 left, seemingly giving Arizona the chance for the win. Arizona's offense stalled, and while the Wildcats led 17–16 with 1:19 to play, Oregon State took over at their own 20 with no timeouts left. Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield, who started in place of Moevao, hit Jeremy Francis for a 20-yard catch to the 40. A seven-yard run by receiver James Rodgers went to the 47. On the third play of the drive, Canfield found Sammie Stroughter alone behind the Wildcats secondary for a 47-yard gain to the Arizona 7. Then, Kahut calmly nailed a 24-yard field goal as time expired to seal an improbable 19–17 victory, redeeming himself and leaving the Beavers one win away from their first Rose Bowl trip since 1965. Keola Antolin rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown for Arizona, while Arizona QB Willie Tuitama threw for 158 yards and a score.

vs Arizona State

Arizona State Sun Devils (5–6) vs Arizona Wildcats (6–5) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Sun Devils0100010
Wildcats7021331

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: December 6, 2008
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Mostly clear, 65 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 58,704
  • Referee: Jack Wood
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Bob Davie (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • (0:31) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 17-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 12 plays, 98 yards, 5:44; Arizona 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:58) ASU – Thomas Weber 40-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:25; Arizona 7–3)
  • (5:53) ASU – Andrew Pettes 2-yard pass from Rudy Carpenter, Thomas Weber kick (Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:09; Arizona State 10–7)
Third quarter
  • (7:23) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 10-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:52; Arizona 14–10)
  • (4:24) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 12-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 1:29; Arizona 21–10)
  • (2:22) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 52-yard punt return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 28–10)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:34) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 49-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:13; Arizona 31–10)
StatisticsASUARIZ
First downs1225
Total yards162389
Rushing yards23–3840–105
Passing yards124284
Passing: Comp–Att–Int13–31–125–37–1
Time of possession23:1036:50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona StatePassing Rudy Carpenter 13/31, 124 yards, TD, INT
RushingKeegan Herring14 carries, 31 yards
Receiving Kyle Williams 5 receptions, 116 yards
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama25/37, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingNic Grigsby22 carries, 114 yards, TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski6 receptions, 95 yards, TD

The Wildcats were not just playing for in-state bragging rights this year in their 82nd meeting for the Territorial Cup. The Las Vegas Bowl announced on December 5 that the winner of this game would be extended an invitation to appear. [3]

A sellout crowd of 58,704 (sixth-largest in Arizona Stadium history) was on hand; they had to suffer through a first half in which both teams struggled to find a rhythm offensively. The Wildcats scored first, 7–0 with 5:44 left in the first quarter, on a 17-yard pass from QB Willie Tuitama to TE Rob Gronkowski. On the drive, the Wildcats marched 98 yards in 12 plays – their longest scoring drive of the season.

Arizona State cut the Wildcat lead to 7–3 on a 40-yard field goal by Thomas Weber.

UA punter Keenyn Crier was ruled down on his right knee while trying to retrieve a low snap in the second quarter, giving the Sun Devils possession on the Wildcat 19 and setting up an easy two-play drive from QB Rudy Carpenter as he eventually hit WR Andrew Pettes for a 2-yard pass for a go-ahead Arizona State touchdown, making the score 10–7.

The 'Cats would fight back, and scored on their first offensive possession of the second half, as Tuitama led the Wildcats on an 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive. He connected with WR Delashaun Dean on a 10-yard slant route for the score. Kicker Jason Bondzio's PAT gave the Cats a 14–10 lead.

Arizona would score again after a 47-yard Marquis Hundley interception of a Rudy Carpenter pass led to a 12-yard scoring run by UA tailback Nic Grigsby. The Wildcats scored again on a dramatic 52-yard punt return from WR Mike Thomas, to quickly transform a 10–7 halftime deficit into a 28–10 lead.

Jason Bondzio kicked a 49-yard field goal for a 31–10 lead with 12:34 to go in the game.

Grigsby finished with 114 rushing yards on 22 carries. Tuitama completed 25 of 37 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. TE Rob Gronkowski led the team with six catches for 95 yards. WR Mike Thomas finished with nine catches for 75 yards and was selected the game MVP.

Arizona State, with the Wildcat win, ends their relatively disappointing season at 5–7, and as such is kept from being invited to a bowl game for the first time since 2003. [4] [5] [6]

vs No. 17 BYU (Las Vegas Bowl)

Arizona Wildcats (7–5) vs No. 17 BYU Cougars (10–2) – Game summary
(2008 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl)
Quarter1234Total
Wildcats7314731
No. 17 Cougars077721

at Sam Boyd StadiumWhitney, NV

  • Date: December 20, 2008
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy and cold, 44 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 40,047
  • Referee: Jeff Flanagan
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • (6:23) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 1-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 8 plays, 96 yards, 3:21; Arizona 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (9:21) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 31-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:28; Arizona 10–0)
  • (6:50) BYU – Harvey Unga 1-yard run, Mitch Payne kick (Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:24; Arizona 10–7)
Third quarter
  • (11:21) BYU – Andrew George 1-yard pass from Max Hall, Mitch Payne kick (Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 3:24; BYU 14–10)
  • (7:07) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:46; Arizona 17–14)
  • (0:25) ARIZ – Chris Gronkowski 24-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:48; Arizona 24–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (6:09) ARIZ – Willie Tuitama 6-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:54; Arizona 31–14)
  • (3:38) BYU – Max Hall 1-yard run, Mitch Payne kick (Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 2:25; Arizona 31–21)
StatisticsARIZBYU
First downs2022
Total yards416444
Rushing yards28–9132–116
Passing yards325328
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24–35–030–46–1
Time of possession27:1232:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ArizonaPassingWillie Tuitama24/35, 325 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby20 carries, 87 yards, TD
ReceivingTerrell Turner4 receptions, 111 yards
BYUPassing Max Hall 30/46, 328 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Harvey Unga 17 carries, 71 yards, TD
Receiving Austin Collie 11 receptions, 119 yards

Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama was named MVP.

Willie Tuitama threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns as Arizona won its first bowl game in 10 years in front of a crowd of 40,047 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Wildcats stifled BYU quarterback Max Hall throughout the game, forcing him to scramble often, lose a fumble and throw an interception. Arizona (8–5) kept the ball in the air most of the game. Tuitama threw a 71-yard pass to WR Terrell Turner that set up the first score, a 37-yard touchdown to WR Delashaun Dean that gave the Wildcats the lead for good in the third quarter, and a 24-yard strike to RB Chris Gronkowski that sent Cougars fans toward the exits (Tuitama would run 6 yards into the end zone to complete the drive). [7] The Wildcats' third-quarter scoring spree salvaged an otherwise-unlucky period. Arizona thought it had recovered a fumble three plays earlier, when BYU WR Austin Collie caught a screen pass, took a step, ran into his own blocker and fumbled. UA safety Nate Ness recovered at BYU's 11. The game's referee crew opted to review the play, and ruled that Collie had never demonstrated possession. The Cougars completed a short pass on third down, then punted. Arizona's five days in Las Vegas had a little bit of everything — fun, drama and even questions about Mike Stoops' job future (Stoops was rumored to be a candidate for the vacant Iowa State head coach position which was filled by Auburn assistant coach Paul Rhoads). [8]

Awards

Willie Tuitama (QB)

Mike Thomas (WR/Return Specialist)

Rob Gronkowski (TE)

Eben Britton (OL)

Joe Longacre (OL)

Devin Ross (CB)

Jason Bondzio (K)

References

  1. "Idaho vs Arizona (Aug 30, 2008)". University of Arizona Sports Information. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2008.
  2. Arizona at Washington State
  3. "Registration Required". Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
  4. "Deal Wildcats in".
  5. Metcalfe, Jeff (December 6, 2008). "UA Ends ASU's Season in Rout". The Arizona Republic . Phoenix. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
  6. "MyWay".
  7. "Tuitama Leads Arizona Over BYU in Las Vegas Bowl", Oskar Garcia, Associated Press, December 20, 2008
  8. http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/272649 [ dead link ]
  9. "PAC-10 Football Awards and All-Conference Team Announced" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  10. "2008 All-Pac-10 team". ESPN.com. December 10, 2008. Retrieved September 1, 2021.