Workload? What workload for running back Ismail Mahdi?
Mahdi finished with 189 rushing yards on 22 carries to go with 32 yards in the passing game in Arizona’s 23-17 win over Kansas State on Friday night at Arizona Stadium.
In what most considered Arizona’s first real test, Arizona’s running game jumped off the stat page, having 234 yards on the night.
Arizona coach Brent Brennan highlighted the offensive line while praising Mahdi’s performance.
“(Mahdi) doesn’t make those plays without that offensive front blocking the way they had to,” Brennan said. “Ish just kept showing up, ripping off big runs with physicality, and finishing, and receivers blocking downfield. There’s a lot of good there.”
Although Mahdi did not score, his plays were crucial to set up scoring opportunities.
The senior transfer from Texas State had a 60-yard run that led to a touchdown, and a 27-yard catch on third and 15 that eventually led to a field goal to put Arizona up 23-17
Mahdi said this kind of workload was nothing new.
“I’m used to it,” he said. “I’ve played a lot of snaps in my career. I’m used to what I just displayed out there.”
The performance came at a time when Kendrick Reescano was out with an injury and Quincy Craig saw limited snaps with offensive coordinator Seth Doege calling the plays.
“We play fast, and we believe in each other,” Mahdi said. “Coach Doege believes in us. He’s done a great job putting the skill players in a great position to make plays. I feel like this is the most committed offensive group that I’ve been with as a player.”
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