Not many expected Arizona to go into Ames, Iowa, and beat No. 14 Iowa State on Saturday, but the game had plenty of interest from Wildcat fans to see how far the program has come in Brent Brennan’s second season.
Arizona lost, 39-14, in a game that never felt close, but the Wildcats are not far from possibly turning their program around if they can build from the experience.
“Going into the game, you guys heard me about this being a measuring stick for us,” Brennan said. “I own that reference and tonight was a harsh measuring stick.
“We made some plays but it was not nearly enough.”
Noah Fifita struggled with two interceptions, not having much to show for completing 32 of 48 pass attempts for 253 yards with two touchdowns.
Washington State transfer Kris Hutson, his primary target with six catches for 67 yards, looks like he can evolve into being a crowd-favorite. Ismail Mahdi produced again with 85 yards on 13 carries.
Arizona’s defense, which was in the top 20 in many statistical categories after taking care of Hawaii, Weber State and Kansas State at home, gave up too many big plays.
Rocco Becht’s 22-game streak with a passing touchdown was snapped and he threw a pass that was picked off by Treydan Stukes deep into Arizona territory.
The Cyclones (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) averaged 19.2 yards per completion, however, including a 45-yard pass by their tight end on a trick play that set up a touchdown.
Arizona (3-1, 0-1) did not have an answer for Iowa State receiver Chase Sowell (four receptions for 146 yards) and running back Carson Hansen kept Arizona’s defenders off-balance with his physical runs. He tallied 63 yards on 19 carries.
Iowa State led 22-0 in the second quarter and was never threatened.
The Cyclones took advantage of short-field possessions to pull away.
Three of the five touchdowns they scored were on drives of 38, 30, and 44 yards after a punt return (following a kick-interference call on Dalton Johnson), interception and turnover on downs, respectively.
Because of the short-field situations, Arizona nearly outgained Iowa State (360 to the Cyclones’ 399) and had more first downs (20 to 18).
Arizona will play its next two games at home against Oklahoma State (without fired coach Mike Gundy) and BYU.
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