Arizona looked good at the start with a touchdown on the game’s opening drive but the Wildcats scored only more touchdown the rest of the way — losing one of its top playmaking receivers, Gio Richardson, to an undisclosed injury in the process — in Saturday’s 28-17 loss at No. 15 BYU.
The loss for Arizona (1-1) in the Big 12 opener for both teams was the sixth straight defeat for the Wildcats (1-1) against the Cougars (2-0).
Arizona has not won at Provo, Utah, since Jim Young was the coach in 1973. Their losing streak at LaVell Edwards Stadium is now at five games.
Things looked promising when Arizona opened the game with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped by Noah Fifita’s 11-yard scramble.
Arizona had only 87 yards in total offense in the second half without Richardson, who suffered the injury in the first half after leading the Wildcats in receiving at halftime.
BYU answered Arizona’s opening drive with a Bear Bachmeier rushing touchdown after Fifita threw an ill-advised pass under pressure that was intercepted by Cade Uluave and returned 17 yards to the Arizona 9.
Arizona took a 10-7 lead with 24 seconds left in the first quarter on Michael Salgado-Medina’s 37-yard field goal.
After BYU went ahead 14-10 on Bachmeier’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Frischknecht, Fifita came through with another scoring drive.
We missed some opportunities. we had good field position. we didn’t make enough plays. against a good team you have to capitalize and we didn’t do that.
He found Shane King for a 16-yard touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 17-14 halftime advantage.
Richardson had five receptions for 48 yards, but he did not return.
Arizona could not get on the scoreboard afterward.
With 9:45 left in the third quarter, Bachmeier connected with Kyler Kasper for a 6-yard touchdown, putting BYU ahead 21-17.
The Wildcats had one final opportunity early in the fourth quarter.
Arizona drove 82 yards and reached the BYU 21. Fifita completed passes to King and Rodney Gallagher III to keep the drive alive, but Gallagher’s 3-yard reception on fourth down was ruled short of the line to gain after review, ending the threat.
BYU then delivered the decisive blow.
Bachmeier hit Legend Glasker for 61 yards, moving the Cougars deep into Arizona territory. Four plays later, Bachmeier found Kasper for a 12-yard touchdown with 6:10 remaining, extending the lead to 28-17.
BYU then effectively closed the game with its ground attack. LJ Martin ripped off several important runs, including a 16-yard gain that moved the Cougars to the Arizona 3-yard line with just over a minute remaining. BYU was able to run out the clock.
Bachmeier finished 16-of-26 passing for 217 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also ran for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Fifita was 23-of-31 for 230 yards and one touchdown and one interception.
Illinois transfer Cole Rusk had two catches for 48 yards, including a 34-yard reception during Arizona’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt. King finished with two catches for 21 yards and the touchdown.
Arizona’s rushing attack struggled to consistently create big plays. Kedrick Reescano carried 15 times for 49 yards, while Fifita added 38 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. The Wildcats finished with only 97 rushing yards.
BYU, meanwhile, rushed for 148 yards, led by Martin’s 98 yards on 20 carries.
The Wildcats return to Casino del Sol Stadium next Saturday to face Northern Illinois at 7:30 p.m. before concluding their non-conference schedule at Washington State on Sept. 26.
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