After Arizona completed the 2000 season, Tomey resigned as coach due to the inability to get the Wildcats to complete their goal of reaching the Rose Bowl.[2] Arizona had started the season at 5–1, only to lose their remaining games, including the finale against Arizona State, which led to Tomey resigning, despite several rumors that he would be fired.
Mackovic, the former Illinois and Texas coach, was hired to replace Tomey to rebuild the program.[3] After being introduced, Mackovic promised that the team would be rebuilt with strong recruiting classes and he would lead them to a Rose Bowl, in which Tomey was unable to do.[4] He previously served as Arizona's offensive coordinator under Jim Young from 1973 to 1976.
In addition, Mackovic would also bring in a new coaching staff, as well as bringing back Larry Mac Duff as defensive coordinator (Mac Duff was formerly part of Tomey's staff in the same position and helped build Arizona's “Desert Swarm” defense in the early 1990s).[5] Mac Duff served as the special teams for the NFL's New York Giants, who had reached the Super Bowl in the 2000–01 season (the Giants ultimately lost to the Ravens in the Super Bowl) before returning to Arizona in the offseason.
By the preseason, Arizona was picked to finish in the middle of the Pac-10 standings, though Mackovic was confident that the team would improve despite having a new quarterback.[6]
at San Diego State
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Wildcats |
0 |
16 |
7 | 0 | 23 |
Aztecs |
10 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 10 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (6:21) SDSU – Tommy Kivroski 23-yard field goal (Drive: 15 plays, 44 yards, 6:31; San Diego State 7–0)
- (3:04) SDSU – Larry Ned 1-yard run, Tommy Kivroski kick (Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:05; San Diego State 10–0)
- Second quarter
- (12:32) ARIZ – Team safety (San Diego State 10–2)
- (9:12) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 12-yard run, two-point pass failed (Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:20; San Diego State 10–8)
- (2:56) ARIZ – Brandon Nash 57-yard fumble return, Jason Johnson two-point pass to Andrae Thurman (Arizona 16–10)
- Third quarter
- (6:37) ARIZ – Brandon Marshall 4-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:11; Arizona 23–10)
- Fourth quarter
|
Close
Arizona Wildcats (0–0) at San Diego State Aztecs (0–0) – Game summary
at Qualcomm Stadium • San Diego, CA
- Date: August 30, 2001
- Game time: 7:00 P.M.
- Game weather: Clear, mild, 67 °F (19 °C)
- Game attendance: 29,386
- Referee: Ken Flaherty
- TV: ESPN2
More information Statistics, ARIZ ...
Statistics | ARIZ | SDSU |
First downs | 17 | 14 |
Total yards | 231 | 201 |
Rushing yards | 37–55 | 29–41 |
Passing yards | 176 | 160 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 21–32–1 | 18–38–0 |
Time of possession | 31:36 | 28:24 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 21/32, 176 yards, TD, INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 21 carries, 90 yards, TD |
Receiving | Malosi Leonard | 6 receptions, 52 yards |
San Diego State | Passing | Lon Sheriff | 15/30, 138 yards |
Rushing | Larry Ned | 21 carries, 43 yards, TD |
Receiving | J.R. Tolliver | 3 receptions, 39 yards |
Close
In Mackovic's debut as Arizona coach, the Wildcats opened the season with a matchup against San Diego State. It was Arizona's first visit to San Diego since they won the Holiday Bowl in 1998. Arizona's offense started slow, but would pick up momentum to get points and the defense shut down the Aztecs to give Mackovic his first win and end the Wildcats’ five-game losing streak (that dated back to the previous year that led to Tomey stepping down).[7]
vs Idaho
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Vandals |
0 |
0 |
0 | 29 | 29 |
Wildcats |
3 |
12 |
7 | 14 | 36 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (12:21) ARIZ – Sean Keel 44-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 2:39; Arizona 3–0)
- Second quarter
- (13:15) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 7-yard run, kick failed (Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:34; Arizona 9–0)
- (2:05) ARIZ – Brandon Marshall 99-yard pass from Jason Johnson, kick failed (Drive: 1 play, 99 yards, 0:12; Arizona 15–0)
- Third quarter
- (7:50) ARIZ – Andrae Thurman 19-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 2:57; Arizona 22–0)
- Fourth quarter
- (14:57) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 1-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:02; Arizona 29–0)
- (12:33) IDA – Rossi Martin 8-yard pass from John Welsh, Keith Stamps kick (Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:24; Arizona 29–7)
- (11:21) ARIZ – Leo Mills 22-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:12; Arizona 36–7)
- (8:07) IDA – Chris Lacy 20-yard pass from John Welsh, Keith Stamps kick (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:14; Arizona 36–14)
- (3:21) IDA – Ethan Jones 25-yard pass from John Welsh, John Welsh two-point pass to Kevin O'Connell (Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:33; Arizona 36–22)
- (0:52) IDA – Rossi Martin 6-yard pass from John Welsh, Keith Stamps kick (Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 1:46; Arizona 36–29)
|
Close
Idaho Vandals (0–1) vs Arizona Wildcats (1–0) – Game summary
at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ
- Date: September 8, 2001
- Game time: 7:00 P.M.
- Game weather: Clear, 89 °F (32 °C)
- Game attendance: 44,250
- Referee: Jim Sprenger
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, IDA ...
Statistics | IDA | ARIZ |
First downs | 29 | 22 |
Total yards | 479 | 491 |
Rushing yards | 37–113 | 36–181 |
Passing yards | 366 | 310 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 30–49–1 | 21–35–0 |
Time of possession | 33:03 | 26:57 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Idaho | Passing | John Welsh | 28/46, 349 yards, 4 TD |
Rushing | Blair Lewis | 21 carries, 110 yards |
Receiving | Chris Lacy | 6 receptions, 98 yards, TD |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 20/30, 304 yards, 2 TD |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 18 carries, 118 yards, 2 TD |
Receiving | Brandon Marshall | 1 reception, 99 yards |
Close
In their home opener, Arizona hosted Idaho. The Wildcats’ offense would dominate, though they would miss a pair of extra points after touchdowns. Mac Duff's defense was “Desert Swarm”-like early, by shutting out the Vandals in the first three quarters. In the fourth, Idaho would mount a furious rally, as Arizona's defense was playing garbage time, but would fall short as the Wildcats held on and Mackovic won his first home game.[8]
vs UNLV
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Rebels |
7 |
0 |
0 | 14 | 21 |
Wildcats |
14 |
10 |
7 | 7 | 38 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (10:30) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 14-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 4:30; Arizona 7–0)
- (8:03) UNLV – Ahmad Briggs 30-yard fumble return, Dillon Pieffer kick (Tied 7–7)
- (0:08) ARIZ – James Hugo 12-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 2:56; Arizona 14–7)
- Second quarter
- (8:40) ARIZ – Sean Keel 20-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:57; Arizona 17–7)
- (3:16) ARIZ – Tremaine Cox 80-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:15; Arizona 24–7)
- Third quarter
- (0:27) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 15-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 2 plays, 26 yards, 0:25; Arizona 31–7)
- Fourth quarter
- (13:14) UNLV – Joe Haro 7-yard run, Dillon Pieffer kick (Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:13; Arizona 31–14)
- (11:25) ARIZ – Michael Jolivette 40-yard fumble return, Sean Keel kick (Arizona 38–14)
- (1:05) UNLV – Bobby Nero 15-yard pass from Kurt Nantkes, Dillon Pieffer kick (Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:31; Arizona 38–21)
|
Close
UNLV Rebels (0–2) vs Arizona Wildcats (2–0) – Game summary
at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ
- Date: September 22, 2001
- Game time: 7:00 P.M.
- Game weather: Clear, 91 °F (33 °C)
- Game attendance: 50,623
- Referee: Jim Fogltance
- TV: KWBA
More information Statistics, UNLV ...
Statistics | UNLV | ARIZ |
First downs | 11 | 24 |
Total yards | 280 | 440 |
Rushing yards | 37–124 | 37–184 |
Passing yards | 156 | 256 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 7–20–0 | 19–34–0 |
Time of possession | 28:02 | 31:58 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
UNLV | Passing | Jason Thomas | 5/17, 123 yards |
Rushing | Joe Haro | 15 carries, 71 yards, TD |
Receiving | Troy Mason | 4 receptions, 87 yards |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 18/30, 247 yards, 3 TD |
Rushing | Tremaine Cox | 8 carries, 111 yards, TD |
Receiving | Malosi Leonard | 4 receptions, 75 yards |
Close
The Wildcats hosted UNLV in their next game. It was the first meeting between the two schools. The game was originally going to be played on September 15, but was postponed a week later along with all other college football games in the wake of the September 11 tragedy.[9]
On the day of the game, Arizona Stadium had heavy security measures due to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, as fans entered the stadium. During the pregame, fans held American flags and the stadium observed a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims and the Arizona marching band played the national anthem before kickoff. At halftime, the band, along with UNLV's, performed “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” as a symbol of pride.[10]
In the game itself, the Wildcats would outplay the Rebels and Arizona's passing offense dominated on its way to a win and went to 3–0 under Mackovic before entering Pac-10 play.[11][12]
vs Washington State
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Cougars |
28 |
7 |
3 | 10 | 48 |
Wildcats |
14 |
7 |
0 | 0 | 21 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (13:50) WSU – Lamont Thompson 36-yard interception return, Drew Dunning kick (Washington State 7–0)
- (9:19) WSU – Dave Minnich 8-yard run, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:05; Washington State 14–0)
- (8:08) WSU – Dave Minnich 29-yard pass from Jason Gesser, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 1:11; Washington State 21–0)
- (6:57) WSU – Mike Bush 6-yard pass from Jason Gesser, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 0:55; Washington State 28–0)
- (4:43) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 31-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:14; Washington State 28–7)
- (3:43) ARIZ – Austin Uku 2-yard fumble return, Sean Keel kick (Washington State 28–14)
- Second quarter
- (9:58) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 23-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 3:45; Washington State 28–21)
- (1:43) WSU – Dave Minnich 6-yard run, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 18 plays, 87 yards, 8:15; Washington State 35–21)
- Third quarter
- (10:32) WSU – Drew Dunning 24-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 4:28; Washington State 38–21)
- Fourth quarter
- (5:49) WSU – Dave Minnich 2-yard run, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 5:26; Washington State 45–21)
- (1:55) WSU – Drew Dunning 49-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 3:02; Washington State 48–21)
|
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Washington State Cougars (3–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–0) – Game summary
at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ
- Date: September 29, 2001
- Game time: 7:00 P.M.
- Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 90 °F (32 °C)
- Game attendance: 42,729
- Referee: Jay Stricherz
- TV: KWBA
More information Statistics, WSU ...
Statistics | WSU | ARIZ |
First downs | 24 | 15 |
Total yards | 421 | 266 |
Rushing yards | 51–179 | 25–101 |
Passing yards | 283 | 190 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 17–33–1 | 14–28–4 |
Time of possession | 37:05 | 22:55 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Washington State | Passing | Jason Gesser | 17/31, 283 yards, 2 TD, INT |
Rushing | Dave Minnich | 30 carries, 121 yards, 3 TD |
Receiving | Mike Bush | 7 receptions, 110 yards, TD |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 13/25, 184 yards, TD, 3 INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 16 carries, 84 yards, TD |
Receiving | Andrae Thurman | 5 receptions, 95 yards |
Close
vs No. 7 Oregon
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
No. 7 Ducks |
14 |
21 |
21 | 7 | 63 |
Wildcats |
7 |
7 |
0 | 14 | 28 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (6:47) ORE – George Wrighster 2-yard pass from Joey Harrington, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:20; Oregon 7–0)
- (3:38) ORE – Joey Harrington 1-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:57; Oregon 14–0)
- (1:21) ARIZ – Brandon Marshall 44-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 2:17; Oregon 14–7)
- Second quarter
- (13:43) ARIZ – Anthony Fulcher 8-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 3 plays, 88 yards, 1:03; Tied 14–14)
- (11:39) ORE – Joey Harrington 2-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:04; Oregon 21–14)
- (6:09) ORE – Samie Parker 38-yard pass from Joey Harrington, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:36; Oregon 28–14)
- (1:21) ORE – Justin Peelle 17-yard pass from Joey Harrington, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:36; Oregon 35–14)
- Third quarter
- (11:19) ORE – Maurice Morris 1-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 1:36; Oregon 42–14)
- (8:32) ORE – Onterrio Smith 1-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 1:13; Oregon 49–14)
- (0:20) ORE – Joey Harrington 2-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 1:26; Oregon 56–14)
- Fourth quarter
- (12:57) ORE – Onterrio Smith 5-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 1:12; Oregon 63–14)
- (9:37) ARIZ – Malosi Leonard 25-yard pass from John Rattay, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:20; Oregon 63–21)
- (4:35) ARIZ – Tremaine Cox 26-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:20; Oregon 63–28)
|
Close
No. 7 Oregon Ducks (4–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–1) – Game summary
at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ
- Date: October 6, 2001
- Game time: 7:15 P.M.
- Game weather: High clouds, 70 °F (21 °C)
- Game attendance: 45,258
- Referee: Gordon Riese
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, ORE ...
Statistics | ORE | ARIZ |
First downs | 28 | 24 |
Total yards | 607 | 483 |
Rushing yards | 51–282 | 36–258 |
Passing yards | 325 | 225 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 19–29–1 | 14–31–2 |
Time of possession | 33:22 | 26:38 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Oregon | Passing | Joey Harrington | 15/24, 279 yards, 3 TD, INT |
Rushing | Onterrio Smith | 15 carries, 131 yards, 2 TD |
Receiving | Samie Parker | 6 receptions, 160 yards, TD |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 7/18, 132 yards, 2 TD, INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 15 carries, 158 yards |
Receiving | Bobby Wade | 3 receptions, 67 yards |
Close
After losing to Washington State to begin conference play, Arizona hosted Oregon (who was ranked seventh). The Wildcats would be no match for the Ducks, as Oregon's offense put up 63 points on the scoreboard. At one point earlier in the game, the score was tied at 14 before the Ducks broke it open, and gave the Wildcats an ugly loss.[13]
at Oregon State
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Wildcats |
0 |
0 |
3 | 0 | 3 |
Beavers |
14 |
14 |
7 | 3 | 38 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (3:28) OSU – James Newson 2-yard pass from Jonathan Smith, Ryan Cesca kick (Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:30; Oregon State 7–0)
- (0:56) OSU – Kenny Farley 24-yard blocked punt return, Ryan Cesca kick (Oregon State 14–0)
- Second quarter
- (10:59) OSU – Jonathan Smith 1-yard run, Ryan Cesca kick (Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 1:55; Oregon State 21–0)
- (2:13) OSU – Cole Clasen 26-yard pass from Derek Anderson, Ryan Cesca kick (Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:12; Oregon State 28–0)
- Third quarter
- (5:26) OSU – Ken Simonton 1-yard run, Ryan Cesca kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:01; Oregon State 35–0)
- (1:15) ARIZ – Sean Keel 28-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 1:54; Oregon State 35–3)
- Fourth quarter
- (12:01) OSU – Ryan Cesca 38-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:14; Oregon State 38–3)
|
Close
Arizona Wildcats (3–2) at Oregon State Beavers (1–3) – Game summary
at Reser Stadium • Corvallis, OR
- Date: October 13, 2001
- Game time: 7:15 P.M.
- Game weather: Clear, 57 °F (14 °C)
- Game attendance: 36,619
- Referee: Jim Fogltance
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, ARIZ ...
Statistics | ARIZ | OSU |
First downs | 11 | 24 |
Total yards | 159 | 415 |
Rushing yards | 30–46 | 49–195 |
Passing yards | 113 | 220 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 10–24–2 | 17–34–2 |
Time of possession | 25:47 | 34:13 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 10/24, 113 yards, 2 INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 19 carries, 55 yards |
Receiving | Malosi Leonard | 4 receptions, 61 yards |
Oregon State | Passing | Jonathan Smith | 10/20, 125 yards, TD, INT |
Rushing | Ken Simonton | 18 carries, 104 yards, TD |
Receiving | Cole Clasen | 4 receptions, 58 yards, TD |
Close
at No. 15 Washington
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Wildcats |
14 |
0 |
7 | 7 | 28 |
No. 15 Huskies |
21 |
0 |
0 | 10 | 31 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (9:18) WASH – Todd Elstrom 21-yard pass from Cody Pickett, John Anderson kick (Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 2:14; Washington 7–0)
- (5:30) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 4-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:40; Tied 7–7)
- (5:09) WASH – Paul Arnold 78-yard pass from Cody Pickett, John Anderson kick (Drive: 1 play, 78 yards, 0:14; Washington 14–7)
- (2:51) ARIZ – Andrae Thurman 12-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 2:04; Tied 14–14)
- (1:39) WASH – Patrick Reddick 75-yard pass from Cody Pickett, John Anderson kick (Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 1:02; Washington 21–14)
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- (12:30) ARIZ – John Rattay 15-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 1 play, 15 yards, 0:09; Tied 21–21)
- Fourth quarter
- (5:18) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 16-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:12; Arizona 28–21)
- (4:04) WASH – John Anderson 39-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -6 yards, 1:14; Arizona 28–24)
- (0:13) WASH – Cody Pickett 3-yard run, John Anderson kick (Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 3:11; Washington 31–28)
|
Close
Arizona Wildcats (3–3) at No. 15 Washington Huskies (2–3) – Game summary
at Husky Stadium • Seattle, WA
- Date: October 20, 2001
- Game time: 3:30 P.M.
- Game weather: Cloudy, 50 °F (10 °C)
- Game attendance: 71,108
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, ARIZ ...
Statistics | ARIZ | WASH |
First downs | 22 | 26 |
Total yards | 394 | 538 |
Rushing yards | 44–199 | 28–83 |
Passing yards | 195 | 455 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 16–28–1 | 29–49–4 |
Time of possession | 27:54 | 32:06 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Arizona | Passing | John Rattay | 9/18, 115 yards, INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 21 carries, 147 yards, TD |
Receiving | Malosi Leonard | 4 receptions, 77 yards |
Washington | Passing | Cody Pickett | 29/49, 455 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT |
Rushing | Rich Alexis | 11 carries, 45 yards |
Receiving | Paul Arnold | 7 receptions, 138 yards, TD |
Close
Arizona traveled to Seattle to take on Washington, who was also ranked (15th). The Wildcats would battle the Huskies in a back and forth affair, and took the lead in the fourth quarter. However, Washington was able to drive into Arizona territory and scored in the final minute to give Arizona a painful loss for the second year in a row.[14]
vs USC
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Trojans |
3 |
28 |
0 | 10 | 41 |
Wildcats |
10 |
3 |
14 | 7 | 34 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (11:27) ARIZ – Sean Keel 24-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:18; Arizona 3–0)
- (4:34) USC – David Davis 32-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 2:19; Tied 3–3)
- (1:35) ARIZ – Michael Jolivette 60-yard interception return, Sean Keel kick (Arizona 10–3)
- Second quarter
- (13:35) USC – Kevin Arbet 70-yard interception return, David Davis kick (Tied 10–10)
- (11:00) USC – Alex Holmes 1-yard pass from Carson Palmer, David Davis kick (Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 1:41; USC 17–10)
- (5:43) USC – Sunny Byrd 1-yard run, David Davis kick (Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 4:01; USC 24–10)
- (0:32) USC – Kori Dickerson 17-yard pass from Carson Palmer, David Davis kick (Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 0:45; USC 31–10)
- (0:00) ARIZ – Sean Keel 46-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 0:32; USC 31–13)
- Third quarter
- (7:43) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 22-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 2 plays, 26 yards, 0:39; USC 31–20)
- (3:47) ARIZ – Brandon Marshall 24-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 2:00; USC 31–27)
- Fourth quarter
- (10:46) USC – David Davis 47-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:15; USC 34–27)
- (7:05) ARIZ – Jason Johnson 9-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 3:41; Tied 34–34)
- (1:50) USC – Kris Richard 58-yard interception return, David Davis kick (USC 41–34)
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Close
USC Trojans (2–5) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–4) – Game summary
at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ
- Date: October 27, 2001
- Game time: 3:30 P.M.
- Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 93 °F (34 °C)
- Game attendance: 46,399
- Referee: Dave Cutaia
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, USC ...
Statistics | USC | ARIZ |
First downs | 18 | 20 |
Total yards | 312 | 412 |
Rushing yards | 30–64 | 34–101 |
Passing yards | 248 | 311 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 24–49–2 | 23–43–4 |
Time of possession | 29:34 | 30:26 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
USC | Passing | Carson Palmer | 24/49, 248 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT |
Rushing | Sunny Byrd | 22 carries, 67 yards, TD |
Receiving | Kareem Kelly | 5 receptions, 64 yards |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 23/43, 311 yards, TD, 4 INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 17 carries, 78 yards, TD |
Receiving | Andrae Thurman | 4 receptions, 96 yards |
Close
The Wildcats returned home after their heartbreaking loss at Washington and faced USC (who, like Arizona, had a first-year head coach). The Trojans would dominate early, and led 31–13 at halftime before the Wildcats stormed back in the second half to tie the game at 34 in the fourth quarter. Late in the quarter, Arizona had an opportunity to take the lead. However, they would throw an interception that USC returned for a touchdown that gave the Trojans the lead back. The Wildcats would have one last chance in the closing seconds, but ended up being stopped and Arizona fell short again for their fifth straight loss, which tied the same streak that ended the previous season. It was also their tenth consecutive Pac-10 loss that also dated back to 2000.[15]
A memorable moment occurred early in the fourth quarter, as the Arizona Stadium PA announced gave an update on the World Series score between the Diamondbacks and Yankees (the first game of the series was played on the same day of the Arizona-USC game). When it was announced that the Diamondbacks led 5-1 after three innings, the stadium crowd let out a loud cheer and the Arizona student section chanted “Let’s go, D’Backs”, as the Diamondbacks representative all of Arizona, including Tucson (the Diamondbacks would ultimately win the game and the series in seven games, much to the delight of the Arizona fans).[16]
at California
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Wildcats |
0 |
28 |
10 | 0 | 38 |
Golden Bears |
3 |
0 |
0 | 21 | 24 |
Close
More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (7:28) CAL – Mark Jensen 43-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 29 yards, 2:46; California 3–0)
- Second quarter
- (14:03) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 65-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 0:45; Arizona 7–3)
- (10:35) ARIZ – Justin Levasseur 3-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 1:40; Arizona 14–3)
- (4:45) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 50-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 1:47; Arizona 21–3)
- (0:01) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 13-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 0:57; Arizona 28–3)
- Third quarter
- (11:03) ARIZ – Sean Keel 38-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:58; Arizona 31–3)
- (0:52) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 16-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 3:16; Arizona 38–3)
- Fourth quarter
- (8:36) CAL – Terrell Williams 2-yard run, Mark Jensen kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:28; Arizona 38–10)
- (6:47) CAL – LaShaun Ward 38-yard pass from Kyle Boller, Mark Jensen kick (Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 1:03; Arizona 38–17)
- (4:52) CAL – LaShaun Ward 44-yard pass from Kyle Boller, Mark Jensen kick (Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 0:17; Arizona 38–24)
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Arizona Wildcats (3–5) at California Golden Bears (0–7) – Game summary
at California Memorial Stadium • Berkeley, CA
- Date: November 3, 2001
- Game time: 1:30 P.M.
- Game weather: Clear, 68 °F (20 °C)
- Game attendance: 26,222
- Referee: Jim Sprenger
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, ARIZ ...
Statistics | ARIZ | CAL |
First downs | 23 | 25 |
Total yards | 474 | 354 |
Rushing yards | 39–137 | 46–115 |
Passing yards | 337 | 239 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 19–34–1 | 14–39–1 |
Time of possession | 28:43 | 31:17 |
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More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 18/29, 315 yards, 4 TD |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 27 carries, 165 yards, TD |
Receiving | Bobby Wade | 6 receptions, 118 yards, 3 TD |
California | Passing | Kyle Boller | 9/25, 178 yards, 2 TD, INT |
Rushing | Terrell Williams | 28 carries, 108 yards, TD |
Receiving | LaShaun Ward | 4 receptions, 135 yards, 2 TD |
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Attempted to look for Mackovic's first conference win, the Wildcats traveled to Berkeley to face winless California. Arizona started off slow early but would take control later on with a solid offense and blitzing defense. The Golden Bears would make things interesting late and pulled within two scores, but would not come closer as the Wildcats finally ended their Pac-10 slump and Mackovic earned his first conference victory. The win also kept Arizona's chances alive for a bowl.[17]
vs No. 16 Stanford
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
No. 16 Cardinal |
10 |
17 |
21 | 3 | 51 |
Wildcats |
10 |
3 |
3 | 21 | 37 |
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More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (11:54) STAN – Mike Biselli 29-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:06; Stanford 3–0)
- (8:28) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 43-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:08; Arizona 7–3)
- (4:07) ARIZ – Sean Keel 22-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:29; Arizona 10–3)
- (2:02) STAN – Teyo Johnson 23-yard pass from Chris Lewis, Mike Biselli kick (Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:05; Tied 10–10)
- Second quarter
- (14:05) STAN – Luke Powell 26-yard pass from Chris Lewis, Mike Biselli kick (Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 1:58; Stanford 17–10)
- (7:06) STAN – Teyo Johnson 3-yard pass from Chris Lewis, Mike Biselli kick (Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:23; Stanford 24–10)
- (0:48) STAN – Mike Biselli 44-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:00; Stanford 27–10)
- (0:00) ARIZ – Sean Keel 52-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 0:48; Stanford 27–13)
- Third quarter
- (14:46) STAN – Tank Williams 25-yard fumble return, Mike Biselli kick (Stanford 34–13)
- (13:05) ARIZ – Sean Keel 43-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 1:41; Stanford 34–16)
- (7:32) STAN – Coy Wire 89-yard fumble return, Mike Biselli kick (Stanford 41–16)
- (3:54) STAN – Kenneth Tolon 71-yard run, Mike Biselli kick (Drive: 1 play, 71 yards, 0:17; Stanford 48–16)
- Fourth quarter
- (10:44) STAN – Mike Biselli 21-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:14; Stanford 51–16)
- (9:33) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 20-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:11; Stanford 51–23)
- (6:44) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 66-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 2 plays, 66 yards, 0:20; Stanford 51–30)
- (4:17) ARIZ – Malosi Leonard 21-yard pass from John Rattay, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 1 play, 21 yards, 0:05; Stanford 51–37)
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No. 16 Stanford Cardinal (5–2) vs Arizona Wildcats (4–5) – Game summary
at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ
- Date: November 10, 2001
- Game time: 5:00 P.M.
- Game weather: High clouds, 84 °F (29 °C)
- Game attendance: 40,632
- Referee: Chuck McFerrin
- TV: ABC
More information Statistics, STAN ...
Statistics | STAN | ARIZ |
First downs | 21 | 24 |
Total yards | 445 | 578 |
Rushing yards | 55–276 | 24–163 |
Passing yards | 169 | 415 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 13–23–0 | 25–50–1 |
Time of possession | 38:21 | 21:39 |
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More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Stanford | Passing | Chris Lewis | 13/23, 169 yards, 3 TD |
Rushing | Brian Allen | 23 carries, 143 yards |
Receiving | Teyo Johnson | 8 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 14/28, 260 yards, TD, INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 12 carries, 141 yards, 2 TD |
Receiving | Bobby Wade | 7 receptions, 131 yards |
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at Arizona State
More information Period, Total ...
Period |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Wildcats |
20 |
0 |
14 | 0 | 34 |
Sun Devils |
0 |
7 |
7 | 7 | 21 |
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More information Game information ...
Game information |
- First quarter
- (8:31) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 19-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:29; Arizona 7–0)
- (3:41) ARIZ – Jason Johnson 6-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 2:51; Arizona 14–0)
- (0:38) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 20-yard run, kick failed (Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 1:33; Arizona 20–0)
- Second quarter
- (12:24) ASU – Donnie O'Neal 19-yard pass from Andrew Walter, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 3:14; Arizona 20–7)
- Third quarter
- (13:27) ASU – Delvon Flowers 33-yard run, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 1:33; Arizona 20–14)
- (3:15) ARIZ – Malosi Leonard 10-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:07; Arizona 27–14)
- (2:20) ARIZ – Brandon Nash 13-yard interception return, Sean Keel kick (Arizona 34–14)
- Fourth quarter
- (7:39) ASU – Delvon Flowers 3-yard run, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 2:08; Arizona 34–21)
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Arizona Wildcats (4–6) at Arizona State Sun Devils (4–5) – Game summary
at Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, AZ
- Date: November 23, 2001
- Game time: 1:00 P.M.
- Game weather: Cloudy, 70 °F (21 °C)
- Game attendance: 55,831
- Referee: Jay Stricherz
- TV: Fox Sports Arizona
More information Statistics, ARIZ ...
Statistics | ARIZ | ASU |
First downs | 25 | 20 |
Total yards | 388 | 330 |
Rushing yards | 44–163 | 33–113 |
Passing yards | 225 | 217 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 18–29–1 | 16–37–2 |
Time of possession | 32:57 | 27:03 |
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More information Team, Category ...
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
Arizona | Passing | Jason Johnson | 18/29, 225 yards, 2 TD, INT |
Rushing | Clarence Farmer | 32 carries, 158 yards, TD |
Receiving | Bobby Wade | 11 receptions, 157 yards, TD |
Arizona State | Passing | Andrew Walter | 10/22, 132 yards, TD |
Rushing | Delvon Flowers | 20 carries, 138 yards, 2 TD |
Receiving | Donnie O'Neal | 7 receptions, 68 yards, TD |
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After their loss to Stanford that ended their bowl hopes, the Wildcats went to Tempe for the annual rivalry matchup with Arizona State and treated it as their own bowl game. As the Sun Devils had a new coach, the “Duel in the Desert” had a meeting between first-year coaches for both teams.[18]
This was the first year in modern history that the Territorial Cup, the rivalry trophy, would be awarded to the winner. The cup, which was originally awarded in 1899 in the first game between the teams and claimed to be college football's oldest rivalry trophy, went lost for decades before being discovered in 1980. Both Arizona and ASU agreed to have the cup be used for the football rivalry and that the winning team would possess it until the next season.[19][20]
In the game, the Wildcats scored first and led 20–0 at one point before ASU climbed back in it to cut the lead to 20–14. However, Arizona answered to increase their lead and seemed to break it open with a defensive touchdown. By the fourth quarter, Arizona State tried to come back, but the Wildcats’ defense would come up big to seal the game and Arizona earned their first win in the rivalry since 1998 and also captured the Territorial Cup.[21][22]
After the game, a fight ensued when Arizona celebrated at midfield and ASU players ran out to start a melee with them, which added more fuel to the rivalry.[23]
With the win, Arizona finished the season with a 5–6 record, matching the previous season's record (also 5–6).