Arizona was completely outmatched on Wednesday night, losing to Nebraska by a score of 33-0. It was Nebraska's first shutout in a bowl game in 46 bowl appearances.The game got out of hand quickly as Arizona started out on their own 19 yard line and Foles threw two incomplete passes. The third one was intercepted and returned to the Arizona 6 yard line. It took Nebraska only 2 plays to punch it in for a TD and go up 7-0 only 1:11 into the game. The Cornhuskers never looked back.
Arizona's offensive line played pretty well against the highly touted Nebraska front four. Foles was given time to throw the ball but there was nowhere to throw it. The Arizona receivers could not find an opening to save their lives. This often resulted in Foles dumping the passes off, throwing incomplete, or throwing it away to avoid the sack. Foles finished 6-20 and an atrocious 20 yards with 0 TD and an INT. The rushing game wasn't much better. Arizona ended with 84 yards rushing but most of this was on garbage yards at the end of the game.
The defense wasn't much better last night. Nebraska started the game establishing the run and having no problems doing so. Nebraska seemed to almost run at will through enormous holes in the defense. Nebraska picked apart the Arizona defense on short passes and broke off a long 74 yard TD pass to Niles Paul in the 3rd quarter.
This one was over early with Nebraska up 23-0 by halftime. Nebraska's FG kicker Alex Henery was 4/4 on FG's and punting 4 times, pinning Arizona twice inside their own 20. Nebraska had a great gameplan by not attacking Foles with unnecessary blitzes and blanketing the receivers. Nebraska's offensive line completely dominated and neutralized the entire Arizona front four holding Arizona to 0 sacks.
Stoops needs to recruit some hefty linemen, offensive and defensive, if he is going to have any chance against powerhouses like Nebraska. The game was dominated by a much stronger, physical opponent all night and made it look easy for Nebraska on both sides of the ball.
Congratulations to the Wildcats for turning in an exciting season and making it to the Holiday Bowl. The seniors had a great run and now it's time to pass the torch and start developing the younger guys into a better football team than this year. We'll be updating the site on the recruiting process all the way up to signing day in February.