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Wow! What a game. Arizona came out of the gate with a fire we haven't seen in awhile. The blocked punt and subsequent punch in by Foles connecting with Roberts was a nice start to the game. It got better when Trevin Wade picked off a tipped pass by Stanzi and scampered 85 yards to the end zone to make it 14-7. Iowa didn't stay close for long as Cobb took the ensuing kickoff 100 yards to make it 21-7. Add in a couple of Zendejas field goals and that's the first half.
The second half didn't go as well for the Cats as they kept the play calling aggressive but couldn't put the game away when they had the opportunities. Bug Wright's muffed punt in the 4th quarter was a crucial mistake and one that big time programs don't make during crunch time. Stanzi threw two touchdown passes in the second half and Foles had a pick 6 in the fourth quarter. Arizona got the ball back and methodically drove down the field, gaining a huge third down on a one yard run in which Iowa didn't even load up the box. Bug Wright dropped a pass in the corner of the end zone but Foles went back to him on the very next play, threading the needle to Wright over the middle and leaving only 3:57 left for Iowa to mount a comeback. Iowa tried but was shut down quickly by the Cats, turning the ball over on downs.
Congrats to Stoops and his staff. Our defense was incredible all night especially considering the amount of time they were on the field. Our players looked better and our schemes dominated Iowa's offense. I guess it's easy when you don't let them run, right? The second half was not that impressive but give credit to Iowa for attacking our weak spots. Justin Washington comes up huge with a sack late in the fourth quarter. Elmore and Reed were FREAKING UNSTOPPABLE during the last drive!!!!!!!!!! Arizona ends the game with 4 sacks in a row!!!!!!!!!! (I know, I know, only three counted.)
Our OL was incredible and Adam Grant gets the game ball for giving Foles incredible amounts of time while neutralizing All American Adrian Clayborn all night long. Foles reciprocated by not making many mistakes and picking apart the Iowa defense, which didn't look very good at all tonight.
Let this be your celebration thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!