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The Arizona Wildcats beat Colorado on homecoming 56-31 and earned bowl eligibility, but the story of the day was Ka'Deem Carey's historic day running the football.
The Wildcats running back ran for 366 yards and five TDs and added 34 yards receiving as well. Carey topped Trung Canidate's previous Arizona record of 288 yards; Carey eclipsed the previous record in the 3rd quarter.
The story of the day heading into the game was Arizona quarterback Matt Scott sitting out the game due to a concussion. JC-transfer B.J. Denker started in his place and the Wildcats offense did not skip a beat due to Carey's day running the ball. Denker completed 12/14 passes for 136 yards and 2 TDs, in an efficient effort. It was clear from the start that the Wildcats offensive game plan was to run Carey until Colorado proved they could stop him. They could not and the Wildcats cruised to the victory.
Colorado was dealing with quarterback issues of its own, and after a week-long competition in practice, started Nick Hirschman over Connor Wood. Hirschman completed 12/13 passes before being knocked out due to an apparent head injury in the second half.
The Buffaloes dominated the time of possession 41:17 to 18:12 for the Cats, but the Colorado defense did little to stop the Wildcats' offensive attack.
Arizona's defense gave up 437 yards of offense to Colorado, and looked suspect on several large gains by the Buffaloes, but held on just enough to keep the game out of reach. Colorado running back Christian Powell ran for 137 yards on 32 carries and 2 TDs.
The Wildcats improve to 6-4 (3-4) as Colorado falls to 1-9 (1-6) on the year. The precious sixth win ensures Rich Rodriguez a bowl-eligible season in year one of his tenure at Arizona. The Wildcats finish off the season with a road game at Utah and Arizona State at home in the battle for the Territorial Cup.