The Arizona Wildcats continued their losing streak after dropping Saturday’s contest to Colorado, 24-13.
Arizona started off hot, scoring 13 straight points, before allowing 24 unanswered.
There were a few players that stood out in the ‘Cats’ 11th straight loss.
Offense
Michael Wiley/Gary Brightwell - RB
Wiley’s Game Stats: 9 car, 126 yds; 5 rec, 15 yds
Brightwell’s Game Stats: 20 car, 113 yds, 1 TD; 2 rec, 5 yds
Both backs really stood out against the Buffs. Wiley busted three long runs and Brightwell really started hurting Colorado in the second half. He did, however, have an impressive touchdown in the first quarter. He put about three juke moves on Buff defenders and went right into the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown.
Brian Casteel - WR
Game Stats: 3 rec, 71 yds
Casteel was outstanding against Colorado. He had one of the most ridiculous catches I’ve ever seen. (I mean, just look at the featured image for this article.) But not just his catches. He was consistently getting separation from Colorado defenders. He even drew two defensive pass interference calls on Colorado on the same drive. It’s nice to see Casteel starting to get his feet under him this season after not playing against USC because of injury.
Defense
Anthony Pandy - LB
Game Stats: 8 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 2 INT
Pandy was all over the place against Colorado. He led the team in tackles with eight. He was in the backfield being disruptive. He was, again, one of the best tacklers on the team. But the most important part, he was a stud in coverage.
He now leads the team in interceptions after snagging two picks tonight over the middle of the field. The second pick came when Colorado was driving and looked like they’d score. He had a great return on the play, however, it was negated due to a blindside block.
His first pick was something. The pass was thrown behind him and he stuck up his left arm and brought the ball down, one of two crazy catches by Wildcats in the game.
Anthony Pandy's one-handed interception is definitely Arizona's play of the season so far pic.twitter.com/Viwe09Blq9
— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) December 6, 2020
Roy Lopez - DL
Game Stats: 7 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack
Lopez was once again the most productive d-lineman for UA. He recorded Arizona’s second sack of the season after Rourke Freeburg forced Sam Noyer to step up into the pocket and into Lopez’s bear grasp. He also did a wonderful job shedding blocks and stopping running plays for little to no gain.
The only knock was that Lopez almost had Noyer for another sack late in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t complete it. Noyer was able to break free for a first down. Two plays later, a big run by Jarek Broussard set up a field goal.
Special Teams
Tyler Loop - P
Game Stats: 7 punts, 330 yds, 47.1 AVG, 55-yd long, 3 Inside the 20, 3 of 50+ yds
Loop has really had a great season. He did nothing but help Arizona on almost every punt. There was only one that was a line drive that gave Colorado a chance at a return and good field position. He is going to have a good career in Tucson.
Lucas Havrisik - K
Game Stats: FG: 2-for-2, 42-yd long; KO: 4 kicks, 3 TB
Havrisik had another good outing. He nailed his two field goal attempts. He had four kickoffs with three going for touchbacks. His one mistake was kicking the ball out-of-bounds to start the second half. Luckily, it didn’t hurt Arizona as Pandy ended that drive with his first interception.
Honorable Mentions
Isaiah Mays - DB: 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Forced Fumble
Lorenzo Burns - DB: 4 tackles, 1 PBU, 1 Fumble Recovery
Parker Henley - LB: 5 tackles, 1 TFL
Jamarye Joiner - WR: 2 rec, 22 yds, 33 KO yds, 33 PR yds