Noah Fifita leads Arizona to comeback victory over Stanford
By Brian J. Pedersen | September 23, 2023
In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Arizona Wildcats pulled off an impressive comeback to defeat the Stanford Cardinal 21-20 on Saturday night. Led by backup quarterback Noah Fifita and third-string running back DJ Williams, the Wildcats secured their first Pac-12 opener win since 2019.
The game took an unexpected turn when starting quarterback Jayden de Laura suffered a right ankle injury. It was Fifita who stepped up to the challenge, completing all four of his passes for 47 yards and contributing nine yards on the ground in the final two drives. His performance proved crucial in securing the victory for Arizona.
Williams scored the game-winning touchdown with just under eight minutes left on the clock, giving the Wildcats a one-point lead. He finished the game with 39 yards on 11 carries, while Jonah Coleman added 75 yards on 12 carries. The duo filled in admirably for senior Michael Wiley, who left the game with an injury in the first quarter.
Despite being outgained by the Cardinal, the Wildcats managed to hold onto the ball and avoid any turnovers. This marked their first game without a turnover since November of last year. The defense also had an impressive outing, recording five sacks, the most since November 2018.
After trailing 10-7 at halftime, Arizona showcased their determination by taking the lead with a 7-yard touchdown run by de Laura in the third quarter. Stanford responded with a touchdown of their own, but it was ultimately Arizona’s resilience that sealed the victory.
The Wildcats’ victory over Stanford not only snapped a 6-game losing streak against the Cardinal, but it also marked their first win in Palo Alto since 2006. This win sets a positive tone for the Wildcats as they prepare to face the No. 8 Washington Huskies next Saturday.
Despite the rocky start, Arizona’s ability to rally and secure a hard-fought victory proves that sometimes ugly wins are better than pretty losses. The Wildcats will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue into the Pac-12 season.
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