First Game in the Books: No. 22 Arizona Downs UTSA 42-32

Picture Courtesy of Arizona Athletics

By Francisco Romero. – “I rather learn from a win, than suffer from a loss,” that is what head coach Rich Rodriguez told his team after the Wildcats defeated the Roadrunners of UTSA 42-32 Thursday night at Arizona Stadium.

“We didn’t play well at times, certainly we have to give them credit, they are a very competitive team, they did a great job,” said the head coach.

But the Wildcats played well enough to earn their first win of the season and thus continue its quest for a second straight Pac-12 South Championship.

The biggest blow to the Wildcats was the knee injury to star linebacker Scooby Wright III; according to coach Rodriguez it is not known what the extent of the injury is therefore he could not predict at this time how long he will be out.

With the win, the Wildcats improved to 3-0 against the Roadrunners.

Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon finished the game with 229 passing yards, completing 22 of 36 passes and 4 touchdowns.

The Wildcats scored just 35 seconds into the contest, as safety Anthony Lopez recorded his first career interception and took it back 23 yards for the touchdown on the second play of the game from scrimmage giving Arizona a 7-0 lead with 14:25 remaining in the first quarter.

Arizona went for two defensive scores on the night, a 23-yard interception touchdown return by Anthony Lopez in the first quarter and a 22-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Jamar Allah in third quarter.

Receiver Johnny Jackson finished the game with 101 yards, setting a new career high.

For the Roadrunners, quarterback Blake Bogenschutz finished with 332 passing yards on 24-for-43 and 2 touchdowns.

Arizona entered the season ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. The last time the Wildcats were ranked in the preseason was 1999.

Arizona will face Nevada next week in Reno.