Surf Wiki
Save to docs
sports

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

2008 Arizona Wildcats football team

American college football season

American college football season

FieldValue
year2008
teamArizona Wildcats
imageArizona Wildcats logo.svg
image_size125
conferencePacific-10 Conference
short_confPac-10
record8–5
conf_record5–4
head_coachMike Stoops
hc_year5th
off_coachSonny Dykes
oc_year2nd
off_schemeAir raid
def_coachMark Stoops
dc_year5th
def_scheme[4–3](4-3-defense)
stadiumArizona Stadium
championLas Vegas Bowl champion
bowl[Las Vegas Bowl](2008-las-vegas-bowl)
bowl_resultW 31–21 vs. [BYU](2008-byu-cougars-football-team)
uniformFile:Pac-10-Uniform-UA-2008.png

The 2008 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Mike Stoops, in his fifth year at Arizona. The Wildcats played their home games at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona and compete in the Pacific-10 Conference. Arizona finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 7–5, and faced BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 20, their first postseason appearance since 1998; they defeated the Cougars 31–21 for a final record of 8–5. In that game, the Wildcats' 31 points were the most put up by the team in any of their bowl appearances. Senior wide receiver Mike Thomas, playing in his final game as a Wildcat, also got the Pac-10 record of most receptions by any wide receiver in the Pac-10. Senior Quarterback Willie Tuitama was named MVP for the 2008 Las Vegas Bowl, by throwing 328 yards, 2 pass TD's and 1 rush TD.

Schedule

|{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = l |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w |{{CFB schedule entry | w/l = w :Schedule source: 2008 Arizona Wildcats football schedule

Game summaries

vs Idaho

;First quarter

  • (10:35) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 1-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:25; '''Arizona 7–0''''')
  • (1:15) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 5-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:41; '''Arizona 14–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (13:17) ARIZ – Marquis Hundley 87-yard punt return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 21–0)
  • (9:24) ARIZ – Chris Gronkowski 12-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 2:00; '''Arizona 28–0''''')
  • (4:44) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 2-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:43; '''Arizona 35–0''''')
  • (1:33) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 3-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:31; '''Arizona 42–0''''')
  • (0:09) ARIZ – Terrell Turner 3-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Alex Zendejas kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 0:39; '''Arizona 49–0''''') ;Third quarter
  • (3:23) ARIZ – Matt Scott 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 2 plays, 13 yards, 0:44; '''Arizona 56–0''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (10:52) ARIZ – Nick Booth 7-yard pass from Matt Scott, Alex Zendejas kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:24; '''Arizona 63–0''''')
  • (7:27) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 1-yard run, Alex Zendejas kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:58; '''Arizona 70–0''''')
StatisticsIdaho Vandalsborder=1}}"IDAArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs727
Total yards112521
Rushing yards25–6449–265
Passing yards48265
Passing: Comp–Att–Int10–27–423–31–0
Time of possession23:5536:05
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Idaho Vandalsborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**Idaho**PassingNathan Enderle10/25, 48 yards, 3 INT
RushingDeonte Jackson10 carries, 25 yards
ReceivingEddie Williams3 receptions, 18 yards
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama17/21, 179 yards, 3 TD
RushingNic Grigsby19 carries, 169 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDelashaun Dean5 receptions, 77 yards

In the 2008 season opener, Arizona would dominate in this 70–0 shutout over the visiting Vandals of Idaho. For the game, the Wildcats would outgain the Vandals in total offense 521 to 112 yards. The game also marked the most points scored in a game by Arizona since a 74-0 victory in 1921 over the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy in addition to its first shutout since the 1996 season.

vs Toledo

;First quarter

  • (4:45) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 20-yard field goal (''Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:21; '''Arizona 3–0''''')
  • (0:30) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 7-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:00; '''Arizona 10–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (9:20) TOL – Alex Steigerwald 20-yard field goal (''Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 6:10; '''Arizona 10–3''''')
  • (7:57) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 27-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, 1:12; '''Arizona 17–3''''')
  • (5:28) TOL – Alex Steigerwald 35-yard field goal (''Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 2:29; '''Arizona 17–6''''')
  • (1:15) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 11-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:05; '''Arizona 24–6''''') ;Third quarter
  • (9:22) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 26-yard field goal (''Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:30; '''Arizona 27–6''''')
  • (3:17) TOL – Alex Steigerwald 21-yard field goal (''Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:59; '''Arizona 27–9''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (14:55) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 7-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:15; '''Arizona 34–9''''')
  • (12:52) TOL – Stephen Williams 3-yard pass from Aaron Opelt, Alex Steigerwald kick (''Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:06; '''Arizona 34–16''''')
  • (3:27) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 12-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:52; '''Arizona 41–16''''')
StatisticsToledo Rocketsborder=1}}"TOLArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs1228
Total yards244452
Rushing yards24–7433–153
Passing yards170299
Passing: Comp–Att–Int21–31–026–34–0
Time of possession27:0332:57
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Toledo Rocketsborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**Toledo**PassingAaron Opelt21/31, 170 yards, TD
RushingDaJuane Collins10 carries, 54 yards
ReceivingStephen Williams12 receptions, 67 yards, TD
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama25/33, 292 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby20 carries, 135 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingMike Thomas9 receptions, 138 yards, TD

at New Mexico

;First quarter

  • (10:43) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 43-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:37; '''Arizona 7–0''''')
  • (5:24) UNM – James Aho 24-yard field goal (''Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:55; '''Arizona 7–3''''')
  • (0:20) UNM – Donovan Porterie 25-yard pass from Rodney Ferguson, James Aho kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:06; '''New Mexico 10–7''''') ;Second quarter
  • (13:00) UNM – James Aho 43-yard field goal (''Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:30; '''New Mexico 13–7''''')
  • (8:23) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 15-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:26; '''Arizona 14–13''''')
  • (1:35) UNM – Rodney Ferguson 25-yard run, James Aho kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:09; '''New Mexico 20–14''''') ;Third quarter
  • (14:36) UNM – Rodney Ferguson 10-yard run, James Aho kick (''Drive: 1 play, 10 yards, 0:06; '''New Mexico 27–14''''')
  • (9:54) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:34; '''New Mexico 27–21''''')
  • (2:16) UNM – James Aho 48-yard field goal (''Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:48; '''New Mexico 30–21''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (14:55) UNM – James Aho 42-yard field goal (''Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 1:58; '''New Mexico 33–21''''')
  • (5:58) UNM – James Aho 46-yard field goal (''Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:55; '''New Mexico 36–21''''')
  • (4:38) ARIZ – Juron Criner 28-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:13; '''New Mexico 36–28''''')
StatisticsArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZNew Mexico Lobosborder=1}}"UNM
First downs2118
Total yards388335
Rushing yards24–6747–221
Passing yards321114
Passing: Comp–Att–Int27–50–214–18–1
Time of possession26:4233:18
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama27/50, 321 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
RushingNic Grigsby18 carries, 72 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas12 receptions, 136 yards, TD
New Mexico Lobosborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**New Mexico**PassingDonovan Porterie13/17, 89 yards, INT
RushingRodney Ferguson26 carries, 158 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingChris Hernandez4 receptions, 39 yards

at UCLA

;First quarter

  • (9:21) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 41-yard field goal (''Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:57; '''Arizona 3–0''''')
  • (3:41) UCLA – Korey Bosworth 1-yard fumble return, Kai Forbath kick (UCLA 7–3) ;Second quarter
  • (13:11) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 22-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:49; '''Arizona 10–7''''')
  • (9:46) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 3-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:20; '''Arizona 17–7''''')
  • (0:00) UCLA – Kai Forbath 35-yard field goal (''Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 4:26; '''Arizona 17–10''''') ;Third quarter
  • No scoring plays ;Fourth quarter
  • (12:49) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 4-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 1:43; '''Arizona 24–10''''')
  • (6:48) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 8-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:32; '''Arizona 31–10''''')
StatisticsArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZUCLA Bruinsborder=1}}"UCLA
First downs1511
Total yards388335
Rushing yards35–11128–115
Passing yards22281
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16–29–015–31–0
Time of possession29:0830:52
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama16/29, 222 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby20 carries, 59 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas4 receptions, 115 yards
UCLA Bruinsborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**UCLA**PassingKevin Craft15/31, 81 yards
RushingChane Moline11 carries, 72 yards
ReceivingTerrence Austin5 receptions, 36 yards

vs Washington

;First quarter

  • (10:47) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 29-yard field goal (''Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 2:46; '''Arizona 3–0''''')
  • (7:10) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:24; '''Arizona 10–0''''')
  • (0:00) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:15; '''Arizona 17–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (11:55) WASH – Paul Homer 1-yard run, Ryan Perkins kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:00; '''Arizona 17–7''''')
  • (8:13) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 48-yard punt return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 24–7)
  • (3:58) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 9-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 2:10; '''Arizona 31–7''''') ;Third quarter
  • (10:50) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 8-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:08; '''Arizona 38–7''''')
  • (5:42) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 49-yard field goal (''Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:26; '''Arizona 41–7''''')
  • (0:38) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 2-yard run, Alex Zendejas kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:46; '''Arizona 48–7''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (8:33) WASH – Michael Gottlieb 20-yard pass from Ronnie Fouch, Ryan Perkins kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 1:50; '''Arizona 48–14''''')
StatisticsWashington Huskiesborder=1}}"WASHArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs1228
Total yards244452
Rushing yards28–6351–256
Passing yards181193
Passing: Comp–Att–Int12–28–117–21–0
Time of possession23:4836:07
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Washington Huskiesborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**Washington**PassingRonnie Fouch12/28, 181 yards, TD, INT
RushingBrandon Jonhson13 carries, 35 yards
ReceivingJermaine Kearse1 reception, 62 yards
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama25/33, 292 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby14 carries, 113 yards, TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski5 receptions, 109 yards, 3 TD

at Stanford

;First quarter

  • (6:38) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 19-yard field goal (''Drive: 13 plays, 84 yards, 5:38; '''Arizona 3–0''''')
  • (1:06) STAN – Doug Baldwin 3-yard pass from Tavita Pritchard, Aaron Zagory kick (''Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 5:27; '''Stanford 7–3''''') ;Second quarter
  • (6:38) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 25-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:05; '''Arizona 10–7''''')
  • (3:35) ARIZ – Nate Ness 75-yard interception return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 17–7)
  • (0:09) STAN – Aaron Zagory 22-yard field goal (''Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 3:16; '''Arizona 17–10''''') ;Third quarter
  • (4:20) STAN – Anthony Kimble 1-yard run, Aaron Zagory kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:19; '''Tied 17–17''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (11:55) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 22-yard field goal (''Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 3:59; '''Arizona 20–17''''')
  • (5:48) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 23-yard field goal (''Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:28; '''Arizona 23–17''''')
  • (0:25) STAN – Toby Gerhart 1-yard run, Aaron Zagory kick (''Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 5:16; '''Stanford 24–23''''')
StatisticsArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZStanford Cardinalborder=1}}"STAN
First downs1621
Total yards336438
Rushing yards23–7748–286
Passing yards259152
Passing: Comp–Att–Int22–34–016–24–2
Time of possession25:2534:35
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama22/34, 259 yards
RushingNic Grigsby15 carries, 66 yards, TD
ReceivingTerrell Turner10 receptions, 175 yards
Stanford Cardinalborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**Stanford**PassingTavita Pritchard13/17, 113 yards, TD, INT
RushingToby Gerhart24 carries, 116 yards, TD
ReceivingRyan Whalen5 receptions, 62 yards

vs No. 25 California

;First quarter

  • (9:19) CAL – Verran Tucker 2-yard pass from Nate Longshore, Giorgio Tavecchio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:51; '''Arizona 7–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (14:13) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 20-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:25; '''Tied 7–7''''')
  • (12:35) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 11-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:29; '''Arizona 14–7''''')
  • (7:51) CAL – Jahvid Best 67-yard run, Giorgio Tavecchio kick (''Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:13; '''Tied 14–14''''')
  • (3:34) CAL – Cameron Morrah 18-yard pass from Nate Longshore, Giorgio Tavecchio kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:37; '''California 21–14''''')
  • (0:03) CAL – Giorgio Tavecchio 42-yard field goal (''Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 0:25; '''California 24–14''''') ;Third quarter
  • (13:14) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 56-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:41; '''California 24–21''''')
  • (9:20) CAL – Giorgio Tavecchio 40-yard field goal (''Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 1:23; '''California 27–21''''')
  • (6:33) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 1-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:42; '''Arizona 28–27''''')
  • (6:16) ARIZ – Devin Ross 21-yard interception return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 35–27)
  • (1:29) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 35-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:04; '''Arizona 42–27''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays
StatisticsCalifornia Golden Bearsborder=1}}"CALArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs1817
Total yards425404
Rushing yards23–11041–179
Passing yards315225
Passing: Comp–Att–Int25–56–216–27–1
Time of possession29:0229:32
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
California Golden Bearsborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**California**PassingNate Longshore18/37, 218 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingJahvid Best16 carries, 107 yards, TD
ReceivingVerran Tucker4 receptions, 68 yards, TD
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama16/27, 225 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingKeola Antolin21 carries, 149 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingMike Thomas6 receptions, 104 yards, TD

vs No. 4 USC

;First quarter

  • (12:29) USC – David Buehler 43-yard field goal (''Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:54; '''USC 3–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (12:56) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 30-yard field goal (''Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:56; '''Tied 3–3''''')
  • (5:03) USC – Stafon Johnson 2-yard run, David Buehler kick (''Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 7:53; '''USC 10–3''''') ;Third quarter
  • (12:18) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:46; '''Tied 10–10''''')
  • (7:56) USC – Stanley Havili 30-yard pass from Mark Sanchez, David Buehler kick (''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:22; '''USC 17–10''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays
StatisticsUSC Trojansborder=1}}"USCArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs1913
Total yards367188
Rushing yards41–15130–100
Passing yards21688
Passing: Comp–Att–Int21–36–114–31–1
Time of possession33:3426:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
USC Trojansborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**USC**PassingMark Sanchez21/36, 216 yards, TD, INT
RushingStafon Johnson19 carries, 83 yards, TD
ReceivingDamian Williams5 receptions, 77 yards
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama14/30, 88 yards, INT
RushingNic Grigsby14 carries, 69 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas6 receptions, 45 yards

at Washington State

;First quarter

  • (10:10) WSU – Dwight Tardy 18-yard run, Wade Penner kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:43; '''Washington State 7–0''''')
  • (4:13) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:52; '''Tied 7–7''''')
  • (0:52) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 43-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:53; '''Arizona 14–7''''') ;Second quarter
  • (14:53) WSU – Kevin Lopina 4-yard run, Wade Penner kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 0:53; '''Tied 14–14''''')
  • (10:20) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 5-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 4:31; '''Arizona 21–14''''')
  • (2:47) ARIZ – Willie Tuitama 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:37; '''Arizona 28–14''''')
  • (1:06) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 6-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:22; '''Arizona 35–14''''') ;Third quarter
  • (12:36) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 6-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:24; '''Arizona 42–14''''')
  • (9:22) WSU – Logwone Mitz 2-yard run, Wade Penner kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:09; '''Arizona 42–21''''')
  • (3:54) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 40-yard field goal (''Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:20; '''Arizona 45–21''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (14:54) WSU – Kevin Lopina 6-yard run, Wade Penner kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 2:20; '''Arizona 45–28''''')
  • (7:03) ARIZ – Xavier Smith 4-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:46; '''Arizona 52–28''''')
  • (4:35) ARIZ – Matt Scott 18-yard run, Alex Zendejas kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 2:13; '''Arizona 59–28''''')
StatisticsArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZWashington State Cougarsborder=1color=white}}"WSU
First downs2812
Total yards531208
Rushing yards57–31729–94
Passing yards214114
Passing: Comp–Att–Int11–15–110–20–3
Time of possession37:2722:33
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama11/15, 214 yards, TD, INT
RushingNic Grigsby28 carries, 197 yards, TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski4 receptions, 83 yards, TD
Washington State Cougarsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Washington State**PassingKevin Lopina8/15, 94 yards, 2 INT
RushingLogwone Mitz11 carries, 57 yards, TD
ReceivingBen Woodard2 receptions, 49 yards

Washington State scored first – taking its first lead of the season in a Pac-10 game – when Dwight Tardy took a pitch from QB Kevin Lopina and ran 18 yards with 10:10 left in the first. Arizona replied with a 12-play drive and WR Mike Thomas ran 5 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski caught a short pass from QB Willie Tuitama and ran 43 yards for a touchdown to put Arizona up 14–7 at the end of the first quarter. After getting the ball on their own 46 to start the next drive, WSU's Logwone Mitz tore off runs of 8 and 42 yards to take the ball to Arizona's 4. Lopina ran it in to tie the score at 14. Arizona replied with an 81-yard drive with RB Keola Antolin running 5 yards up the middle for a 21–14 lead with 10:20 left in the half. The WSU offense stalled the rest of the half. Meanwhile, Tuitama ran in from the 4 on a broken play for a 28–14 Arizona advantage. Arizona's Devin Ross intercepted Lopina on the next series, and RB Nic Grigsby ran it three times, the last for a 6-yard touchdown and a 35–14 halftime lead. Wildcat RB Xavier Smith scored on a 6-yard run on the opening drive of the second half for a 42–14 lead. Mitz scored from 3 yards out on the next series to bring WSU to within 42–21. Arizona would go on to beat Washington State by a final score of 59–28 for win number 6, making the Wildcats eligible for their first bowl game since 1998.

at Oregon

;First quarter

  • (14:18) ORE – Jeremiah Masoli 66-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 85 yards, 0:42; '''Oregon 7–0''''')
  • (13:28) ORE – Patrick Chung 31-yard interception return, Morgan Flint kick (Oregon 14–7)
  • (8:58) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 29-yard field goal (''Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 4:30; '''Oregon 14–3''''')
  • (2:16) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 2-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:41; '''Oregon 14–10''''')
  • (0:25) ORE – Terence Scott 44-yard pass from Jeremiah Masoli, Morgan Flint kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 1:51; '''Oregon 21–10''''') ;Second quarter
  • (11:46) ORE – Jeremiah Masoli 5-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 1:42; '''Oregon 28–10''''')
  • (9:34) ARIZ – Chris Gronkowski 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:12; '''Oregon 28–17''''')
  • (7:34) ORE – Jeremiah Masoli 6-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:12; '''Oregon 35–17''''')
  • (3:28) ORE – Jeff Maehl 65-yard pass from Jeremiah Masoli, Morgan Flint kick (''Drive: 3 plays, 88 yards, 0:59; '''Oregon 42–17''''')
  • (0:00) ORE – Morgan Flint 23-yard field goal (''Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 0:44; '''Oregon 45–17''''') ;Third quarter
  • (12:46) ORE – Morgan Flint 39-yard field goal (''Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 0:58; '''Oregon 48–17''''')
  • (8:53) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 7-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:53; '''Oregon 48–24''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (14:56) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 3-yard run, Willie Tuitama two-point pass to Rob Gronkowski (''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:51; '''Oregon 48–32''''')
  • (8:55) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 1-yard run, two-point run failed (''Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:48; '''Oregon 48–38''''')
  • (6:38) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 13-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:03; '''Oregon 48–45''''')
  • (3:38) ORE – LaGarrette Blount 40-yard run, Morgan Flint kick (''Drive: 2 plays, 45 yards, 0:12; '''Oregon 55–45''''')
StatisticsArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZOregon Ducksborder=1color=white}}"ORE
First downs3018
Total yards527504
Rushing yards52–19930–206
Passing yards328298
Passing: Comp–Att–Int29–46–221–27–0
Time of possession41:4618:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama29/45, 328 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingKeola Antolin20 carries, 87 yards, 4 TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski12 receptions, 143 yards, TD
Oregon Ducksborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Oregon**PassingJeremiah Masoli21/26, 298 yards, 2 TD
RushingJeremiah Masoli10 carries, 89 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingTerence Scott6 receptions, 87 yards, TD

The Oregon Ducks started hot against the Arizona Wildcats in Eugene, with Jeremiah Masoli getting a career-high in rushing touchdowns (3) and broke the record for an Oregon quarterback in this category in a single Ducks game. He also had two passing touchdowns, all five in the first half. Oregon led at the half, 45–17, but Arizona started the second half hot. The Wildcats managed to hold the Ducks to merely ten points in the second half, while they had a 21-point fourth quarter to pull within three. However, a 40-yard touchdown hit from Masoli to LeGarrette Blounte sealed the Ducks win, 55–45, to avenge a loss to the Wildcats from last year. This game was the first in which the Ducks wore their new "blackout" jerseys and black helmets, to fit with the Autzen Stadium "blackout" theme for the game.

vs No. 21 Oregon State

;First quarter

  • No scoring plays ;Second quarter
  • (8:17) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 27-yard field goal (''Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 7:44; '''Arizona 3–0''''')
  • (0:00) OSU – Justin Kahut 47-yard field goal (''Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:19; '''Tied 3–3''''') ;Third quarter
  • (9:06) OSU – James Rodgers 7-yard run, Justin Kahut kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:31; '''Oregon State 10–3''''')
  • (0:16) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 16-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 6:31; '''Tied 10–10''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (8:26) ARIZ – Keola Antolin 9-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:26; '''Arizona 17–10''''')
  • (3:58) OSU – Sammie Stroughter 7-yard pass from Sean Canfield, kick failed (''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:28; '''Arizona 17–16''''')
  • (0:00) OSU – Justin Kahut 24-yard field goal (''Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:19; '''Oregon State 19–17''''')
StatisticsOregon State Beaversborder=1}}"OSUArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs1719
Total yards390297
Rushing yards33–16641–139
Passing yards224158
Passing: Comp–Att–Int20–32–016–22–0
Time of possession27:1732:43
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Oregon State Beaversborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**Oregon State**PassingSean Canfield20/32, 224 yards, TD
RushingJames Rodgers10 carries, 102 yards, TD
ReceivingSammie Stroughter5 receptions, 116 yards, TD
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama16/22, 158 yards, TD
RushingKeola Antolin25 carries, 114 yards, TD
ReceivingMike Thomas6 receptions, 50 yards

Before an enthusiastic crowd of 48,503 at Arizona Stadium, Oregon State had to go without starting quarterback Lyle Moevao, sidelined by a shoulder injury. Then they lost tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, the Pac-10's leading rusher and Pac-10 Player of the Year candidate, to a shoulder injury on their second possession. With the score tied at 10–10 early in the fourth quarter (on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Arizona TE Rob Gronkowski with 16 seconds left in the third quarter), Oregon State head coach Mike Riley went for it twice on fourth down near midfield. The first one worked and the second did not, and it proved costly. After backup tailback Ryan McCants lost a yard on fourth-and-1 at Arizona's 49, the Wildcats went on an eight-play march capped by a 9-yard touchdown run by RB Keola Antolin to give Arizona a 17–10 lead. Oregon State responded with a 10-play, 80-yard drive for a touchdown. Then, Beavers kicker Justin Kahut missed the extra point with 3:58 left, seemingly giving Arizona the chance for the win. Arizona's offense stalled, and while the Wildcats led 17–16 with 1:19 to play, Oregon State took over at their own 20 with no timeouts left. Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield, who started in place of Moevao, hit Jeremy Francis for a 20-yard catch to the 40. A seven-yard run by receiver James Rodgers went to the 47. On the third play of the drive, Canfield found Sammie Stroughter alone behind the Wildcats secondary for a 47-yard gain to the Arizona 7. Then, Kahut calmly nailed a 24-yard field goal as time expired to seal an improbable 19–17 victory, redeeming himself and leaving the Beavers one win away from their first Rose Bowl trip since 1965. Keola Antolin rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown for Arizona, while Arizona QB Willie Tuitama threw for 158 yards and a score.

vs Arizona State

;First quarter

  • (0:31) ARIZ – Rob Gronkowski 17-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 12 plays, 98 yards, 5:44; '''Arizona 7–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (10:58) ASU – Thomas Weber 40-yard field goal (''Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:25; '''Arizona 7–3''''')
  • (5:53) ASU – Andrew Pettes 2-yard pass from Rudy Carpenter, Thomas Weber kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:09; '''Arizona State 10–7''''') ;Third quarter
  • (7:23) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 10-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:52; '''Arizona 14–10''''')
  • (4:24) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 12-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 1:29; '''Arizona 21–10''''')
  • (2:22) ARIZ – Mike Thomas 52-yard punt return, Jason Bondzio kick (Arizona 28–10) ;Fourth quarter
  • (12:34) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 49-yard field goal (''Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:13; '''Arizona 31–10''''')
StatisticsArizona State Sun Devilsborder=1}}"ASUArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZ
First downs1225
Total yards162389
Rushing yards23–3840–105
Passing yards124284
Passing: Comp–Att–Int13–31–125–37–1
Time of possession23:1036:50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona State Sun Devilsborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona State**PassingRudy Carpenter13/31, 124 yards, TD, INT
RushingKeegan Herring14 carries, 31 yards
ReceivingKyle Williams5 receptions, 116 yards
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama25/37, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingNic Grigsby22 carries, 114 yards, TD
ReceivingRob Gronkowski6 receptions, 95 yards, TD

The Wildcats were not just playing for in-state bragging rights this year in their 82nd meeting for the Territorial Cup. The Las Vegas Bowl announced on December 5 that the winner of this game would be extended an invitation to appear.

A sellout crowd of 58,704 (sixth-largest in Arizona Stadium history) was on hand; they had to suffer through a first half in which both teams struggled to find a rhythm offensively. The Wildcats scored first, 7–0 with 5:44 left in the first quarter, on a 17-yard pass from QB Willie Tuitama to TE Rob Gronkowski. On the drive, the Wildcats marched 98 yards in 12 plays – their longest scoring drive of the season.

Arizona State cut the Wildcat lead to 7–3 on a 40-yard field goal by Thomas Weber.

UA punter Keenyn Crier was ruled down on his right knee while trying to retrieve a low snap in the second quarter, giving the Sun Devils possession on the Wildcat 19 and setting up an easy two-play drive from QB Rudy Carpenter as he eventually hit WR Andrew Pettes for a 2-yard pass for a go-ahead Arizona State touchdown, making the score 10–7.

The 'Cats would fight back, and scored on their first offensive possession of the second half, as Tuitama led the Wildcats on an 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive. He connected with WR Delashaun Dean on a 10-yard slant route for the score. Kicker Jason Bondzio's PAT gave the Cats a 14–10 lead.

Arizona would score again after a 47-yard Marquis Hundley interception of a Rudy Carpenter pass led to a 12-yard scoring run by UA tailback Nic Grigsby. The Wildcats scored again on a dramatic 52-yard punt return from WR Mike Thomas, to quickly transform a 10–7 halftime deficit into a 28–10 lead.

Jason Bondzio kicked a 49-yard field goal for a 31–10 lead with 12:34 to go in the game.

Grigsby finished with 114 rushing yards on 22 carries. Tuitama completed 25 of 37 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. TE Rob Gronkowski led the team with six catches for 95 yards. WR Mike Thomas finished with nine catches for 75 yards and was selected the game MVP.

Arizona State, with the Wildcat win, ends their relatively disappointing season at 5–7, and as such is kept from being invited to a bowl game for the first time since 2003.

vs No. 17 BYU ([[2008 Las Vegas Bowl|Las Vegas Bowl]])

Main article: 2008 Las Vegas Bowl

(2008 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl) ;First quarter

  • (6:23) ARIZ – Nic Grigsby 1-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 8 plays, 96 yards, 3:21; '''Arizona 7–0''''') ;Second quarter
  • (9:21) ARIZ – Jason Bondzio 31-yard field goal (''Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:28; '''Arizona 10–0''''')
  • (6:50) BYU – Harvey Unga 1-yard run, Mitch Payne kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:24; '''Arizona 10–7''''') ;Third quarter
  • (11:21) BYU – Andrew George 1-yard pass from Max Hall, Mitch Payne kick (''Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 3:24; '''BYU 14–10''''')
  • (7:07) ARIZ – Delashaun Dean 37-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:46; '''Arizona 17–14''''')
  • (0:25) ARIZ – Chris Gronkowski 24-yard pass from Willie Tuitama, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:48; '''Arizona 24–14''''') ;Fourth quarter
  • (6:09) ARIZ – Willie Tuitama 6-yard run, Jason Bondzio kick (''Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:54; '''Arizona 31–14''''')
  • (3:38) BYU – Max Hall 1-yard run, Mitch Payne kick (''Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 2:25; '''Arizona 31–21''''')
StatisticsArizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}"ARIZBYU Cougarsborder=1}}"BYU
First downs2022
Total yards416444
Rushing yards28–9132–116
Passing yards325328
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24–35–030–46–1
Time of possession27:1232:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Arizona Wildcatsborder=1color=white}}; text-align:center;"**Arizona**PassingWillie Tuitama24/35, 325 yards, 2 TD
RushingNic Grigsby20 carries, 87 yards, TD
ReceivingTerrell Turner4 receptions, 111 yards
BYU Cougarsborder=1}}; text-align:center;"**BYU**PassingMax Hall30/46, 328 yards, TD, INT
RushingHarvey Unga17 carries, 71 yards, TD
ReceivingAustin Collie11 receptions, 119 yards

Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama was named MVP.

Willie Tuitama threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns as Arizona won its first bowl game in 10 years in front of a crowd of 40,047 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Wildcats stifled BYU quarterback Max Hall throughout the game, forcing him to scramble often, lose a fumble and throw an interception. Arizona (8–5) kept the ball in the air most of the game. Tuitama threw a 71-yard pass to WR Terrell Turner that set up the first score, a 37-yard touchdown to WR Delashaun Dean that gave the Wildcats the lead for good in the third quarter, and a 24-yard strike to RB Chris Gronkowski that sent Cougars fans toward the exits (Tuitama would run 6 yards into the end zone to complete the drive). The Wildcats' third-quarter scoring spree salvaged an otherwise-unlucky period. Arizona thought it had recovered a fumble three plays earlier, when BYU WR Austin Collie caught a screen pass, took a step, ran into his own blocker and fumbled. UA safety Nate Ness recovered at BYU's 11. The game's referee crew opted to review the play, and ruled that Collie had never demonstrated possession. The Cougars completed a short pass on third down, then punted. Arizona's five days in Las Vegas had a little bit of everything — fun, drama and even questions about Mike Stoops' job future (Stoops was rumored to be a candidate for the vacant Iowa State head coach position which was filled by Auburn assistant coach Paul Rhoads).

Awards

Willie Tuitama (QB)

  • All-Pacific-10 (2nd team)
  • Las Vegas Bowl MVP

Mike Thomas (WR/Return Specialist)

  • All-Pacific-10 (1st team)

Rob Gronkowski (TE)

  • All-Pacific-10 (1st team)

Eben Britton (OL)

  • All-Pacific-10 (1st team)

Joe Longacre (OL)

  • All-Pacific-10 (2nd team)

Devin Ross (CB)

  • All-Pacific-10 (2nd team)

Jason Bondzio (K)

  • All-Pacific-10 (2nd team)

References

References

  1. "Idaho vs Arizona (Aug 30, 2008)". University of Arizona Sports Information.
  2. [http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/gamecenter/recap/NCAAF_20081108_AZ@WAST Arizona at Washington State]
  3. "Registration Required".
  4. "Deal Wildcats in".
  5. Metcalfe, Jeff. (December 6, 2008). "UA Ends ASU's Season in Rout". [[The Arizona Republic]].
  6. "MyWay".
  7. [http://sports.myway.com/news/12202008/v6766.html "Tuitama Leads Arizona Over BYU in Las Vegas Bowl", Oskar Garcia, Associated Press, December 20, 2008]
  8. http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/272649 {{Dead link. (February 2022)
  9. "PAC-10 Football Awards and All-Conference Team Announced".
  10. (2008-12-10). "2008 All-Pac-10 team".
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

2008-pacific-10-conference-football-season arizona-wildcats-football-seasons las-vegas-bowl-champion-seasons 2008-in-sports-in-arizona
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about 2008 Arizona Wildcats football team — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report