Junior quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 286 yards and one touchdown to lead Arizona to its second win over Arizona State in three years.
A quarter of defensive plays and offensive miscues gave way to an 8-play, 90-yard drive by the Sun Devils. Quarterback Jeff Sims dashed off through a gaping hole on the left side for a 27-yard touchdown. Sims, starting in his fourth game since entering the Houston game for the injured Sam Leavitt, rushed for 43 yards and completed 11 of 25 passes for another 114. Three of his incompletions were intercepted by defenders in white jerseys.
The Wildcats recovered a fumble and intercepted three passes to win the turnover battle 4-2. Arizona’s offense turned those turnovers into 17 points. A fumbled hand-off between Sims and running back Albert Smith, III, led to the Wildcats’ first touchdown. Fifta found tight end Cameron Barmore at the three for an easy 9-yard touchdown.
Barmore was one of 10 Arizona receivers with at least one catch. Kris Hutson led all receivers with 7 receptions and 95 yards.
Arizona State’s defense did what it could to keep the Sun Devils in the game. The Wildcats reached the red zone only twice. Linebacker Jordan Crook led ASU’s defense with 11 tackles.
All photos copyright Kevin C. Cox, Maximum Exposure for CORE360 Sports