Wildcats Meet Mountaineers for First Time in Program History

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona Wildcats (3-4, 1-3) host the West Virginia Mountaineers (3-4, 2-2) this weekend at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. MST with a national television broadcast on FS1.

Saturday's game will serve as the Wildcats annual Family Weekend. Tickets are still available for purchase here.

The Wildcats look to get back into the win column before hitting the road again next week. Arizona has never before faced West Virginia.

For more information on Saturday's game, continue reading below.

Arizona Notes and Numbers

• The Arizona Wildcats host the West Virginia Mountaineers for Family Weekend at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. MST on FS1. Alex Faust (Play-by-play), Robert Smith (Analyst) is the broadcast team.
• The Wildcats and Mountaineers will face each other for the first time in series history. This marks the first matchup of back-to-back games against Big 12 opponents that Arizona has never played. Arizona travels to UCF next week for the first matchup in series history on Oct. 26.
• Against Colorado last Saturday, Arizona forced multiple turnovers in a game for the fourth time this season. That matches the same number of games with a turnover forced that Arizona has had in both 2023 and 2022. Arizona’s last season with more than four games forcing two-plus turnovers was 2017 (eight).
• The Wildcats became the first team to intercept two passes in a single game against Shedeur Sanders in the Colorado quarterback’s career.
• DB Jack Luttrell made his first career interception in the second quarter to stop Colorado on Arizona’s 11-yard line. He made his second career interception — and second interception of the game — in the fourth quarter to stop Colorado’s drive at the Arizona 14-yard line. He is the first Wildcat to have two interceptions in a game since Anthony Pandy had two against Colorado in 2020.
• Arizona forced two turnovers against Colorado posting its fourth multi-turnover game this season. That is the same amount of such games as Arizona had in both 2023 and 2022. Arizona's last season with more than four games forcing 2+ TOs was 2017 (eight).
• The loss to Colorado marked the first time in seven consecutive games that Arizona has lost a game when making one interception. The streak began on Nov. 25, 2022, against Arizona State.

By The Numbers…

AGAINST WVU: This is the first all-time meeting between Arizona and West Virginia. The Mountaineers are one of two teams that the Wildcats are facing for the first time this season, along with UCF. The only other Big 12 program that Arizona has never squared off against on the gridiron is Cincinnati, who they miss this season.

LAST GAME: Shedeur Sanders threw for 250 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, and Colorado's defense shut down Arizona in a 34-7 win on Saturday. The Buffaloes (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) scored two early touchdowns and swarmed the Wildcats (3-4, 1-3) all afternoon to bounce back from last week's 31-28 loss to Kansas State. Sanders threw for two touchdowns with two interceptions on 23-of-33 passing and ran for another score. Colorado converted 8 of 11 third downs while building a 21-point halftime lead and its defense held the Wildcats to 245 total yards. Arizona spent most of the afternoon chasing the Buffaloes. The Wildcats had trouble protecting quarterback Noah Fifita, giving up seven sacks after allowing six combined the first six games. Scrambling most of the day, Fifita threw an interception, lost a fumble and couldn't find preseason All-American Tetairoa McMillan, who had five catches for 38 yards. The Wildcats' problems started from the opening kick. Trying to surprise the Buffaloes, Arizona tried an onside kick that failed and spent most of the first half defending a short field. Colorado started its opening drive at Arizona's 46-yard and converted with Isaiah Augustave's 1-yard touchdown run. Drelon Miller scored on a 1-yard shovel pass from Sanders on the next drive, then Will Sheppard hauled in a 16-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone -- initially ruled incomplete before being overturned on review. Sanders' 6-yard touchdown run put Colorado up 28-7 at halftime. Arizona had one sustained drive in the first half, capped by Fifita's 1-yard shovel pass to Chris Hunter, and lost a fumble deep in its own end — two plays after recovering a fumble. Colorado's offense stalled in the second half, but it didn't matter the way its defense played.

STREAK SNAPPED: The Arizona Wildcats won seven consecutive games when having at least one interception, a streak that started Nov. 25, 2022, against Arizona State. Arizona dropped a 34-7 decision last Saturday despite recording two interceptions. The Wildcats were the first team to intercept two passes thrown by Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado) in a single game in his career.

FORCING TURNOVERS: Against Colorado last Saturday, Arizona forced multiple turnovers in a game for the fourth time this season. That matches the same number of games with a turnover forced that Arizona has had in both 2023 and 2022. Arizona’s last season with more than four games forcing two-plus turnovers was 2017 (eight).

LAST GAME INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

• QB Noah Fifita moved into the program’s all-time top ten with 35 career passing touchdowns following a one-yard scoring toss to WR Chris Hunter in the first quarter.
• Fifita’s 24-yard rush in the first quarter was a career long rush. He finished the game with 24 rush yards, tied for a career high.
• WR Tetairoa McMillan moved to fourth all-time with 2,884 career receiving yards.
• RB Quali Conley’s 25 catches this season (3 today) are the most for an Arizona running back through seven team games of a season since Chris Jennings had 23 at this point in the 2007 season. Conley’s 25 catches are the most by a Big 12 running back in his team’s first seven games of a season since Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn had 30 at this point of the 2021 season.
• DB Jack Luttrell made his first career interception in the second quarter to stop Colorado on Arizona’s 11-yard line. He made his second career interception — and second interception of the game — in the fourth quarter to stop Colorado’s drive at the Arizona 14-yard line. He is the first Wildcat to have two interceptions in a game since Anthony Pandy had two against Colorado in 2020.
• WR Chris Hunter scored his first career touchdown in the the first quarter, a one-yard reception from Fifita.
• Hunter set career high marks with four catches, 30 yards, and one TD. »TE Sam Olson set a season high mark with 27 receiving yards. He entered today’s game with 15 total yards for the entire season.
• RB Kayden Luke had a career long rush with 11 yards in the fourth quarter.   
• DB Dalton Johnson led the defense with 11 tackles, marking the third double-digit tackling performance of his career.
• DB Owen Goss logged a career-high seven tackles, four of which were solo stops.

LAST GAME TEAM NOTES:

• Arizona snapped a two-game win streak over Colorado and now trails 10-17 in the all-time series.
• Arizona has forced multiple turnovers in a game for the fourth time this season. That is the same amount of such games as Arizona had in both 2023 and 2022. Arizona’s last season with more than four games forcing 2+ TOs was 2017 (eight).
• The Wildcats are the first team to intercept two passes in a single game against Shedeur Sanders in his FBS career (18 games).

THREE STRAIGHT LOSSES: The Wildcats lost their third straight game; it is the first time since the 2022 season that Arizona has dropped three straight games (4, 10/8/22-11/5/22). Arizona's loss to Texas Tech is the Wildcats' first loss to an unranked team since the Mississippi State game last year. First loss to an unranked opponent at home since Washington State in 2022. It was the first home loss in over a year for the Wildcats (Last: No. 7 Washington, 31-24). The Wildcats are 10-4 in their last 14 games dating back to last season. The Wildcats began the 2023 season 3-3 and went on to win seven straight games and qualify for the Valero Alamo Bowl.

SWARM TO THE BALL: Arizona’s defense is the first unit to hold BYU scoreless in the first quarter this season. BYU was outscoring opponents 49-10 entering the game. The Wildcats allowed 10 points to Utah, which marked the fewest points allowed to a top 10 team since shutting out #10 Miami 29-0 in 1994 Fiesta Bowl. The Wildcats held the Utes to just 10 points, marking the fewest first half points by Utah since scoring seven against Northwestern at the 2023 Las Vegas Bowl. Ten points is Utah’s lowest scoring output against a conference team since losing 6-35 to Oregon in 2023. Arizona limited the Texas Tech offense to 28 points, the Red Raiders average 39.3 points per game this season. Texas Tech managed just 14 first downs in the contest, threw two interceptions, and fumbled twice. The Wildcats held the Red Raiders to 2-of-11 on third down conversion attempts.  The Wildcats defense held the Red Raiders to just 118 rushing yards, their lowest output on the ground since going for 110 yards against then No. 7 Texas in 2023. The Wildcats are fifth nationally in fourth down conversion defense (6-for-20, .300). Defensive back Genesis Smith is tied for third in the Big 12 with six passes defended (6). Smith leads the Wildcats in that category. Against Colorado (10/19), DB Jack Luttrell made his first career interception in the second quarter to stop Colorado on Arizona’s 11-yard line. He made his second career interception — and second interception of the game — in the fourth quarter to stop Colorado’s drive at the Arizona 14-yard line. He is the first Wildcat to have two interceptions in a game since Anthony Pandy had two against Colorado in 2020.

THE TRE WAY: Arizona defensive lineman Tre Smith is tied for eighth nationally in hurries, getting after the quarterback 26 times so far through three games this season (Per PFF). Smith joined the Wildcats prior to the 2024 season as a transfer from San Jose State. Smith has recorded 122 total tackles (54 solo, 68 ast) through 31 games. He has 12-career sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss combined between Arizona and San Jose State. His career high for a single game is 13 tackles, set on Sep. 22, 2023 with San Jose State against Air Force.

QUALI TAKES FLIGHT: RB Quali Conley recorded his first 100-plus yard rushing game with Arizona (112 vs. NAU, 9/7), and since he rushed for 155 yards against San Diego State on 11/18/23. Conley broke off a 58-yard rush on Arizona’s first drive of the game, marking his longest rush with the Wildcats and the second longest of his career (Longest: 68 yards vs. New Mexico, 10/14/23). Conley matched his career-high in receptions with five against NAU (9/7) (2x; last: vs. Air Force, 9/22/23). Conley rushed for his sixth touchdown of the season against BYU, which is tied for fourth in the Big 12. Conley’s 25 catches this season (3 vs. Colorado) are the most for an Arizona running back through seven team games of a season since Chris Jennings had 23 at this point in the 2007 season. Conley’s 25 catches are the most by a Big 12 running back in his team’s first seven games of a season since Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn had 30 at this point of the 2021 season.

CAREER FIRST: DB Jack Luttrell made his first career interception in the second quarter to stop Colorado on Arizona’s 11-yard line. He made his second career interception — and second interception of the game — in the fourth quarter to stop Colorado’s drive at the Arizona 14-yard line. He is the first Wildcat to have two interceptions in a game since Anthony Pandy had two against Colorado in 2020. The Wildcats are the first team to intercept two passes in a single game against Shedeur Sanders in his FBS career (18 games).

BIG RANKED WIN: The Wildcats earned their first road win at Utah (23-10) since 2014 on Sept. 28. They have now won back-to-back games over Utah for the first time since rattling off four straight victories from 2012–14. Arizona now boasts nine wins while unranked over AP Top 10 ranked teams in the last 20 seasons.’ Arizona picked up its second road win versus a top 10 opponent in the last 10 seasons. (Won at #9 UCLA in 2022). The 23-10 win over No. 10 Utah on Saturday, Sept. 28, was the first win over an AP Top 25 program for head coach Brent Brennan. The 23-10 victory for Arizona is the first loss for Utah to an unranked team at home since falling to Washington 21-7 on Sept. 15, 2018.

O-FER ON 4TH: Arizona’s defense turned away Utah on fourth down four times, marking their first 0-for-4 performance since Oregon in 2006. The Wildcats’ defense has forced four turnovers in the last two games and seven total turnovers this season (3 fumbles, 4 interceptions).

T-MAC: After making four touchdown grabs in Game 1 against New Mexico, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is 6th in program history in career-receiving touchdowns (22), 4th in career-receiving yards in program history (2,884). He has now recorded the most receiving yards in a single game (304) and the second-most receiving yards in a single game in program history in 2023 (266; at ASU, Nov. 25, 2023). McMillan recorded the tenth 100-yard receiving game of his career and finished with 161 receiving yards on eight receptions against Texas Tech (10/5). His ten 100-yard performances are the fourth most in program history; he is one 100-yard game away from tying Mike Thomas (2005-08) and Juron Criner (2008-11) for third all-time with 11 career 100-yard receiving games. T-Mac is sixth nationally in receiving yards (780). He leads the Big 12 in receiving yards and tied for fourth in the conference in receiving touchdowns (4). McMillan has caught a pass in 20 straight games.

OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT: The Wildcats recorded 627 yards of total offense in the season-opening win over New Mexico on Aug. 31. It marked the most since recording 673 (178 rush, 495 pass) against Colorado in 2022. The offensive output tied for 8th in program history (627; California, Sept. 20, 2014). Despite the loss, the Wildcats recorded 422 total yards of offense against Texas Tech (10/5), outgaining the Red Raiders 422 to 331. It marked the first time this season that the Wildcats have outgained their opponent and lost the game.

QB 1: Quarterback Noah Fifita continues to climb up the Arizona passing record charts with another outstanding performance to open the 2024 season, throwing for 422 yards and four touchdowns. Fifita’s career-completion percentage is 66.0% (402-609 for 4,771 yards and 35 touchdowns) which is second in program history behind Super Bowl Champion Nick Foles (66.8%, 360-for-531). Fifita’s season high was 422 yards passing and four touchdowns against New Mexico (8/31) to open the season. He has passed for more than 300 yards twice in six games this season.

ON A LOOP: Tyler Loop has led the program in multiple kicking records, first the most consecutive extra-points made (118-of-118) and he is chasing down the top-career field goal percentage (84.0%, 63 of 75) in program history. Loop is chasing the record for the most consecutive games with a made field goal (25) in program history. He is fourth in career-scoring in program history (283; 2022-present). Loop is second among active kickers in FBS in field goal percentage (84.0%, 63-75). Loop was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2023. He booted a career-long 54-yarder against New Mexico on Aug. 31. He also made two-of-three field goal attempts against NAU, booting a long of 48 yards against the Lumberjacks. Loop made a 53-yarder among three made field goals at Utah in the 23-10 win. He set a program record with five made field goals against Texas Tech (10/5), marking the most field goals made (5) and attempted (6) in a single game in program history.

WELCOME TO THE BIG 12: The Arizona Wildcats embark on a new journey in a new conference after joining the Big 12 in Aug. 2024. The Wildcats end an era of Pac-10/12 that began in 1978 and finished with a 277-256-7 record, including a 171-202-6 Conference record over 45 years in the conference. The legendary Dick Tomey led the Wildcats through 13 years of the Pac-10/12 Conference and recorded the most wins of any head coach in program history (95). Arizona fell to 1-3 in conference after dropping three straight games following the conference-opening win over Utah.

POLYNESIAN PIPELINE: Arizona continues to build its program with some of the top Polynesian College Football Players in the nation on its roster. The Wildcats had seven players selected to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list including quarterback Noah Fifita, defensive lineman Keanu Mailoto, linebacker Jacob Manu, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, defensive lineman Stanley Ta’ufo’ou, and defensive lineman Ta’ita’I Uiagalelei. The seven players included in this watch list is second in the nation behind only BYU in 2024. It also marked the most for the Wildcats since the inception of the award preseason watch list. Fifita joined the college watch list for the first time. Savaiinaea makes his second straight appearance on the list. McMillan advanced to the finals of the 2023 award consideration after being named to the preseason list. Mailoto, Manu, Ta’ufo’ou, and Uiagalelei made their first appearance as Wildcats on this award watch list.

WILDCATS IN THE NFL: Arizona currently has 11 players on NFL rosters during the 2024 season. Former offensive lineman Jordan Morgan was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round (25th overall) following the 2023 season. He was the first first-round selection since Antoine Cason was picked 27th overall in 2008. He joined a list that includes Cason (2008; 27th, San Diego), Trung Canidate (2000; 31st, St. Louis), Chris McAlister (1999; 10th, Baltimore), John Fina (1992; 27th, Buffalo), Chris Singleton (1990; 8th, New England), Anthony Smith (1990; 11th, Oakland), Rickey Hunley (1984; 7th, Cincinnati), Mike Dawson (1976; 22nd, Arizona), Bill Lueck (1968; 26, Green Bay), and Walt Nelson (1939; 10th, New York Giants) to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing was picked in the fourth round (135th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers and became the highest wide receiver selected since Mike Thomas in 2009 (4th Rd, 107 overall by Jacksonville) and the first wide receiver since Juron Criner (5th Rd, 168th overall by Oakland) in 2012. Tight End Tanner McLachlan was the third Wildcat selected in the 2024 NFL Draft when the Cincinnati Bengals picked him the 6th round (194 overall). The three draft picks matched the most selected in one draft since 2014 when Ka’Deem Carey (4th Rd, 117 overall), Shaquille Richardson (5th Rd, 157th overall), and Marquis Flowers (6th Rd, 212 overall) were picked in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Current Wildcats on NFL Rosters (as of 10/13/24)

*Practice Squad