Arizona Edges Kansas 24-20 With Late Touchdown

Published by Andrew on November 9, 2025

Late touchdown by Quincy Craig sealed a thrilling victory for Arizona over Kansas, finishing the game at 24-20 in Tucson.

The match showcased intense competition, with Arizona’s Noah Fifita delivering two touchdown passes despite the team’s offensive struggles.

As we delve into the critical moments of this game, we will explore how Arizona achieved bowl eligibility, the standout defensive plays from Kansas, and the implications of this matchup for both teams moving forward.

Thrilling Finish and Game Significance

The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the clock ticked down during Arizona’s clash against Kansas.

With just 39 seconds remaining, the Wildcats found themselves trailing in a game critical to their season’s trajectory.

This was the moment Quincy Craig seized the opportunity, slicing through Kansas’s defense with a stunning 24-yard touchdown run that electrified the crowd and changed the scoreboard to a final 24-20 victory for Arizona.

This remarkable play not only secured the win but also instantly guaranteed Arizona’s bowl eligibility, underscoring the high stakes and adding a palpable layer of significance to Craig’s achievement.

At that moment, the Wildcats didn’t just triumph over their opponents; they cemented their place in college football’s pivotal postseason, energizing fans and players alike in a celebration that will resonate as they prepare to face Cincinnati.

You can read more insights on the game and its implications on the CBS Sports website.

Quarterback Noah Fifita Navigates Pressure

Quarterback Noah Fifita showcased his resilience as he threw two crucial touchdown passes amidst relentless pressure during the game against Kansas.

The pocket repeatedly collapsed around him, forcing him to make quick decisions and stay poised as he connected with his receivers in key moments.

His ability to deliver accurate throws under duress played a pivotal role in leading Arizona to victory and securing bowl eligibility.

Protection Breakdowns and Sack Impact

Arizona faced significant challenges in their matchup against Kansas, primarily rooted in the offensive line’s struggles against a staunch Kansas defense.

This unit’s inability to consistently protect Noah Fifita resulted in him being sacked five times, a factor that severely restricted Arizona’s play-calling options.

The consistent pressure allowed by the offensive line meant that any attempts at longer pass plays were swiftly thwarted, jeopardizing Arizona’s ability to generate momentum.

A pivotal third-down sack nearly shifted the game’s momentum towards Kansas, underscoring the critical importance of protection in high-pressure scenarios.

Despite these setbacks, Arizona managed to clinch victory, yet their path to this win highlights the essential need for improvement.

For more insights on this matchup, explore Arizona Football Performance Review.

Kansas Defense: Power and Missed Chances

Kansas’ defense demonstrated a relentless ability to pressure Arizona’s quarterback, an effort highlighted by their consistent aggression and strategic plays.

Throughout the game, the defensive line excelled at breaching Arizona’s offensive line, leading to five critical sacks that continually disrupted the Wildcats’ rhythm.

Despite this impressive pressure, Kansas faced setbacks that overshadowed their defensive performance.

One of the most significant missed opportunities was the nullified 77-yard interception by Leroy Harris III, which was unfortunately erased due to a holding penalty (Source).

This play could have significantly altered the game’s momentum by giving Kansas a commanding lead before halftime.

Moreover, nearing the game’s end, Kansas missed a crucial field goal, a play that could have extended their lead and provided a buffer against Arizona’s late-game heroics (Relevant moments were pivotal in Arizona’s final push for victory).

These missed opportunities underline the delicate balance between defensive prowess and execution in critical game moments.

Halftime Adjustments Lead to Defensive Deadlock

After halftime, both Arizona and Kansas showcased impressive defensive capabilities, effectively shutting down offensive progress and proving challenging for any significant plays to develop.

Both defenses exhibited a strong resolve, forcing numerous punts and limiting big gains, which played a pivotal role in sustaining a low-scoring environment throughout the second half.

Each team capitalized on every stop, adjusting to thwart the offensive strategies they faced earlier in the game.

Kansas managed to capitalize on opportunities, like the overturned interception, keeping Arizona from advancing comfortably on the field.

Defensive efforts were further highlighted when Arizona halted Kansas’ momentum, pushing them to a three-and-out at crucial junctures, as noted in the detailed recap available on Arizona Wildcats’ performance analysis.

The tense stand-off endured until Arizona’s strategic drive at the game’s climax gave Quincy Craig the opening he needed to secure the decisive touchdown run with mere seconds remaining.

This defensive battle was a testament to strategic halftime adjustments by both teams.

What Comes Next for Both Programs

Arizona has now become bowl-eligible, marking an exciting milestone for the Wildcats under Head Coach Brent Brennan.

With spirits high, they turn their focus towards their upcoming clash with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Arizona’s recent victory over Kansas has set a positive tone as they prepare for this crucial game.

Meanwhile, Kansas aims to regroup and capitalize on the lessons learned as they head to face the Iowa State Cyclones in Ames, Iowa.

The Jayhawks are eager to overcome their recent setbacks and finish strong in their remaining schedule.

Looking ahead, both teams are poised to showcase their strengths and end the season on a high note, ensuring an upbeat finish for fans eager for what lies ahead.

In conclusion, Arizona’s hard-fought victory not only highlights their resilience but also sets the stage for an exciting bowl matchup against Cincinnati.

Kansas will need to regroup as they prepare to face Iowa State, focusing on capitalizing in crucial moments.