Welp.
The Arizona Wildcats are still searching for their first win of the Jedd Fisch era — and the first in 15 games, which dates back to the 2019 season — after the UA fell to Northern Arizona 21-19 in Tucson Saturday night. NAU's win over the Wildcats marked the first time since 1932 that the Lumberjacks were able to defeat their in-state FBS rival.
UA quarterback Will Plummer, who played in place of Gunner Cruz, started his second game of his collegiate career and went 19-for-34 passing for 191 yards, one touchdown and one interception that was returned for a score by NAU. After the Wildcats' offense stalled with Arizona trailing in the fourth quarter, South Florida transfer Jordan McCloud was installed at quarterback, and nearly completed the comeback but the UA couldn't convert on a game-tying two-point conversion, ending a contest that Arizona was heavily favored to win.
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So, now what? Arizona turns to face the fourth-ranked Oregon Ducks — the conference's flagship program for the College Football Playoff — next Saturday in Eugene.
Hear what Fisch and the players had to say following the game:
Jedd Fisch
A “disappointed” Jedd Fisch after Arizona’s loss to NAU: “Our players are hurting right now.” pic.twitter.com/NMp0LJxEp8
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 19, 2021
Jedd Fisch’s message to fans after Arizona’s loss to NAU:“We have to stay the course that we’re in a situation that we’re trying to build something special for the long haul, and it’s not to build it for one night, it’s to build it for the entire time we’re all together.” pic.twitter.com/y08ahxRTMx
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 19, 2021
Jedd Fisch on Arizona’s QB situation: pic.twitter.com/6lnd7TiZ9v
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 19, 2021
Jedd Fisch says there’s a possibility Jordan McCloud starts at QB against Oregon next week. pic.twitter.com/cVglidoOXY
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 19, 2021
Wide receiver Stanley Berryhill
Asked Arizona wide receiver Stanley Berryhill if the loss to NAU had a similar feeling to the 70-7 loss to ASU in 2020. “I don’t compare it to the ASU game. It’s not the same.” pic.twitter.com/KVzif6Po1t
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 19, 2021
Arizona receiver Stanley Berryhill says the most disappointing part in the loss to NAU was not scoring in the red zone. pic.twitter.com/Q9QIZ3FpFN
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 19, 2021
Contact sports producer Justin Spears at 573-4312 or jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports