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A game-by-game look at Arizona's 2017 football schedule

Oct 12, 2017
Oct 12, 2017 Updated Oct 22, 2017

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Here are some quick thoughts on each of Arizona's opponents.

Sept. 2: Arizona 62, Northern Arizona 24

University of Arizona vs Northern Arizona — The Arizona defense got to NAU quarterback Case Cookus on this play, but a much better overall effort will be needed for the UA to start 2-0.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Date: Sept. 2, 2017

Opponent: NAU

Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson

Final score: Arizona 62, NAU 24

Record: 1-0

Key player: Arizona safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles had eight tackles -- two of them solo -- and two interceptions. The junior from Tucson was the Wildcats' top defensive player against the Lumberjacks.

Michael Lev's game story: Young Arizona Wildcats show promising signs in season-opening win over NAU

Game nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 62-24 victory over Northern Arizona

Michael Lev's postgame blog: Arizona Wildcats rewind: Five takeaways from the UA’s 62-24 victory over NAU

Zack Rosenblatt's sidebar: Seen and heard at Arizona Stadium

Greg Hansen: New president, AD will ensure football is more than just a fall fancy

Postgame video: On Brandon Dawkins, NAU win, looking ahead to Houston

Report card: Grades for the Arizona Wildcats' 62-24 victory over NAU

Photos: Arizona Wildcats vs. NAU football

Sept. 9: Houston 19, Arizona 16

University of Arizona vs Houston — Dawkins, hopping over Houston safety Khalil Williams in last week’s game, was replaced for two series before being reinserted for the final drive, which sputtered out.

Date: Sept. 9, 2017

Opponent: Houston

Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson

Final score: Houston 19, Arizona 16

Record: 1-1

Key player: Quarterback Brandon Dawkins is known for causing havoc with his feet, but against Houston, he went 17 of 29 passing for 178 yards. That passing performance was Dawkins' best since Oct. 2016 at Utah, but it wasn't enough as the Wildcats dropped their first game of the season.

Michael Lev's game story: Arizona Wildcats shuffle QBs but can’t complete comeback in loss to Houston

Game nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 19-16 loss to Houston

Zack Rosenblatt's sidebar: Brandon Dawkins improves in one area, falls behind in others as Wildcats lose to Houston

Postgame video: What is the significance behind Arizona's home loss to Houston?

Greg Hansen: Ugly loss to Houston is enough to make Arizona Wildcats fans sick

Michael Lev's postgame blog: Defensive improvement gives Arizona Wildcats hope after frustrating loss to Houston

Report card: Grades for the Arizona Wildcats’ 19-16 loss to Houston

Photos: Arizona Wildcats vs. Houston Cougars football

Sept. 15: Arizona 63, UTEP 16

Date: Sept. 15, 2017

Opponent: UTEP

Location: Sun Bowl, El Paso, Tex.

Final score: Arizona 63, UTEP 16

Record: 2-1

Key player: Brandon Dawkins contributed six touchdowns, but the play of the game was a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown by wide receiver Shun Brown. When Brown appeared to run out-of-bounds, he planted his foot and spun around two UTEP defenders and earned a spot on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays.

Michael Lev's game story: QB Brandon Dawkins accounts for six TDs, Arizona Wildcats beat UTEP 63-16

Zack Rosenblatt's sidebar story: Wildcats' freshmen on display in rout of UTEP in El Paso

Michael Lev: Brandon Dawkins redeems himself, leads Arizona Wildcats to rout of UTEP

Game nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 63-16 victory over UTEP

Greg Hansen: Wildcats play with sense of urgency; now, the hard stuff begins

Michael Lev's postgame blog: Shun Brown helped the Arizona Wildcats put a positive spin on things entering Pac-12 play

Seen and heard: On UTEP's top NFL prospect, a leisurely lunch and (mmmmm…) beer

Postgame video: What does the UTEP win mean, anyway?

Watch: Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez reflects on win vs. UTEP

Tweet gallery: 6 things we learned in Arizona's blowout win over UTEP

Watch: Arizona QB Brandon Dawkins reflects on his performance in win vs. UTEP

Report card: Grades for the Arizona Wildcats 63-16 win over UTEP

Photos: Arizona Wildcats 63, UTEP 16

Sept. 22: No. 23 Utah 30, Arizona 24

University of Arizona vs Utah — Arizona linebacker Colin Schooler (7) comes flying in but can't stop Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) from getting off a pass at Arizona Stadium, Friday, September 22, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Date: Sept. 22, 2017

Opponent: Utah

Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson

Final score: Utah 30, Arizona 24

Record: 2-2

Key player(s): Arizona's defense is riddled with freshmen and newcomers and the offense didn't make it easy on them with five turnovers. Freshmen linebackers Tony Fields II and Colin Schooler combined for 14 tackles, three tackles for losses and one sack. Fields and Schooler together were a force in the Pac-12 season opener.

Michael Lev's game story: Self-inflicted wounds squash Arizona Wildcats’ comeback bid in loss to Utah

Zack Rosenblatt's sidebar story: Brandon Dawkins' four turnovers prove that Pac-12 competition is bigger, stronger, faster

Game nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 30-24 loss to No. 23 Utah

Greg Hansen: Loss to bumbling Utes has sent Arizona Wildcats to the dark side

Watch: The six most interesting things RichRod, Cats said following Friday's 30-24 loss to No. 23 Utah

Postgame video: Turnovers cost Arizona in 30-24 loss to No. 23 Utah

Report card: Grades for the Arizona Wildcats’ 30-24 loss to Utah

Photos: Arizona vs. No. 23 Utah college football

Oct. 7: Arizona 45, Colorado 42

Date: Oct. 7, 2017

Opponent: Colorado

Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colo.

Final score: Arizona 45, Colorado 42

Record: 3-2

Key player: This is an easy one. Once Brandon Dawkins went out with an injury in the first quarter, sophomore Khalil Tate stepped in and set the FBS record for most single game rushing yards by a quarterback with 327 yards. The original record was held by Northern Illinois' Jordan Lynch in 2013. Tate was an unstoppable force from the first snap he was in and probably just won the starting quarterback spot, whether Dawkins is injured or not.

Michael Lev's game story: Khalil Tate’s record-setting performance propels Arizona Wildcats past Colorado

Greg Hansen: 'More confident' Khalil Tate puts on performance for the ages in Wildcats win

Michael Lev's sidebar story: Arizona Wildcats survive up-and-down night from defense in win over Colorado

Game nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 45-42 victory over Colorado

Online: Twitter reacts to Arizona QB Khalil Tate's record-setting performance

Watch: Arizona Wildcats QB Khalil Tate on his record-setting game vs. Colorado

Watch: RichRod on Khalil Tate’s historic performance, Arizona’s victory over Colorado

Report card: Grades for the Arizona Wildcats’ 45-42 victory over Colorado

Photos: Arizona 45, Colorado 42

Oct. 14: Arizona 47, UCLA 30

University of Arizona vs UCLA — Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate puts on the afterburners to leave UCLA defensive lineman Marcus Moore in his wake on a 71-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Tate has run for 557 total yards over the past two games.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Date: Oct. 14, 2017

Opponent: UCLA

Location: Arizona Stadium

Final score: Arizona 47, UCLA 30

Record: 4-2

Key player(s): Quarterback Khalil Tate followed up his record-breaking performance against Colorado with a 230-yard, three touchdown outing against UCLA. Tate also went 9-of-13 passing for 148 yards. The other player-of-the-game came from the defense in true freshman linebacker Kylan Wilborn who had four sacks and a forced fumble. Against an elite passer in UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, Wilborn gave him fits and the Bruins didn't have an answer for the pass rush.

Michael Lev's game story: QB Khalil Tate spectacular again as Arizona Wildcats beat UCLA 47-30

Sidebar story: Khalil Tate's star turn leaves Arizona Wildcats fans wondering what could've been

Greg Hansen: Khalil Tate is spectacular again, and suddenly anything is possible for Wildcats

Michael Lev: Khalil Tate, Arizona Wildcats are surprise contenders following 47-30 win over UCLA

Watch: Rich Rodriguez beats UCLA for first time with help from Khalil Tate, defensive energy

Game Nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 47-30 victory over UCLA

Postgame report: Khalil Tate, defense lifts Arizona over UCLA

Michael Lev: Arizona Wildcats RB Nick Wilson shows he still has it with 135-yard effort vs. UCLA

Report card: Grades for the Arizona Wildcats’ 47-30 victory over UCLA

Photos: Arizona Wildcats 47, UCLA Bruins 30

Oct. 21: Arizona 45, Cal 44 (2OT)

Arizona California Football — Arizona running back Zach Green (34) celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates during the first overtime of an NCAA college football game against California on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Arizona won 45-44 in two overtimes. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Marcio Jose Sanchez

Date: Oct. 21, 2017

Opponent: Cal

Location: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif.

Final score: Arizona 45, Cal 44 (OT)

Record: 5-2

Key player(s): Running back J.J. Taylor and safety Troy Young were ejected in the first half for targeting penalties and with the original starters injured, third-stringers stepped up at crucial times for Arizona. Zach Green replaced Taylor and rushed for 130 yards on 20 carries while Jarrius Wallace stepped in for Young and had nine tackles along with a key interception in the second half. As the Golden Bears took the Cats into double overtime, the backups made colossal plays to secure the win.

Michael Lev's game story: Arizona Wildcats beat Cal 45-44 in double OT as Colin Schooler breaks up two-point pass

Sidebar story: Another wild Arizona-Cal game ends in victory for the Wildcats in double overtime

Notebook: Targeting fouls deplete Arizona Wildcats, but backups step up in a big way

Watch: Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez on Wildcats’ 45-44 win over Cal

Game nuggets: Notes, quotes and stats from the Arizona Wildcats’ 45-44 victory over Cal

Photos: Arizona Wildcats outlast Cal in double overtime, 45-44

Oct. 28: Washington State

Best Arizona football photos — Arizona wide receiver Cam Denson (3) stretches out to make a first-down grab in front of Washington State cornerback Darrien Molton (3) in the first quarter of their Pac-12 game at Martin Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, Pullman, Wash. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Comment: The good news — this can’t possibly go worse than last year’s 69-7 humiliation in Pullman. The bad news – QB Luke Falk is back. His numbers in two games against the UA are comical: 79 of 97 (81.4 percent) for 825 yards with nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Wildcats might try hitting him a time or two in Round 3.

Nov. 4: At USC

Comment: This is where the roughest part of Arizona’s schedule begins – the first of three November road games to close the season. The Trojans lose a ton of talent but return Sam Darnold, who might be the best quarterback in the country. Last year’s 48-14 USC victory snapped a string of nine consecutive one-score games in the series.

Nov. 11: Oregon State

Comment: This looks like the most winnable game of the month — and it might be a game the Wildcats have to win to ensure bowl eligibility. It’s possible Oregon State — which won its final two games, beating Arizona and Oregon — will be this year’s Colorado. But that seems premature.

Nov. 18: At Oregon

Scooby Wright through the years — Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) holds up he ball after he stripped Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) of the ball with a little more than two minutes left and the Wildcats clinging to a one-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter of their Pac-12 game at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Ore., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014. Photo by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Comment: This isn’t a traditional rivalry by any means, but there’s unquestionably some rancor between the schools after Oregon poached two of Arizona’s 2017 commits, including QB Braxton Burmeister. Remember the last time the Wildcats visited Eugene? Things have changed dramatically since, on both sides.

Nov. 25: Arizona State

Comment: Will RichRod and Todd Graham both be coaching for their jobs? Will both schools need to win to reach bowl games? Will ASU’s defense show up? Who will Arizona’s quarterback be by season’s end? So many questions. Far too much time to ponder them.

A game-by-game look at Arizona's 2017 football schedule

Sept. 2: Arizona 62, Northern Arizona 24

Sept. 9: Houston 19, Arizona 16

Sept. 15: Arizona 63, UTEP 16

Sept. 22: No. 23 Utah 30, Arizona 24

Oct. 7: Arizona 45, Colorado 42

Oct. 14: Arizona 47, UCLA 30

Oct. 21: Arizona 45, Cal 44 (2OT)

Oct. 28: Washington State

Nov. 4: At USC

Nov. 11: Oregon State

Nov. 18: At Oregon

Nov. 25: Arizona State

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Sept. 2: Arizona 62, Northern Arizona 24

Sept. 9: Houston 19, Arizona 16

Sept. 15: Arizona 63, UTEP 16

Sept. 22: No. 23 Utah 30, Arizona 24

Oct. 7: Arizona 45, Colorado 42

Oct. 14: Arizona 47, UCLA 30

Oct. 21: Arizona 45, Cal 44 (2OT)

Oct. 28: Washington State

Nov. 4: At USC

Nov. 11: Oregon State

Nov. 18: At Oregon

Nov. 25: Arizona State

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