Arizona breaks 20-game losing steak, beating depleted Cal
AP
Nov 06, 2021
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) Jubilant Arizona Wildcats players danced, cheered and sang ''Bear Down'' at ear-splitting level.
The longest losing streak in the nation was finally over.
Michael Wiley scored on a 10-yard run with 2:17 remaining to lift Wildcats to a 10-3 Pac-12 victory over COVID-19-depleted California Golden Bears on Saturday, ending the Wildcats' 20-game skid, the longest in Pac-12 history.
''Obviously, this has been hard,'' Arizona first-year coach Jedd Fisch said. ''Its's a monkey on the back. You can't avoid it, even if you want to.''
Arizona quarterback Will Plummer had 197 yards total offense and the Wildcats (1-8) held California (3-6) to 122 yards total offense while winning for the first time since a 35-30 victory over Colorado on Oct. 5, 2019.
Cal played without starting senior quarterback Chase Garbers, who was one of seven starters and 24 players and coaches who were unavailable. Cal announced Thursday that ''multiple'' players were in Covid protocols and would not play, but federal and state laws prohibit Cal from commenting on individual players.
''It's a one-off, we hope,'' said Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff, who attended the game.
''It's a Berkeley local issue primarily that we are dealing with, and I think it is amazing that Cal was able to field a team given how many players are in protocol.''
Arizona hold an opponent without a touchdown for the first time since a 35-0 victory over Northern Arizona in the 2013 season opener.
Garbers was the Pac-12's total offense leader entering the weekend, at 293 yards per game. He was replaced by Ryan Glover, who had not taken a snap this season.
''We really don't care who they bring out there, we still have to play defense,'' Arizona linebacker Christian Young said.
''They needed their quarterback bad, but we went out there and handled ourselves like we should.''
Wiley capped the winning 55-yard drive that was set up by Stanley Berryhill III's 25-yard punt return with 4:56 remaining.
Plummer completed a 19-yard pass to Dorian Singer for a first down at the Cal 25, and Wiley scored five running plays later.
''It feels like we took a weight off our shoulders, but we have to keep on winning,'' Young said.
The Wildcats had 331 yards, and Plummer had a team-high 68 of their 202 rushing yards on a season-high 52 attempts.
Glover completed 11 of 29 passes for 94 yards. Glover is a graduate transfer from Western Carolina after spending the previous three years at Penn.
Cal had one possession after Wiley's touchdown, but Arizona sacked Glover on first down and pressured him into three straight incompletions.
Arizona broke a scoreless tie on Tyler Loop's 29-yard field goal with 5:46 remaining in the third quarter, and California responded with Nick Lopez's 34-yard field goal on its next drive to tie it at 3-3.
The Golden Bears crossed midfield for the first time on that scoring drive. Lopez made first career field goal attempt in place of starter Dario Longhetto, who did not play.
Cal punted 11 times and did not score after any of its three interceptions.
PLAYING TROUGH
Plummer aggravated a right shoulder injury when he was sacked on the first play of the second quarter, and he also took stitches in his right hand later in the second quarter.
He went to the training room three times during the game, Fisch said.
''There were times I didn't think he was going to be able to play the rest of the game,'' Fisch said. ''He did not back down.''
THE TAKEAWAY
California: Obviously, hurt by the loss of quarterback Garbers and seven other starters Saturday, Cal faces a difficult path as it attempts to qualify for its third bowl games in four seasons. The Golden Bears (3-6) must win their final three games against USC, UCLA and arch-rival Stanford. Only the USC game is in Berkeley.
Arizona: The Wildcats took a step backward offensively, but no one was complaining after their first victory in 25 months. Arizona will take the momentum into its final three games, at home against Pac-12 South leader Utah and road games at Washington State and Arizona State.
UP NEXT
California: Hosts Southern California on Saturday.
Arizona: Hosts Utah on Saturday
---
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(12:21 - 2nd) J.Sheahan punts 44 yards to ARI 25 Center-S.Zellers. Fair catch by ARI. PENALTY on ARI-T.Stukes Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Punt (5 plays, 19 yards, 2:42 poss)
Result
Play
No Gain
1 & 10 - ARIZ 15
(12:21 - 2nd) D.Anderson rushed to ARI 15 for 0 yards. Tackled by M.Bimage at ARI 15.
+11 YD
2 & 10 - ARIZ 15
(11:39 - 2nd) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 26 for 11 yards. Tackled by E.Hicks at ARI 26.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 26
(11:05 - 2nd) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 29 for 3 yards. Tackled by D.Wilkins at ARI 29.
+5 YD
2 & 7 - ARIZ 29
(10:46 - 2nd) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 34 for 5 yards. Tackled by D.Wilkins; M.Jernigan at ARI 34.
No Gain
3 & 2 - ARIZ 34
(10:32 - 2nd) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 34 for 0 yards. Tackled by J.Drayden at ARI 34.
Punt
4 & 2 - ARIZ 34
(9:46 - 2nd) K.Ostendorp punts 58 yards to CAL 8 Center-S.MacKellar. Out of bounds.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (3 plays, 3 yards, 1:19 poss)
Result
Play
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 8
(9:39 - 2nd) R.Glover rushed to CAL 8 for 0 yards. Tackled by T.Mason at CAL 8.
+3 YD
2 & 10 - CAL 8
(9:09 - 2nd) R.Glover pass complete to CAL 8. Catch made by J.Baker at CAL 8. Gain of 3 yards. Tackled by J.Young at CAL 11.
No Gain
3 & 7 - CAL 11
(8:40 - 2nd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for C.Moore.
Punt
4 & 7 - CAL 11
(8:34 - 2nd) J.Sheahan punts 56 yards to ARI 33 Center-S.Zellers. Downed by M.Young.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Punt (3 plays, -6 yards, 1:40 poss)
Result
Play
No Gain
1 & 10 - ARIZ 33
(8:20 - 2nd) J.Joiner steps back to pass. J.Joiner pass incomplete intended for D.Singer.
-3 YD
2 & 10 - ARIZ 33
(8:13 - 2nd) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 30 for -3 yards. Tackled by M.Bimage at ARI 30.
Sack
3 & 13 - ARIZ 30
(7:32 - 2nd) J.Joiner steps back to pass. J.Joiner sacked at ARI 27 for -3 yards (E.Saunders)
Punt
4 & 16 - ARIZ 27
(6:52 - 2nd) K.Ostendorp punts 50 yards to CAL 23 Center-S.MacKellar. K.Crawford returned punt from the CAL 23. Tackled by K.Hebert at CAL 40.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (3 plays, 1 yards, 1:21 poss)
Result
Play
+5 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 40
(6:40 - 2nd) R.Glover pass complete to CAL 40. Catch made by K.Crawford at CAL 40. Gain of 5 yards. Tackled by T.Stukes; J.Turner at CAL 45.
No Gain
2 & 5 - CAL 45
(6:08 - 2nd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for D.Moore.
Sack
3 & 5 - CAL 45
(6:05 - 2nd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover sacked at CAL 41 for -4 yards (K.Barrs)
Punt
4 & 9 - CAL 41
(5:27 - 2nd) J.Sheahan punts 46 yards to ARI 13 Center-S.Zellers. Fair catch by S.Berryhill.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Punt (6 plays, 14 yards, 3:48 poss)
Result
Play
+1 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 13
(5:19 - 2nd) S.Berryhill rushed to ARI 14 for 1 yards. Tackled by D.Scott at ARI 14.
No Gain
2 & 9 - ARIZ 14
(4:41 - 2nd) W.Plummer rushed to ARI 14 for 0 yards. Tackled by G.Rask at ARI 14.
+10 YD
3 & 9 - ARIZ 14
(3:55 - 2nd) W.Plummer rushed to ARI 24 for 10 yards. Tackled by CAL at ARI 24. The Replay Official reviewed the first down and the play was upheld.
+1 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 24
(3:28 - 2nd) J.John rushed to ARI 25 for 1 yards. Tackled by G.Rask at ARI 25.
Sack
2 & 9 - ARIZ 25
(2:52 - 2nd) W.Plummer steps back to pass. W.Plummer sacked at ARI 20 for -5 yards (C.Goode)
Penalty
3 & 14 - ARIZ 20
(2:01 - 2nd) PENALTY on ARI-ARI Delay of Game 5 yards accepted.
+12 YD
3 & 19 - ARIZ 15
(1:47 - 2nd) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 15. Catch made by S.Berryhill at ARI 15. Gain of 12 yards. Tackled by CAL at ARI 27. PENALTY on ARI-ARI Offensive Holding 10 yards declined.
Punt
4 & 7 - ARIZ 27
(1:40 - 2nd) K.Ostendorp punts 52 yards to CAL 21 Center-S.MacKellar. K.Crawford returned punt from the CAL 21. Tackled by S.Berryhill at CAL 22.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (4 plays, 11 yards, 1:19 poss)
Result
Play
+13 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 22
(1:31 - 2nd) C.Brooks rushed to CAL 35 for 13 yards. Tackled by T.Stukes at CAL 35.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 35
(1:06 - 2nd) C.Brooks rushed to CAL 38 for 3 yards. Tackled by J.Turner at CAL 38.
(0:35 - 2nd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for T.Clark.
No Gain
3 & 12 - CAL 33
(0:24 - 2nd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for J.Sturdivant.
Punt
4 & 12 - CAL 33
(0:20 - 2nd) J.Sheahan punts 43 yards to ARI 24 Center-S.Zellers. Fair catch by T.Cunningham.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- End of Half (2 plays, 5 yards, 25:12 poss)
Result
Play
+4 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 24
(0:12 - 2nd) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 24. Catch made by D.Singer at ARI 24. Gain of 4 yards. Tackled by L.Hearns at ARI 28.
+1 YD
2 & 6 - ARIZ 28
(0:08 - 2nd) D.Anderson rushed to ARI 29 for 1 yards. Tackled by C.Goode at ARI 29.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Punt (7 plays, 30 yards, 2:21 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(15:00 - 3rd) N.Lopez kicks 65 yards from CAL 35 to the ARI End Zone. Touchback.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 25
(15:00 - 3rd) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 25. Catch made by S.Rocker at ARI 25. Gain of 3 yards. Tackled by D.Scott at ARI 28.
+11 YD
2 & 7 - ARIZ 28
(14:37 - 3rd) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 28. Catch made by D.Singer at ARI 28. Gain of 11 yards. Tackled by L.Hearns at ARI 39.
+8 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 39
(14:18 - 3rd) S.Rocker rushed to ARI 47 for 8 yards. Tackled by J.Drayden; N.Rutchena at ARI 47.
+4 YD
2 & 2 - ARIZ 47
(14:03 - 3rd) S.Rocker rushed to CAL 49 for 4 yards. Tackled by N.Rutchena; E.Tattersall at CAL 49.
+5 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 49
(13:43 - 3rd) W.Plummer rushed to CAL 44 for 5 yards. Tackled by J.Drayden at CAL 44.
-1 YD
2 & 5 - CAL 44
(13:25 - 3rd) W.Plummer pass complete to CAL 44. Catch made by S.Berryhill at CAL 44. Gain of -1 yards. Tackled by E.Hicks at CAL 45.
No Gain
3 & 6 - CAL 45
(13:03 - 3rd) W.Plummer steps back to pass. W.Plummer pass incomplete intended for A.Lines.
Punt
4 & 6 - CAL 45
(12:52 - 3rd) K.Ostendorp punts 37 yards to CAL 8 Center-S.MacKellar. Downed by S.Berryhill.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (5 plays, 7 yards, 1:46 poss)
Result
Play
+5 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 8
(12:39 - 3rd) C.Brooks rushed to CAL 13 for 5 yards. Tackled by J.Harris at CAL 13.
+11 YD
2 & 5 - CAL 13
(12:04 - 3rd) R.Glover pass complete to CAL 13. Catch made by J.Tonges at CAL 13. Gain of 11 yards. Tackled by J.Turner at CAL 24.
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 24
(11:32 - 3rd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for T.Clark.
No Gain
2 & 10 - CAL 24
(11:24 - 3rd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for C.Brooks.
Sack
3 & 10 - CAL 24
(11:12 - 3rd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for CAL. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was down by contact and the play was overturned. R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover sacked at CAL 15 for -9 yards (K.Barrs)
Punt
4 & 19 - CAL 15
(11:05 - 3rd) J.Sheahan punts 57 yards to ARI 28 Center-S.Zellers. Downed by M.Jernigan.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Field Goal (10 plays, 61 yards, 5:07 poss)
Result
Play
+3 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 28
(10:53 - 3rd) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 28. Catch made by A.Lines at ARI 28. Gain of 3 yards. Tackled by L.Hearns at ARI 31.
+14 YD
2 & 7 - ARIZ 31
(10:26 - 3rd) S.Berryhill rushed to ARI 45 for 14 yards. Tackled by I.Young at ARI 45.
No Gain
1 & 10 - ARIZ 45
(9:55 - 3rd) D.Anderson rushed to ARI 45 for 0 yards. Tackled by R.Puskas at ARI 45.
Penalty
2 & 10 - CAL 45
(9:18 - 3rd) W.Plummer steps back to pass. W.Plummer pass incomplete intended for ARI. PENALTY on CAL-C.Young Defensive Pass Interference 15 yards accepted. No Play.
+2 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 40
(9:10 - 3rd) M.Wiley rushed to CAL 38 for 2 yards. Tackled by R.Puskas; G.Rask at CAL 38.
+4 YD
2 & 8 - CAL 38
(8:39 - 3rd) M.Wiley rushed to CAL 34 for 4 yards. Tackled by M.Bimage at CAL 34.
+21 YD
3 & 4 - CAL 34
(8:06 - 3rd) W.Plummer rushed to CAL 13 for 21 yards. Tackled by L.Hearns at CAL 13.
-1 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 13
(7:43 - 3rd) M.Wiley rushed to CAL 14 for -1 yards. Tackled by J.Drayden at CAL 14.
+1 YD
2 & 11 - CAL 14
(7:05 - 3rd) S.Rocker rushed to CAL 13 for 1 yards. Tackled by E.Saunders at CAL 13.
+2 YD
3 & 10 - CAL 13
(6:24 - 3rd) S.Berryhill rushed to CAL 11 for 2 yards. Tackled by E.Tattersall at CAL 11.
Field Goal
4 & 8 - CAL 19
(5:51 - 3rd) T.Loop 29 yard field goal attempt is good Center-S.MacKellar Holder-J.Meeker-Hackett.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Field Goal (9 plays, 59 yards, 3:37 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(5:46 - 3rd) L.Havrisik kicks 65 yards from ARI 35 to the CAL End Zone. Touchback.
+30 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 25
(5:46 - 3rd) R.Glover pass complete to CAL 25. Catch made by K.Crawford at CAL 25. Gain of 30 yards. Tackled by C.Roland-Wallace at ARI 45.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 45
(5:15 - 3rd) R.Glover pass complete to ARI 45. Catch made by M.Young at ARI 45. Gain of 3 yards. Tackled by C.Young; J.Turner at ARI 42.
+6 YD
2 & 7 - ARIZ 42
(4:49 - 3rd) R.Glover rushed to ARI 36 for 6 yards. Tackled by K.Hebert; A.Pandy at ARI 36.
+4 YD
3 & 1 - ARIZ 36
(4:26 - 3rd) D.Moore rushed to ARI 32 for 4 yards. Tackled by J.Young at ARI 32.
+1 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 32
(4:02 - 3rd) D.Moore rushed to ARI 31 for 1 yards. Tackled by K.Barrs at ARI 31. PENALTY on ARI-K.Barrs Unsportsmanlike Conduct / Defense 15 yards accepted.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 16
(3:35 - 3rd) D.Moore rushed to ARI 13 for 3 yards. Tackled by J.Roberts; C.Young at ARI 13.
No Gain
2 & 7 - ARIZ 13
(2:56 - 3rd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover sacked at ARI 16 for -3 yards (J.Harris; J.Roberts)
No Gain
3 & 10 - ARIZ 16
(2:21 - 3rd) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for J.Baker.
Field Goal
4 & 10 - ARIZ 23
(2:14 - 3rd) N.Lopez 33 yard field goal attempt is good Center-S.Zellers Holder-J.Sheahan. PENALTY on ARI-ARI Defensive Offside 5 yards declined.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Interception (3 plays, -4 yards, 1:31 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(2:09 - 3rd) N.Lopez kicks 65 yards from CAL 35 to the ARI End Zone. Touchback.
No Gain
1 & 10 - ARIZ 25
(2:09 - 3rd) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 25 for yards. Tackled by CAL at ARI 25. PENALTY on ARI-A.Lines Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted. No Play.
No Gain
1 & 20 - ARIZ 15
(1:50 - 3rd) W.Plummer steps back to pass. W.Plummer pass incomplete intended for D.Singer.
+6 YD
2 & 20 - ARIZ 15
(1:30 - 3rd) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 15. Catch made by M.Wiley at ARI 15. Gain of 6 yards. Tackled by M.Jernigan at ARI 21.
Int
3 & 14 - ARIZ 21
(1:00 - 3rd) W.Plummer pass INTERCEPTED at CAL 27. Intercepted by E.Hicks at CAL 27. Tackled by ARI at CAL 27.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (4 plays, 22 yards, 2:03 poss)
Result
Play
+2 YD
1 & 10 - CAL 27
(0:38 - 3rd) R.Glover pass complete to CAL 27. Catch made by K.Crawford at CAL 27. Gain of 2 yards. Tackled by C.Young at CAL 29. PENALTY on ARI-J.Turner Unsportsmanlike Conduct / Defense 15 yards accepted.
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 44
(15:00 - 4th) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for C.Brooks.
+7 YD
2 & 10 - CAL 44
(14:57 - 4th) C.Brooks rushed to ARI 49 for 7 yards. Tackled by J.Turner; K.Hebert at ARI 49.
-2 YD
3 & 3 - ARIZ 49
(14:27 - 4th) C.Brooks rushed to CAL 49 for -2 yards. Tackled by R.Hodge; J.Roberts at CAL 49.
Punt
4 & 5 - CAL 49
(13:42 - 4th) J.Sheahan punts 43 yards to ARI 8 Center-S.Zellers. Fair catch by S.Berryhill.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Punt (4 plays, 20 yards, 1:52 poss)
Result
Play
+13 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 8
(13:35 - 4th) W.Plummer pass complete to ARI 8. Catch made by A.Lines at ARI 8. Gain of 13 yards. Tackled by CAL at ARI 21.
No Gain
1 & 10 - ARIZ 21
(13:18 - 4th) W.Plummer steps back to pass. W.Plummer pass incomplete intended for B.Casteel.
+5 YD
2 & 10 - ARIZ 21
(13:12 - 4th) S.Rocker rushed to ARI 26 for 5 yards. Tackled by B.Croteau at ARI 26.
+2 YD
3 & 5 - ARIZ 26
(12:35 - 4th) W.Plummer rushed to ARI 28 for 2 yards. Tackled by D.Scott at ARI 28.
Punt
4 & 3 - ARIZ 28
(11:51 - 4th) K.Ostendorp punts 54 yards to CAL 18 Center-S.MacKellar. Fair catch by K.Crawford.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (4 plays, -7 yards, 2:34 poss)
Result
Play
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 18
(11:43 - 4th) D.Brooks rushed to CAL 18 for 0 yards. Tackled by J.Young at CAL 18.
No Gain
2 & 10 - CAL 18
(11:12 - 4th) D.Brooks rushed to CAL 18 for 0 yards. Tackled by ARI at CAL 18. PENALTY on CAL-M.Mettauer Offensive Holding 9 yards accepted.
+1 YD
2 & 19 - CAL 9
(10:28 - 4th) D.Moore rushed to CAL 10 for 1 yards. Tackled by R.Hodge at CAL 10.
+1 YD
3 & 18 - CAL 10
(9:46 - 4th) R.Glover pass complete to CAL 10. Catch made by J.Baker at CAL 10. Gain of 1 yards. Tackled by J.Turner; T.Mason at CAL 11.
Punt
4 & 17 - CAL 11
(9:49 - 4th) J.Sheahan punts 49 yards to ARI 40 Center-S.Zellers. S.Berryhill returned punt from the ARI 40. Tackled by D.Scott; M.So'oto at ARI 40.
ARIZ
Wildcats
- Punt (3 plays, 4 yards, 1:31 poss)
Result
Play
+2 YD
1 & 10 - ARIZ 40
(9:09 - 4th) W.Plummer rushed to ARI 42 for 2 yards. Tackled by J.Tevis; E.Saunders at ARI 42.
+2 YD
2 & 8 - ARIZ 42
(8:38 - 4th) M.Wiley rushed to ARI 44 for 2 yards. Tackled by B.Croteau; M.Jernigan at ARI 44.
No Gain
3 & 6 - ARIZ 44
(7:59 - 4th) W.Plummer steps back to pass. W.Plummer pass incomplete intended for S.Berryhill.
Punt
4 & 6 - ARIZ 44
(7:55 - 4th) K.Ostendorp punts 55 yards to CAL 1 Center-S.MacKellar. Downed by S.Berryhill.
CAL
Golden Bears
- Punt (4 plays, 28 yards, 2:42 poss)
Result
Play
No Gain
1 & 10 - CAL 1
(7:38 - 4th) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for G.Reinwald.
(7:34 - 4th) R.Glover steps back to pass. R.Glover pass incomplete intended for CAL. PENALTY on ARI-ARI Defensive Pass Interference 15 yards accepted. No Play.