Arizona Beats Washington State While Oregon State Defeats UTEP
Arizona overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Washington State 34-24, led by Noah Fifita’s four touchdown passes. Meanwhile, Oregon State shut out UTEP 33-7, with Braden Atkinson throwing three touchdowns and AJ Newberry rushing for 111 yards.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saturday night delivered a double dose of college football drama, with Arizona turning back Washington State in a 34-24 comeback and Oregon State crushing UTEP 33-7. Both games highlighted strong passing attacks, defensive resilience, and key moments that swung the momentum in favor of the victors.
Arizona’s Resilient Comeback Over Washington State
Arizona entered the game with a 3‑1 record, while Washington State looked to extend a four‑game home winning streak. Noah Fifita, the Wildcats’ starting quarterback, posted a career‑best 297 passing yards and four touchdowns, proving his poise under pressure.
The first half was a back‑and‑forth affair. Washington State struck first when safety Jackquintin Bal intercepted Fifita and returned 25 yards for a touchdown, giving the Cougars a 14‑0 lead. Arizona answered with a 28‑yard touchdown pass to Tre Spivey, cutting the deficit to 14‑7. A 4‑yard touchdown reception by Spivey tied the score at 14‑14 before Washington State’s kicker, Jack Stevens, missed a 39‑yard field‑goal attempt that was blocked by Tre Smith.
Washington State’s kicker finally found the net with a 33‑yard field goal, putting the Cougars ahead 17‑14 at halftime. Arizona’s offense, however, had been steadily closing the gap, and the second half saw the Wildcats take control.
Freshman Caleb Smith caught a 38‑yard touchdown from Fifita early in the third quarter, giving Arizona a 21‑17 lead. The Wildcats extended their advantage with a 27‑yard field goal by Michael Salgado‑Medina and a short 11‑yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mizell, pushing the score to 34‑17. Washington State managed a late touchdown from Caden Pinnick to Brandon Ganashamoorthy, but a 51‑yard field goal by Salgado‑Medina sealed the 34‑24 victory for Arizona.
Oregon State’s Dominant Display Against UTEP
In a separate matchup, Oregon State faced UTEP in El Paso, Texas. Braden Atkinson, the Beavers’ quarterback, completed 24 of 34 passes for 301 yards and threw three touchdown passes, while running back AJ Newberry contributed 111 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.
The Beavers opened the game with a 75‑yard drive that ended with a 12‑yard touchdown run by Newberry, setting the tone for a 20‑0 lead by halftime. Atkinson connected with Jesse Legree for two touchdowns—one 14‑yard pass and another 19‑yard strike—while a third 18‑yard touchdown pass to Jameson Powell capped the first play of the fourth quarter.
UTEP’s offense, led by EJ Colson Jr., managed a single touchdown via a 6‑yard pass to Carver Cheeks, but the Beavers’ defense held firm, preventing any further scoring. The game was the first meeting between the two programs, and Oregon State’s 33‑7 win marked a decisive start to their season.
Key Players and Moments
- Noah Fifita’s four touchdown passes and 297 yards were pivotal in Arizona’s comeback.
- Tre Spivey’s seven catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns anchored Arizona’s receiving corps.
- Braden Atkinson’s 301 passing yards and three touchdowns led Oregon State to a commanding victory.
- AJ Newberry’s 111 rushing yards and a score highlighted Oregon State’s balanced attack.
- Washington State’s early interception return by Jackquintin Bal set the tone for a tough first half.
- UTEP’s lone touchdown came from a 6‑yard pass by EJ Colson Jr. to Carver Cheeks.
What’s Next for the Teams
Arizona will host the Cincinnati Bearcats next Saturday, while Washington State opens the Pac‑12 season at home against Fresno State. Oregon State is scheduled to play Colorado State, and UTEP will travel to New Mexico for their next outing.
Both Arizona and Oregon State look to build on their strong offensive performances, while Washington State and UTEP will aim to regroup after their respective losses. The games underscore the importance of resilience, effective passing, and defensive stops in college football’s competitive landscape.
Key facts
- Arizona overcame a 14‑point halftime deficit to win 34‑24, led by Noah Fifita’s four TD passes
- Washington State’s early interception return set a tough tone that Arizona eventually overcame
- Oregon State dominated UTEP 33‑7 with a balanced attack from Braden Atkinson and AJ Newberry
- Both teams’ victories position them favorably for upcoming matchups in their respective conferences
Why it matters
These games illustrate how a single game can pivot on key plays—interceptions, big passes, and defensive stops—highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football and its impact on team momentum and rankings.
Frequently asked questions
What was Arizona’s final score against Washington State?
Arizona won 34‑24.
How many touchdown passes did Braden Atkinson throw?
Atkinson threw three touchdown passes.
Who scored the only touchdown for UTEP?
EJ Colson Jr. threw a 6‑yard touchdown pass to Carver Cheeks.
