The Arizona Wildcats won their third straight game under the leadership of 18-year-old phenom quarterback Khalil Tate -- but this one literally came down to the final play.
Freshman linebacker Colin Schooler's pass breakup on a two-point conversion attempt sealed the Wildcats' 45-44 double-overtime win over the host Cal Golden Bears on Saturday night. The win moved Arizona to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Pac-12 play, one-half game behind USC for the division lead and tied with Arizona State, who blew out Utah on Saturday.
Arizona blew a 21-7 halftime lead and trailed 38-31 after Cal scored first in the first overtime, but Zach Green's touchdown run followed by Tate's TD pass to tight end Bryce Wolma gave the Wildcats a 45-38 edge in double OT.
Cal responded with a touchdown run on fourth and goal, and the Bears decided to go for the win instead of play a third overtime. On their subsequent two-point attempt, quarterback Ross Bowers' pass was batted down by Schooler, who recorded a season-high 15 tackles for the Wildcats.
And that's how you do it
True Freshman Colin Schooler sealed the deal tonight for @ArizonaFBall#BearDown pic.twitter.com/71f0vLwc7v
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) October 22, 2017
Two touchdowns and a CLUTCH defensive play helped decide an intense overtime. Check out the highlights below. pic.twitter.com/KF3ir5wlst
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) October 22, 2017
Tate, a back-to-back Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week winner who brokean NCAArecord for rushing yards by a quarterback two weeks ago, ran for a 76-yard touchdown in the second quarter and threw a 56-yard TD pass to wide receiver Shun Brown in the third quarter. He rushed for 137 yards altogether while completing 10 of 15 passes for 166 yards and two TDs.
MAMA, THERE GOES THAT MAN.
(from every angle)@ArizonaFball is heatin' up. pic.twitter.com/XQLMZD4MaY
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 22, 2017
Big plays come in bunches. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/qpCioXn3yG
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) October 22, 2017
Arizona moves on to host No. 15 Washington State next Saturday for its annual Homecoming game. Valley UA alumni who are interesting in going but don't want to drive can check out the Cat Cruiser option.
