2002 Arizona Wildcats football team

2002 Arizona Wildcats football
ConferencePacific-10
Record4–8 (1–7 Pac-10)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorRick Dykes (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorLarry Mac Duff (12th season)
Base defenseDouble Eagle Flex
Home stadiumArizona Stadium
Seasons
← 2001
2003 →
2002 Pacific-10 Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 10 Washington State $+   7 1     10 3  
No. 4 USC  %+   7 1     11 2  
Arizona State   5 3     8 6  
UCLA   4 4     8 5  
Oregon State   4 4     8 5  
California   4 4     7 5  
Washington   4 4     7 6  
Oregon   3 5     7 6  
Arizona   1 7     4 8  
Stanford   1 7     2 9  
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • % – BCS at-large representative
  • + – Conference co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2002 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona during the 2002 NCAA Division I-A football season. They were coached by John Mackovic in his second season with the Wildcats. Arizona ended the season with a record of 4–8 (1–7 against Pac-10 opponents) and finished tied for last place in the Pac-10 standings.

After starting the season 3–1, the Wildcats would continue to struggle in conference play, winning only a single game at California. Late in the season, Mackovic would become embroiled in controversy as a result of mistreatment of players.[1] The team would not recover and ended the year with another losing record.

Before the season

Arizona completed the 2001 season in Mackovic’s first year with the program with a 5–6 record and a victory over rival Arizona State. The team would rebuild during the offseason and hoped to improve on their record for 2002. With receiver Bobby Wade and linebacker Lance Briggs returning for their final season for one last crack at a bowl game appearance, the Wildcats looked to contend for a winning season and fulfill Mackovic’s promise of reaching the Rose Bowl.[2]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 317:00 p.m.No. 21 (I-AA) Northern Arizona*FSNAZW 37–348,446
September 147:00 p.m.Utah*
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, AZ
FSNAZW 23–1744,243
September 219:00 a.m.at No. 22 Wisconsin*ESPN2L 10–3178,582
September 287:00 p.m.North Texas*
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, AZ
KWBAW 14–937,917
October 57:00 p.m.No. 8 Oregon
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, AZ
FSNL 14–3147,356
October 1212:30 p.m.at No. 22 WashingtonFSNL 28–3271,016
October 192:00 p.m.at StanfordFSNL 6–1633,800
October 267:00 p.m.No. 9 Washington State
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, AZ
FSNL 13–2146,462
November 22:00 p.m.at Oregon StateFSNL 3–3836,644
November 97:30 p.m.UCLAdagger
  • Arizona Stadium
  • Tucson, AZ
FSNAZL 7–3743,613
November 161:30 p.m.at CaliforniaFSNW 52–4128,808
November 291:00 p.m.Arizona State
FSNL 20–3447,005
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Mountain time

Roster

2002 Arizona Wildcats football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 1 Bobby Wade Sr
WR 4 Andrae Thurman Jr
WR 5 Mike Jefferson Fr
QB 7 Nic Costa  Fr
QB 10 Jason Johnson Sr
WR 11 Gens Goodman Sr
QB 15 Ryan O'Hara Fr
QB 17 Phil Linduska Fr
WR 18 Lance Relford Jr
RB 21 Beau Carr Fr
RB 23 Gainus Scott  Fr
RB 26 Mike Bell  Fr
RB 32 Clarence Farmer Jr
RB 34 Chris Harris So
FB 35 Sean Jones  Fr
FB 36 Gilbert Harris Fr
FB 37 Joseph Willrodt Sr
RB 39 Seth Crozier Fr
FB 45 Antoine Singfield  Fr
TE 46 Matt Padron Fr
OL 65 John Vorsheck Sr
OL 66 Kili Lefotu Fr
OL 67 Keoki Fraser So
OT 68 Brandon Phillips Jr
OT 70 John Parada Fr
OL 72 Tanner Bell Sr
OL 73 Aaron Higginbotham Sr
OL 75 Reggie Sampay Jr
OT 76 Matt Lamatsch Jr
OT 77 Makoa Freitas So
OL 78 Darren Safranek Sr
OT 79 Keith Jackson Fr
WR 81 Juan Valentine Jr
WR 82 Biren Ealy Fr
WR 83 Scott Altick Sr
WR 84 Ricky Williams So
WR 85 Willis Morrison Fr
TE 86 Mitchell Willis Fr
TE 87 Steve Fleming So
TE 89 James Hugo Sr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
CB 2 David Hinton Sr
CB 3 Jason Martin Fr
CB 5 Bennie Brown Fr
DB 6 Darrell Brooks  Fr
LB 7 Ray Wells Sr
CB 8 Michael Jolivette Jr
DB 9 Gary Love Jr
S 12 Adam Moro Fr
CB 13 Luis Nunez Jr
DB 14 Jerome Parker Fr
CB 17 Gary Shepard Fr
S 19 Lamon Means Fr
S 24 Anthony Fulcher Jr
LB 25 Kirk Johnson So
S 29 Danny Perry So
S 33 Clay Hardt Jr
LB 27 Lance Briggs Sr
S 30 Tony Wingate So
S 31 Justin Jochum So
DB 35 Anderson Phillips  Fr
DB 37 Johnny Bailey Sr
LB 38 Akin Akinniyi Fr
LB 40 John McKinney Fr
LB 41 Scott McKee Sr
LB 42 Joe Siofele Jr
LB 44 Patrick Howard So
DB 46 Lee Patterson So
S 47 Jarvie Worcester Sr
S 48 Landon Kafentzis  Fr
LB 49 Matt Molina Jr
LB 50 Ben Dalmolin So
LB 51 Spencer Larsen Fr
LB 53 Pedro Limon  Fr
DE 55 Marcus Smith Fr
DE 56 Andre Torrey Jr
LB 57 Justin Stewart So
DE 58 Tim Volk Fr
OL 59 Chris Johnson So
DL 61 Robert Ramsey Sr
LB 62 Nick McCalmont  Fr
DL 67 Jeremy Willoughby  Fr
DL 69 John Abramo  Fr
DL 83 Copeland Bryan  Fr
DE 85 Javier Martinez Jr
DL 86 Marlon Brisco Fr
DT 90 Carl Tuitavuli Jr
DT 91 Brad Brittain  Fr
DE 92 Carlos Williams So
DT 93 Young Thompson Sr
DL 94 Paul Philipp Fr
DL 95 Jake Belshe Fr
DL 96 Matt Lam  Fr
DE 97 Isaac Watts  Fr
DL 98 Fata Avegalio So
DL 99 Vince Feula So
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 3 Sean Keel Sr
P 12 Ramey Peru Jr
K 16 Nick Folk Fr
P 20 James Molina Jr
K 28 Bobby Gill Jr
P 29 Ryan Fusco  Fr
K 34 Ryan Slack So
P 43 Danny Baugher Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Rick Dykes – Offensive coordinator
  • Larry Mac DuffDefensive coordinator

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster

Game summaries

vs Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (0–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lumberjacks 0 3 003
Wildcats 10 17 7337

at Arizona StadiumTucson, AZ

  • Date: August 31, 2002
  • Game time: 7:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 94 °F (34 °C)
  • Game attendance: 48,446
  • Referee: David Cutaia
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:25) ARIZ – Sean Keel 48-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 2:45; Arizona 3–0)
  • (2:48) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 2-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 2:14; Arizona 10–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:04) ARIZ – Sean Keel 24-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 3:19; Arizona 13–0)
  • (6:45) NAU – Paul Ernster 22-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:12; Arizona 13–3)
  • (5:27) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 52-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:12; Arizona 20–3)
  • (1:18) ARIZ – James Hugo 20-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 2:56; Arizona 27–3)
Third quarter
  • (5:59) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 24-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:00; Arizona 34–3)
Fourth quarter
  • (8:35) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 26-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 1:40; Arizona 37–3)
Statistics NAU ARIZ
First downs 9 25
Total yards 202 510
Rushing yards 28–115 41–103
Passing yards 87 407
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 11–25–1 23–41–0
Time of possession 25:53 34:07
Team Category Player Statistics
Northern Arizona Passing Clint Womack 11/25, 87 yards, INT
Rushing Brian Bingham 7 carries, 73 yards
Receiving Raufeem Jackson 1 reception, 32 yards
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 20/36, 381 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Mike Bell 13 carries, 59 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 8 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TD

The Wildcats began the season by hosting in-state foe Northern Arizona from Flagstaff. It was the first meeting between the two since 1945.[3] The Wildcats would dominate the Lumberjacks from the start for an easy win.[4]

vs Utah

Utah Utes (1–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Utes 0 7 7317
Wildcats 7 6 10023

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: September 15, 2002
  • Game time: 7:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Clear, 92 °F (33 °C)
  • Game attendance: 44,243
  • Referee: Jim Fogltance
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (6:23) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 47-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:40; Arizona 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (11:01) ARIZ – Sean Keel 21-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 3:59; Arizona 10–0)
  • (7:46) UTAH – Josh Lyman 5-yard pass from Lance Rice, Bryan Borreson kick (Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 1:27; Arizona 10–7)
  • (0:09) ARIZ – Sean Keel 19-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 1:16; Arizona 13–7)
Third quarter
  • (12:45) ARIZ – Andrae Thurman 44-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:10; Arizona 20–7)
  • (10:16) ARIZ – Sean Keel 39-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -3 yards, 1:14; Arizona 23–7)
  • (5:56) UTAH – Paris Jackson 7-yard pass from Lance Rice, Bryan Borreson kick (Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:02; Arizona 23–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (4:51) UTAH – Bryan Borreson 53-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 1:34; Arizona 23–17)
Statistics UTAH ARIZ
First downs 11 23
Total yards 204 459
Rushing yards 22–32 44–43
Passing yards 172 416
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 18–38–0 24–35–1
Time of possession 23:28 36:32
Team Category Player Statistics
Utah Passing Lance Rice 18/38, 172 yards, 2 TD
Rushing J.R. Peroulis 9 carries, 18 yards
Receiving Devin Houston 4 receptions, 62 yards
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 24/35, 416 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Clarence Farmer 33 carries, 79 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 40 receptions, 175 yards, TD

In their next game against Utah, Arizona started off hot with a Wade touchdown catch. The Wildcats would add to their lead with a pair of field goals before halftime. In the second half, Arizona increased their lead after a Briggs forced fumble which turned into another field goal.

By the fourth quarter, the Utes would rally to cut the Arizona lead to a single score. In the final minute, they threatened to possibly win it by entering Wildcat territory. They would be denied a touchdown when a Utah receiver stepped out of bounds after a catch, though replays showed that he may have had a foot in bounds, which became controversial among Utah fans. A few plays later, the Wildcats would stop the Utes short of the goal line on fourth down, and Arizona survived move to 2–0 for the second consecutive season under Mackovic.[5][6] Arizona’s defense shut down Utah’s rushing offense (which was ranked second at the time), limiting them to only 36 yards.

at No. 22 Wisconsin

Arizona Wildcats (2–0) at No. 22 Wisconsin Badgers (4–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 0 0 7310
No. 22 Badgers 0 24 7031

at Camp Randall StadiumMadison, WI

  • Date: September 21, 2002
  • Game time: 9:00 A.M.
  • Game weather: Sunny and Clear, 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 78,582
  • Referee: Dave Witvoet
  • TV: ESPN2
Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring plays
Second quarter
  • (14:53) WIS – Anthony Davis 6-yard run, Scott Campbell kick (Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:49; Wisconsin 7–0)
  • (13:45) WIS – Anthony Davis 3-yard run, Scott Campbell kick (Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:49; Wisconsin 14–0)
  • (4:03) WIS – Jonathan Orr 17-yard pass from Brooks Bollinger, Scott Campbell kick (Drive: 10 plays, 96 yards, 4:50; Wisconsin 21–0)
  • (0:12) WIS – Scott Campbell 32-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 21 yards, 2:39; Wisconsin 24–0)
Third quarter
  • (10:15) ARIZ – Clarence Farmer 70-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 94 yards, 2:16; Wisconsin 24–7)
  • (1:39) WIS – Brooks Bollinger 1-yard run, Scott Campbell kick (Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 8:31; Wisconsin 31–7)
Fourth quarter
  • (8:12) ARIZ – Sean Keel 27-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 11 yards, 2:29; Wisconsin 31–10)
Statistics ARIZ WIS
First downs 13 21
Total yards 292 425
Rushing yards 30–154 47–260
Passing yards 138 165
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 14–32–2 15–22–0
Time of possession 26:06 33:54
Team Category Player Statistics
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 13/27, 129 yards, INT
Rushing Clarence Farmer 20 carries, 136 yards, TD
Receiving Bobby Wade 7 receptions, 85 yards
Wisconsin Passing Brooks Bollinger 13/19, 127 yards, TD
Rushing Anthony Davis 16 carries, 110 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Jonathan Orr 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Arizona traveled to Wisconsin to play the #22 Badgers in the first ever meeting between the two teams. After a scoreless first quarter, Wisconsin broke it open with 24 points, drawing comparisons to Arizona’s embarrassing loss to Penn State in 1999. The Wildcats would play better in the second half, but the big halftime deficit would be too much for them to overcome and lost for the first time in the season.[7] Arizona’s dominant offense fell silent against the Badgers and Mackovic lost his first non-conference game as Wildcat coach.

vs North Texas

North Texas Mean Green (1–3) vs Arizona Wildcats (2–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mean Green 3 3 309
Wildcats 0 14 0014

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: September 28, 2002
  • Game time: 7:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 85 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 37,917
  • Referee: Gordon Riese
  • TV: KWBA
Game information
First quarter
  • (5:14) UNT – Nick Bazaldua 44-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 4:56; North Texas 3–0)
Second quarter
  • (8:13) UNT – Nick Bazaldua 32-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:05; North Texas 6–0)
  • (2:34) ARIZ – Mike Bell 14-yard run, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 1 play, 14 yards, 0:05; Arizona 7–6)
  • (0:00) ARIZ – Gary Love 60-yard blocked field goal return, Sean Keel kick (Arizona 14–6)
Third quarter
  • (10:52) UNT – Nick Bazaldua 31-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:03; Arizona 14–9)
Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays
Statistics UNT ARIZ
First downs 21 20
Total yards 431 310
Rushing yards 60–282 35–121
Passing yards 431 310
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 12–18–1 16–27–0
Time of possession 31:21 28:39
Team Category Player Statistics
North Texas Passing Andrew Smith 12/18, 149 yards, INT
Rushing Kevin Galbreath 22 carries, 104 yards
Receiving George Marshall 6 receptions, 82 yards
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 16/27, 189 yards
Rushing Clarence Farmer 15 carries, 70 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 4 receptions, 37 yards

vs No. 8 Oregon

No. 8 Oregon Ducks (4–0) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 8 Ducks 7 10 7731
Wildcats 14 0 0014

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: October 5, 2002
  • Game time: 7:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Clear, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,356
  • Referee: Jay Stricherz
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:57) ARIZ – Mike Bell 19-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:27; Arizona 7–0)
  • (8:03) ORE – Onterrio Smith 3-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:48; Tied 7–7)
  • (1:53) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 16-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 1:50; Arizona 14–7)
Second quarter
  • (5:25) ORE – Onterrio Smith 10-yard run, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:12; Tied 14–14)
  • (0:39) ORE – Jared Siegel 53-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:56; Oregon 17–14)
Third quarter
  • (6:00) ORE – Keenan Howry 33-yard pass from Jason Fife, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:04; Oregon 24–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:54) ORE – Terrence Whitehead 9-yard pass from Jason Fife, Jared Siegel kick (Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 4:58; Oregon 31–14)
Statistics ORE ARIZ
First downs 21 16
Total yards 432 332
Rushing yards 43–188 27–30
Passing yards 244 302
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 18–27–0 23–41–1
Time of possession 30:40 29:20
Team Category Player Statistics
Oregon Passing Jason Fife 18/26, 244 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Onterrio Smith 28 carries, 145 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Keenan Howry 2 receptions, 49 yards, TD
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 23/41, 302 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Mike Bell 21 carries, 54 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 12 receptions, 151 yards, TD

After a close win over North Texas (which featured Arizona’s blocked field goal return for a touchdown before halftime), the Wildcats hosted Oregon yet again. Arizona looked great early, leading 14-7 after the opening quarter. However, the eighth-ranked Ducks would take control of the game and shut out the Wildcats the rest of the way. Despite the loss, Wade had a career-high 12 receptions, including a touchdown.[8]

at No. 22 Washington

Arizona Wildcats (3–2) at No. 22 Washington Huskies (3–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 7 7 7728
No. 22 Huskies 3 13 10632

at Husky StadiumSeattle, WA

  • Date: October 12, 2002
  • Game time: 12:30 P.M.
  • Game weather: Sunny, Clear, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 71,016
  • Referee: Jack Folliard
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:15) ARIZ – Beau Carr 1-yard run, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 5:45; Arizona 7–0)
  • (2:42) WASH – John Anderson 37-yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 6:33; Arizona 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (10:21) WASH – Rich Alexis 3-yard run, John Anderson kick (Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 5:04; Washington 10–7)
  • (2:00) WASH – Reggie Williams 10-yard pass from Cody Pickett, kick failed (Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 4:59; Washington 16–7)
  • (0:49) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 2-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 1:11; Washington 16–14)
Third quarter
  • (11:40) WASH – Reggie Williams 26-yard pass from Cody Pickett, John Anderson kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:20; Washington 23–14)
  • (2:50) WASH – John Anderson 52-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:54; Washington 26–14)
  • (0:58) ARIZ – Andrae Thurman 20-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:52; Washington 26–21)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:41) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 28-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:12; Arizona 28–26)
  • (2:03) WASH – Reggie Williams 80-yard pass from Cody Pickett, two-point pass failed (Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:17; Washington 32–28)
Statistics ARIZ WASH
First downs 26 24
Total yards 467 427
Rushing yards 29–24 38–96
Passing yards 443 345
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 29–41–1 25–35–0
Time of possession 26:57 33:02
Team Category Player Statistics
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 29/41, 443 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Mike Bell 19 carries, 54 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 10 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TD
Washington Passing Cody Pickett 25/35, 345 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Rich Alexis 23 carries, 56 yards, TD
Receiving Reggie Williams 8 receptions, 184 yards, 3 TD

The Wildcats visited Washington for the third straight season. Arizona would lead in the fourth quarter, only to see the #22 Huskies come back with a long touchdown catch and run past their secondary and gave the Wildcats another stunning loss for the third year in a row.[9]

at Stanford

Arizona Wildcats (3–3) at Stanford Cardinal (1–4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 3 3 006
Cardinal 10 0 3316

at Stanford StadiumStanford, CA

  • Date: October 19, 2002
  • Game time: 2:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Sunny and clear, 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 33,800
  • Referee: Jim Fogltance
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:55) STAN – Michael Sgroi 45-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 40 yards, 3:27; Stanford 3–0)
  • (8:13) STAN – Alex Smith 12-yard pass from Chris Lewis, Michael Sgroi kick (Drive: 2 plays, 17 yards, 0:08; Stanford 10–0)
  • (1:47) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 25-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:35; Stanford 10–3)
Second quarter
  • (0:02) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 23-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 3:53; Stanford 10–6)
Third quarter
  • (8:01) STAN – Michael Sgroi 27-yard field goal (Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 6:59; Stanford 13–6)
Fourth quarter
  • (2:21) STAN – Michael Sgroi 21-yard field goal (Drive: 19 plays, 83 yards, 9:06; Stanford 16–6)
Statistics ARIZ STAN
First downs 14 24
Total yards 266 372
Rushing yards 23–22 49–175
Passing yards 244 197
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 19–31–3 21–37–1
Time of possession 23:18 36:42
Team Category Player Statistics
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 19/30, 244 yards, 3 INT
Rushing Beau Carr 9 carries, 44 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 8 receptions, 121 yards
Stanford Passing Chris Lewis 14/27, 126 yards, TD
Rushing Kerry Carter 27 carries, 98 yards
Receiving Alex Smith 8 receptions, 120 yards, TD

vs No. 9 Washington State

No. 9 Washington State Cougars (6–1) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 9 Cougars 2 3 9721
Wildcats 0 10 3013

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: October 26, 2002
  • Game time: 7:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 67 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 46,462
  • Referee: David Cutaia
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (3:57) WSU – Team safety (Washington State 2–0)
Second quarter
  • (6:21) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 47-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 2:08; Arizona 3–2)
  • (2:45) WSU – Drew Dunning 22-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:26; Washington State 5–3)
  • (0:51) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 27-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 1:40; Arizona 10–5)
Third quarter
  • (11:38) WSU – Drew Dunning 36-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 3:13; Arizona 10–8)
  • (4:59) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 42-yard field goal (Drive: 19 plays, 61 yards, 6:30; Arizona 13–8)
  • (2:04) WSU – Devard Darling 16-yard pass from Jason Gesser, two-point run failed (Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 2:42; Washington State 14–13)
Fourth quarter
  • (7:37) WSU – Jermaine Green 18-yard run, Drew Dunning kick (Drive: 4 plays, 32 yards, 1:53; Washington State 21–13)
Statistics WSU ARIZ
First downs 24 14
Total yards 424 207
Rushing yards 46–149 21– -17
Passing yards 275 224
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 20–35–0 22–46–2
Time of possession 32:53 27:07
Team Category Player Statistics
Washington State Passing Jason Gesser 20/35, 275 yards, TD
Rushing Jermaine Green 29 carries, 119 yards, TD
Receiving Troy Bienemann 3 receptions, 66 yards
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 22/46, 224 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Mike Bell 7 carries, 25 yards
Receiving Andrae Thurman 7 receptions, 89 yards

Arizona returned home and played against ninth-ranked Washington State, who ironically, was the team that the Wildcats beat for their last Pac-10 home win in 2000 (when they still had Dick Tomey as coach before hiring Mackovic). The defense, led by Briggs, would keep the Wildcats in it, but the offense sputtered, mostly due to being blitzed by the Cougars. Arizona would make crucial mistakes in the final quarter after having chances to come back, and would lead to another loss.[10]

at Oregon State

Arizona Wildcats (3–5) at Oregon State Beavers (5–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 0 0 303
Beavers 14 14 3738

at Reser StadiumCorvallis, OR

  • Date: November 2, 2002
  • Game time: 2:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Sunny, Clear, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 36,644
  • Referee: Chuck McFerrin
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:45) OSU – Steven Jackson 5-yard run, Kirk Yliniemi kick (Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 3:15; Oregon State 7–0)
  • (3:48) OSU – Derek Anderson 1-yard run, Kirk Yliniemi kick (Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:23; Oregon State 14–0)
Second quarter
  • (14:17) OSU – James Newson 86-yard pass from Derek Anderson, Kirk Yliniemi kick (Drive: 1 play, 86 yards, 0:12; Oregon State 21–0)
  • (1:02) OSU – Steven Jackson 1-yard run, Kirk Yliniemi kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:38; Oregon State 28–0)
Third quarter
  • (4:08) OSU – Kirk Yliniemi 28-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 3:08; Oregon State 31–0)
  • (1:02) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 43-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:58; Oregon State 31–3)
Fourth quarter
  • (2:20) OSU – Dan Haines 13-yard pass from Adam Rothenfluh, Kirk Yliniemi kick (Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:29; Oregon State 38–3)
Statistics ARIZ OSU
First downs 12 20
Total yards 93 457
Rushing yards 25– -23 48–193
Passing yards 116 264
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 15–33–0 14–31–0
Time of possession 28:15 31:45
Team Category Player Statistics
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 14/28, 105 yards
Rushing Beau Carr 11 carries, 36 yards
Receiving Andrae Thurman 5 receptions, 45 yards
Oregon State Passing Derek Anderson 12/28, 239 yards, TD
Rushing Steven Jackson 27 carries, 134 yards, 2 TD
Receiving James Newson 6 receptions, 121 yards, TD

vs UCLA

UCLA Bruins (6–3) vs Arizona Wildcats (3–6) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bruins 10 10 14337
Wildcats 0 7 007

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: November 9, 2002
  • Game time: 7:30 P.M.
  • Game weather: Clear Skies, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,613
  • Referee: Jay Stricherz
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (12:47) UCLA – Tyler Ebell 22-yard run, Nate Fikse kick (Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:13; UCLA 7–0)
  • (8:52) UCLA – Nate Fikse 39-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:45; UCLA 10–0)
Second quarter
  • (12:45) UCLA – Tyler Ebell 19-yard run, Nate Fikse kick (Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:01; UCLA 17–0)
  • (10:42) ARIZ – Andrae Thurman 92-yard pass from Nic Costa, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:58; UCLA 17–7)
  • (8:02) UCLA – Nate Fikse 51-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:30; UCLA 20–7)
Third quarter
  • (13:45) UCLA – Craig Bragg 33-yard pass from Drew Olson, Nate Fikse kick (Drive: 1 play, 33 yards, 0:10; UCLA 27–7)
  • (6:51) UCLA – Manuel White 1-yard run, Nate Fikse kick (Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:06; UCLA 34–7)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:51) UCLA – Nate Fikse 23-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:41; UCLA 37–7)
Statistics UCLA ARIZ
First downs 21 9
Total yards 443 249
Rushing yards 51–242 28–12
Passing yards 201 237
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 13–20–0 13–27–0
Time of possession 33:34 26:26
Team Category Player Statistics
UCLA Passing Drew Olson 7/12, 111 yards, TD
Rushing Tyler Ebell 22 carries, 124 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Tab Perry 3 receptions, 89 yards
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 11/23, 133 yards
Rushing Gainus Scott 8 carries, 32 yards
Receiving Andrae Thurman 5 receptions, 118 yards, TD

On homecoming day, the Wildcats hosted UCLA. Arizona’s offense continued to struggle, and only scored on a long catch and run for a touchdown that would prevent a shutout. The defense was hurt by penalties and poor tackling, leading to the Bruins scoring over 30 points. The Wildcats would go on to drop their sixth consecutive loss of the year.[11]

Mackovic controversy

Controversy erupted days after the loss, when Mackovic told one of his players that his poor blocking during the game made him a “disgrace to his family”, which hurt his feelings, as well as his teammates.[12] Led by Briggs, the players reported the incident to both the Arizona president and athletic director, and discussed about a series of abuses by Mackovic, including one where Mackovic made a meltdown to the team after the loss to Wisconsin earlier in the season.[13] The news made headlines around the Arizona campus as well as Tucson. In a press conference, Mackovic issued an apology to the program and the community and promised to treat respect to the team. Despite fans calling for his firing for both his behavior and the team’s losses, Mackovic would remain the coach through the end of the season.[14]

at California

Arizona Wildcats (3–6) at California Golden Bears (6–4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 0 24 72152
Golden Bears 3 14 141041

at California Memorial StadiumBerkeley, CA

  • Date: November 16, 2002
  • Game time: 1:30 P.M.
  • Game weather: Hazy, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 28,808
  • Referee: Gordon Riese
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (8:18) CAL – Mark Jensen 43-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 33 yards, 4:43; California 3–0)
Second quarter
  • (14:50) ARIZ – Justin Levasseur 1-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 3 plays, 76 yards, 0:42; Arizona 7–3)
  • (12:32) ARIZ – Ray Wells 42-yard interception return, Bobby Gill kick (Arizona 14–3)
  • (12:15) CAL – LaShaun Ward 94-yard kickoff return, Mark Jensen kick (Arizona 14–10)
  • (8:42) ARIZ – Bobby Gill 30-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:33; Arizona 17–10)
  • (3:15) CAL – LaShaun Ward 25-yard pass from Kyle Boller, Mark Jensen kick (Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 1:14; Tied 17–17)
  • (1:52) ARIZ – Lance Relford 31-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:23; Arizona 24–17)
Third quarter
  • (13:44) CAL – James Bethea 60-yard blocked field goal return, Mark Jensen kick (Tied 24–24)
  • (12:37) ARIZ – Lamon Means 27-yard blocked punt return, Bobby Gill kick (Arizona 31–24)
  • (2:06) CAL – Joe Igber 38-yard run, Mark Jensen kick (Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:08; Tied 31–31)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:57) CAL – Mark Jensen 19-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:51; California 34–31)
  • (12:37) ARIZ – Justin Levasseur 9-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 6:12; Arizona 38–34)
  • (8:45) ARIZ – Bobby Wade 7-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:52; Arizona 45–34)
  • (3:57) ARIZ – Beau Carr 4-yard run, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:09; Arizona 52–34)
  • (0:37) CAL – Tom Swoboda 11-yard pass from Kyle Boller, Mark Jensen kick (Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 2:10; Arizona 52–41)
Statistics ARIZ CAL
First downs 23 20
Total yards 487 356
Rushing yards 32– -5 27–58
Passing yards 492 298
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 31–45–1 22–45–2
Time of possession 32:39 30:33
Team Category Player Statistics
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 31/45, 492 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing Gilbert Harris 27 carries, 165 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 11 receptions, 222 yards, TD
California Passing Kyle Boller 22/45, 298 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Joe Igber 19 carries, 90 yards, TD
Receiving Tom Swoboda 7 receptions, 83 yards, TD

After moving on from the Mackovic fiasco, Arizona visited California, looking to break their losing streak. The Wildcats would dominate on offense, throwing for nearly 500 yards. Wade had over 200 yards receiving and tight end Justin Levasseur, who was the player that Mackovic mistreated which started the controversy, caught a touchdown pass to give Arizona the lead for good. The Wildcats’ defense would play poor, but their offensive performance was just enough for them to get past the Golden Bears to end their slump for their first Pac-10 win in a high-scoring match.[15] It was the second consecutive year that Mackovic won his first conference game at California.

vs Arizona State

Arizona State Sun Devils (7–5) vs Arizona Wildcats (4–7) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Sun Devils 3 7 101434
Wildcats 7 6 7020

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

  • Date: November 29, 2002
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M.
  • Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,005
  • Referee: Jim Fogltance
  • TV: Fox Sports Arizona
Game information
First quarter
  • (5:53) ASU – Mike Barth 27-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 1 yards, 1:31; Arizona State 3–0)
  • (2:51) ARIZ – Beau Carr 1-yard run, Sean Keel kick (Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 2:54; Arizona 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (10:24) ASU – Mike Williams 5-yard run, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 10 plays, 94 yards, 4:32; Arizona State 10–7)
  • (0:54) ARIZ – Beau Carr 6-yard run, kick failed (Drive: 10 plays, 100 yards, 3:34; Arizona 13–10)
Third quarter
  • (10:38) ASU – Mike Barth 32-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 4:18; Tied 13–13)
  • (6:51) ARIZ – Biren Ealy 10-yard pass from Jason Johnson, Bobby Gill kick (Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:18; Arizona 20–13)
  • (1:55) ASU – Mike Williams 4-yard run, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 13 plays, 84 yards, 4:47; Tied 20–20)
Fourth quarter
  • (9:10) ASU – Mike Williams 8-yard run, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 4:14; Arizona State 27–20)
  • (6:51) ASU – Mike Williams 4-yard run, Mike Barth kick (Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:06; Arizona State 34–20)
Statistics ASU ARIZ
First downs 27 20
Total yards 461 331
Rushing yards 49–166 25–62
Passing yards 295 269
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 25–35–2 17–31–3
Time of possession 36:00 24:00
Team Category Player Statistics
Arizona State Passing Andrew Walter 25/35, 295 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Mike Williams 40 carries, 162 yards, 4 TD
Receiving Mike Pinkard 6 receptions, 80 yards
Arizona Passing Jason Johnson 17/31, 269 yards, TD, 3 INT
Rushing Mike Bell 12 carries, 70 yards
Receiving Bobby Wade 6 receptions, 109 yards

Mackovic looked to earn his second straight “Duel in the Desert” win as the Wildcats went back to Tucson to face Arizona State in the rivalry game. Arizona donned blue pants for the game, which was the first time that they wore them at home in their history (they had worn white pants for all home games before then).[16]

In a game that was filled with turnovers and penalties, the Wildcats led 13-10 at the half, but would make the more crucial mistakes that would cost them, as ASU would capitalize in the second half and would outscore Arizona to end the Wildcats’ season with a 4-8 record.[17] Both Wade and Briggs finished their Wildcat careers with a 1–3 record against the Sun Devils and no bowl appearances. Several mistakes thwarted scoring chances for Arizona and near the end of the game, the Wildcats’ student section chanted for Mackovic to be fired and the Wildcats’ futile season was finally over.[18]

Awards and honors

  • Bobby Wade, WR, First-team All-Pac-10
  • Lance Briggs, LB, First-team All-Pac-10
  • Ray Wells, LB, First-team All-Pac-10
  • Makoa Freitas, OL, Second-team All-Pac-10

Season notes

  • Arizona played twelve games in a season for the first time since 1999.
  • Arizona opened the year against Northern Arizona and the two would play often frequently since then (NAU would play ASU a few times). The Wildcats would dominate NAU in most of their future matchups until NAU would finally win in 2021.
  • The Wildcats would not beat Utah again until 2012, when Utah and Arizona became conference foes.
  • This was the first and only time that Arizona and North Texas would meet (the Wildcats defeated the Mean Green in a game that featured Arizona scoring on a blocked kick, which remains the most recent time that they would return a blocked field goal for a score).
  • This was the third consecutive year that Arizona had a near-miss of defeating Washington after the Huskies scoring late to win.
  • The Wildcats did not score a touchdown in their losses to Stanford and Oregon State (both on the road). The former would be Stanford’s only conference win of the season and the latter being an identical final score from the previous season (38-3).
  • The game against California (which aired on FSN) was not broadcast live in the Tucson market, supposedly due to the controversy involving Mackovic. Arizona fans would eventually view the game, as FSN aired it on a tape delay later that day as well as the following day.[19]
  • The win over Cal would be the only good thing for the team following the Mackovic controversy, as Arizona officials believed that the Wildcats would not win a big game as long as Mackovic was coach due to his troubles.
  • In the loss to Arizona State, fans who were furious over Mackovic and the inability to win big games, chanted “Fire Mackovic” and “We have basketball” as time expired at the end of the game, referring the fact that they were relived that the season was over and wanted the Wildcats to get a new coach to bring honesty, and looked to basketball as that program was continuing to be dominant.[20]
  • With Arizona continuously losing in Pac-10 play and the fallout of Mackovic late in the season, it broke the promise of him leading the team to the Rose Bowl as coach when he was hired before the 2001 season.[21]
  • As Wade would graduate after the season, this was officially the last year of Arizona’s “Desert Storm” era (a phrase that referenced the Wildcats’ dominant offense that began in their big 1998 season and was a pun on their dominant “Desert Swarm” defense under Tomey in the early 1990s).[22]
  • Wade made Arizona history this season, as he caught 93 passes, which broke the Arizona record for most receptions for a receiver in a single season. Wade passed Dennis Northcutt’s record of 88 from 1999 and the 93 receptions in 2002 is still an Arizona record to this day. Also, Wade is second to Northcutt in terms of single-season receiving yards with 1,389 this season (Northcutt had 1,422 in 1999) and holds the record for career receiving yards with 3,351, surpassing Northcutt’s record of 3,252. Wade is behind Northcutt with 23 touchdowns (Northcutt had 24) and held the Arizona record of career receptions with 230 until Mike Thomas broke it in 2008 with 259.[23]
  • Arizona’s 1–7 conference record would end up being one of the worst records in their history. They would also tie that record in the following year.[24]

After the season

As Arizona finished with yet another losing season, Mackovic was retained for the 2003 season, despite fans calling for him to be fired. However, Mac Duff was fired as defensive coordinator due to the team’s poor defensive performance, which ended his Arizona career for good.[25] The Wildcats struggled on defense in Mac Duff’s second stint with the program, as opposed to his first when they were dominant under him and Tomey.[26]

Many players considered leaving the team or transferring to other schools during the offseason as a result of Mackovic’s behavior.[27] It would affect recruiting and fan interest, leading to a worst 2003 season, where Mackovic would finally be fired as coach.[28]

References

  1. ^ "Mackovic under fire for mistreatment of players". Arizona Daily Star. November 12, 2002.
  2. ^ "Cats hope to have football success this fall". Arizona Daily Star. July 20, 2002.
  3. ^ "UA football to play NAU to start '02 season". Tucson Citizen. August 28, 2002.
  4. ^ "Cats pass first test, dominate NAU in season opener". Arizona Daily Star. September 1, 2002.
  5. ^ "Wildcats edge Utes, survive late Utah threat". Tucson Citizen. September 15, 2002.
  6. ^ "Utah falls short to Arizona after late controversial finish". The Salt Lake Tribune. September 15, 2002.
  7. ^ "Badgers maul Wildcats, 31-10". Arizona Daily Wildcat. September 23, 2002.
  8. ^ "Ducks thump Cats; Oregon's big 2nd half dooms UA". Arizona Daily Star. October 6, 2002.
  9. ^ "Huskies do it again: Late 4th quarter rally tops Arizona". The Seattle Times. October 13, 2002.
  10. ^ "Cats miss opportunities, come up short against No. 9 Cougars". Arizona Daily Star. October 27, 2002.
  11. ^ "Bruins pound Wildcats; UA loses 6th in a row". Tucson Citizen. November 10, 2002.
  12. ^ "Players hurt by Mackovic's remarks". Arizona Daily Star. November 12, 2002.
  13. ^ "UA football players meet with president about coach's behavior". The Arizona Republic. November 13, 2002.
  14. ^ "Mackovic apologizes for misbehavior at team". Arizona Daily Star. November 14, 2002.
  15. ^ "Cats roar to life; Offense comes up big to snap losing skid". Arizona Daily Star. November 17, 2002.
  16. ^ "Wildcats to go all-blue for game against ASU". Arizona Daily Wildcat. November 27, 2002.
  17. ^ "Sun Devils trample rival Wildcats". The Arizona Republic. November 30, 2002.
  18. ^ "Wildcats' 2002 football season was full of futility and controversy". Arizona Daily Star. December 1, 2002.
  19. ^ "UA-Cal game to air on tape delay, won't be aired live in Tucson in wake of Mackovic scandal". Arizona Daily Wildcat. November 15, 2002.
  20. ^ "UA fans move on from football, focus on basketball". Arizona Daily Wildcat. December 2, 2002.
  21. ^ "Arizona will never be Rose Bowl contenders under Mackovic". Tucson Citizen. December 3, 2002.
  22. ^ "Wildcat football's big offensive era now history". Arizona Daily Star. December 5, 2002.
  23. ^ "Wade ends Arizona career as wide receiver with two broken records". Arizona Daily Star. December 5, 2002.
  24. ^ "Arizona football was terrible in Pac-10 play in '02". Arizona Daily Wildcat. December 6, 2002.
  25. ^ "Mac Duff dismissed as UA defensive coordinator". Tucson Citizen. December 9, 2002.
  26. ^ "Cats fire Mac Duff; Defense was unable to be 'Swarm'-like in second stint". Arizona Daily Star. December 9, 2002.
  27. ^ "Wildcat football will be different in '03". Arizona Daily Star. February 18, 2003.
  28. ^ "Fired: Mackovic dismissed as Arizona football coach". Tucson Citizen. September 29, 2003.

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