A homecoming for West Virginia Quarterback Nicco Marchiol and an opportunity for the Wildcats to break a 3-game losing streak.
The first quarter fumble by Arizona running back Quali Conley set the tone for the Wildcats continued sloppy play while the Mountaineers special teams set the game in motion. West Virginia capitalized on Conley’s blunder with a fake field goal for a touchdown to make it 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Conley made his own personal comeback with a goal line touchdown to make it 10-7, still in favor of the Mountaineers.
Marchiol’s return to his home state showed promise for the Mountaineers future with him under center as he closed out the first half for West Virginia with a 17-7 lead over Arizona.
FOURTH DOWN.
TOUCHDOWN.pic.twitter.com/WRp9gaZZBJ— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) October 27, 2024
WIDE OPEN SAM OLSON ‼️#Big12FB | 📺 @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/wsBkE1O39n
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 27, 2024
However, it was a short-lived attempt to make a comeback for the Wildcats as the former Hamilton High School Quarterback throws a 54-yard touchdown pass to Traylon Ray to take a 31-13 lead early in the fourth quarter.
WIDE OPEN SAM OLSON ‼️#Big12FB | 📺 @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/wsBkE1O39n
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 27, 2024
NOAH. FIFITA. 😤
He makes it a 5-point game for @ArizonaFBall! pic.twitter.com/aFdbX99eAt
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 27, 2024
The Wildcats have now lost four games straight as they look ahead to visiting University of Central Florida on Nov. 2.