Wildcats Force OT Despite Five Turnovers, Arizona Falls To Mississippi State 31-24

The Arizona Wildcats fell 31-24 to the Mississippi State Bulldogs in overtime. The loss to Mississippi State brings the Pac-12’s 18-game winning streak to an end.

The goal for Arizona football was to win their first-ever road game against an SEC team. Arizona’s only SEC win came against Auburn in 1976. When the Wildcats met the Bulldogs last season it resulted in a tough 39-17 loss.

Arizona had a rough start to the game with quarterback Jayden de Laura throwing three interceptions in the first quarter. Before the first half came to an end the Wildcats had four turnovers. The Bulldogs had a 14-0 lead with seconds left in the first half. De Laura made a hail mary pass to Tetairoa McMillan to get Wildcats to the goal line. On the next play De Laura faked a spike and snuck it in for a touchdown to give the Wildcats some much-needed momentum heading into the locker room. 

FAKE SPIKE! 😮@jayden_delaura punches it in for a Touchdown!

📺: SEC Network pic.twitter.com/6j750HVE2I

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 10, 2023

The second-half didn’t start pretty for the Wildcats as the Bulldogs defense forced Arizona to go three-and-out. Bulldogs wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin snagged a 15-yard touchdown reception to open the second half. De Laura showed confidence and poise through the second half and managed to tie the game with a 17-yard TD pass to Jacob Cowing in the third quarter. 

JACOB COWING INTO THE ENDZONE!@jayden_delaura ➡️ @jaycowing_

📺: SEC Network pic.twitter.com/pT2eLvmKQP

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 10, 2023

De Laura threw his second touchdown pass of the night to Tetairoa McMillan to tie the game with 9:14 left to play. 

TETAIROA. MCMILLAN.@jayden_delaura ➡️ @TMAC96795 to close the gap!

📺: SEC Network pic.twitter.com/EzBfQjFv07

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 10, 2023

Mississippi State kicked a 36-yard field goal and took a 24-21 lead with 6:47 left in the game. De Laura threw his fourth interception of the night late in the fourth quarter. Despite the many messy mistakes throughout the game, De Laura was quick to forget. It was a successful 36-yard field goal for Arizona’s Tyler Loop that forced the game into overtime. 

Mississippi State was on offense first in overtime and scored a 29-yard touchdown.

On 4th and 10, Jayden de Laura scrambled in the backfield and managed to fly through the defense on a wild play. After review, he was ruled just short of the first down. Cowbells were clanging as the Mississippi State Bulldogs took down the Arizona Wildcats, 31-24 in overtime. 

Arizona Wildcats are the first Pac-12 team to lose this season
Mississippi State pic.twitter.com/ieoy8OapsJ

— Mood & Vibes💦 (@xmoodvibes) September 10, 2023

The Arizona Wildcats host UTEP on Sept. 16.