Arizona Defeats Northern Illinois, Improves to 2-1
Arizona Defeats Northern Illinois, Improves to 2-1
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Key Points
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Noah Fifita completed his first eight passes and a career-best streak of 19 consecutive completions, producing his second-most efficient passing performance as an Arizona Wildcat behind his 92.7% showing at Houston last season.
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Arizona was also without linebacker Chase Kennedy and defensive linemen Mays Pese, Zac Siulepa and Ezra Funa; Myron Robinson started for Kennedy.
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Coach Brent Brennan described the game as a “redline game” and challenged fans to help make Casino Del Sol Stadium “one of the toughest places to play in the Big 12.”
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Northern Illinois entered the matchup 0-2 after losses to Iowa and FCS opponent Illinois State, while interim coach Rob Harley took over after former coach Thomas Hammock left in February to become the Seattle Seahawks’ running backs coach. The Huskies had nevertheless upset Notre Dame in 2024.
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Arizona regained running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris after both obtained a temporary restraining order concerning the NCAA’s new 5-for-5 eligibility policy. Mahdi led Arizona with 859 rushing yards in 2025, while Harris recorded two tackles against BYU.
Arizona's quarterback Noah Fifita delivered a dominant performance Saturday night, throwing four touchdown passes to four different receivers as the Wildcats rolled past Northern Illinois 42-17 to improve to 2-1. The win came one week after Arizona's loss at BYU, and featured a historic moment when Fifita surpassed Nick Foles as Arizona Arizona's all-time career passing-yards leader with a fourth-quarter completion Capitol City Now.
Fifita completed 31 of 34 passes for 325 yards with no interceptions, including a career-best streak of 19 consecutive completions Tucson.com. The Wildcats scored six straight touchdowns after an early three-and-out, including a 69-yard punt-return touchdown by freshman Caleb "Jet" Smith—the program's first such score since 2017.
Fifita Sets Passing Record in Efficient Display
Noah Fifita's performance against Northern Illinois ranked among his best as an Arizona Wildcat. He completed his first eight passes and finished with a completion percentage that reflected outstanding accuracy Tucson.com. His 325 passing yards and four touchdowns showcased why Coach Brent Brennan has confidence in his quarterback's ability to lead the offense.
The record-breaking moment came in the fourth quarter when Fifita surpassed Nick Foles' career passing-yards mark Capitol City Now. This milestone highlights Fifita's trajectory as one of Arizona's most prolific passers in program history, even while the team works through a season that still includes tough opponents ahead.
Six Straight Touchdowns Highlight Arizona's Offensive Explosion
After a sluggish opening drive that ended in a three-and-out, Arizona's offense shifted into high gear. The Wildcats scored six consecutive touchdowns, overwhelming the Northern Illinois defense and building an insurmountable lead Tucson.com. Chris Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, and Tre Spivey were among the touchdown scorers during the surge.
The most spectacular score came from freshman punt returner Caleb "Jet" Smith, who took a punt 69 yards for a touchdown Capitol City Now. It marked Arizona's first punt-return touchdown since 2017, a rarity that underscored how dominant the Wildcats were throughout the night.
Arizona Returns Key Players for Washington State Game
The Wildcats got back important contributors following their win at Northern Illinois. Running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris both obtained temporary restraining orders regarding the NCAA's new 5-for-5 eligibility policy, clearing the way for their return Arizona. Mahdi led Arizona with 859 rushing yards last season.
Arizona moved on without several defensive starters, including linebacker Chase Kennedy and defensive linemen Mays Pese, Zac Siulepa, and Ezra Funa Tucson.com. Leading receiver Giovanni Richardson remained sidelined with a lower-body injury. The Wildcats travel to Washington State next Saturday, while Northern Illinois faces Georgia State.
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