No. 18 Arizona 48, Washington State 7: Wildcats Return Opening Kickoff For 95-Yard TD, Don’t Look Back

If you’re an Arizona fan, bask in the glory at Arizona Desert Swarm. And if you’re a Washington State fan, indignantly dismiss the rout over at CougCenter.

Tucson, AZ (Sports Network) – Travis Cobb set the tone for Arizona, returning the game’s opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, as the 21st-ranked Wildcats cruised to a 48-7 victory over Washington State.

Keola Antolin, Nick Booth and Taimi Tutogi recorded touchdowns on the ground for the Wildcats (6-2, 4-1 Pac-10), who have won three straight. Nick Foles completed 12-of-19 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown in the win. William Wright also returned a punt for a score.

Marshall Lobbestael went 7-of-11 through the air for 103 yards and a touchdown for the Cougars (1-8, 0-6), who have lost six in a row.

Cobb’s touchdown ignited a 24-point first quarter for Arizona.

After Washington State went three-and-out on its first possession, Foles capped a three-play, 44-yard drive with a 28-yard scoring strike to Terrell Turner.

Following another quick series by the Cougars, Antolin finished off a seven- play march with a one-yard touchdown run. Alex Zendejas then drilled a 21-yard field goal in the dying moments of the frame.

Jeff Tuel fumbled the ball upon being sacked on the first play of the second quarter. Lolomana Mikaele recovered for Arizona at the Washington State 14. Three plays later, Booth scored from a yard out.

Tuel lost the handle again on the next series at the Arizona 22. The Cougars quarterback suffered a leg injury on the play and did not return.

The Wildcats transformed the turnover into a 27-yard boot by Zendejas with 1:23 left in the opening half.

Wright’s 86-yard punt return accounted for all the scoring in the third quarter.

A one-yard plunge by Tutogi stretched the advantage to 48 before Jared Karstetter’s 64-yard touchdown reception spoiled Arizona’s shutout bid with 6:23 remaining in the contest.

Arizona outgained the Cougars, 471-185…Washington State registered only eight first downs…Booth finished with 84 rushing yards, while Antolin amassed 61 yards on the ground.

- Via Sports Network.