Cats can’t hang on in fourth, fall to UCLA
PASADENA, Calif. — In his first collegiate start, Arizona quarterback Rhett Rodriguez led the Wildcats all the way down to the wire against UCLA, but fell to the Bruins 31-30 on Saturday.
Rodriguez completed 15 of 34 passes for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns, but threw a pair of interceptions.
Arizona took a 24-20 lead to start the fourth quarter following a J.J. Taylor one-yard touchdown run, but the Bruins responded with a Joshua Kelley run to retake the advantage 31-27.
In the ensuing drive, Rodriguez connected with wide receiver Shawn Poindexter for a 33-yard completion, but the Wildcats couldn't punch the ball into the end zone. Josh Pollack kicked a 29-yard field goal and the Wildcats trimmed the lead 31-30.
On defense, Arizona couldn't stop UCLA and used up all three timeouts before UCLA ran out the clock to win the game. Arizona falls to 3-5 on the season and loses to UCLA for the fourth consecutive time at the Rose Bowl.