In one of several non-conference D1A games this past weekend, Arizona gave a lesson on dominating possession to defeat San Diego State.

The Wildcats ultimately won 83-5, but it wasn’t a case of just breaking through weak tackles here and there and coasting in for tries. Arizona had to work for it, and did well in that area. While SD State’s defense forced phase after phase, Arizona was able to win phase after phase and keep their shape relatively well.

Flanker Bronson Teles was monumental in this effort, controlling the breakdown with his physicality and his work rate. 

All of this allowed the Arizona backs to finish things off. Wing Joe Sargeant, scrumhalf Maxime Cathala, center Lucas Bartzis, and flyhalf Robert Figley all scored tries in the first half. Figley had a good day kicking for goal and added a penalty and four conversions for a 31-0 lead after only 22 minutes.

Finally the forwards started to get on the scoreboard, as they finished off attacks with clinical work in close. Prop Theodore Smith went over twice, once in the first half, and Teles powered over as well to make it 45-0 at the break.

Smith’s second try, wing Kyle Fulton, front-rower Gabriel Coray-Dozier, and back Luke Agassi all touched down in the second half, while SD State finally got on the board thanks to lock Jason Cornell.

Up 71-5, Arizona finished it off with two tries from fullback Jon Rogers. 

But the message wasn’t that Arizona won a weakly-defended track meet. Instead, The Wildcats put together a fairly complete performance for early in the season against an Aztec team not afraid to defend. SD State might take some positives from this, but it’s clear Arizona joins PAC Conference rivals Cal and UCLA (both also convincing victors this weekend) in a league of strong programs. 

Certainly some rankings love will follow.

Arizona 83
Tries: Sargeant, Cathala, Bartzis, Figley, Smith 2, Teles, Fulton, Coray-Dozier, Agassi, Rogers 2
Convs: Figley 8, Agassi 2
Pens: Figley

SD State 5
Tries: Cornell