Fifita accounts for 3 TDs, shorthanded Arizona shuts down Cincinnati for 34-7 win

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Noah Fifita contributed three touchdowns, including two through the air and one on the ground, while Arizona's defense stifled Cincinnati, securing a 35-7 victory on Saturday night. The Wildcats (4-1, 1-1) faced an early setback when running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris were ruled ineligible by a Pima County judge, following a series of lawsuits against the NCAA's new eligibility rules.

The early injuries to Arizona's top receivers only added to the challenges. Despite being shorthanded, Arizona outgained Cincinnati 522-227 in total yards and held the Bearcats to just 74 rushing yards, significantly below their season average. Fifita threw for 284 yards and accounted for all three of Arizona's touchdowns, while also contributing a rushing score.

Cincinnati managed some scoring chances, including a 53-yard field goal attempt by Stephan Rusnak that hit the upright in the first quarter and a failed fourth-down conversion from the 2-yard line in the second quarter. Arizona opened its scoring drive with Kedrick Reescano's 10-yard touchdown run. Michael Salgado-Medina added a 23-yard field goal before halftime, giving Arizona an early 10-0 lead.

In the second half, Fifita scored on an 8-yard run after Antwan Roberts fumbled at the Cincinnati 12-yard line, and Fifita then connected with Brandon Phelps for a 24-yard touchdown pass and Tyler Powell for a five-yard touchdown to extend Arizona's lead to 34-0.