'Football heaven': Arizona's re-birth could include the Pac-12 title game

Under third-year head coach Jedd Fisch, Arizona has defied expectations and emerged as a force in college football after years of mediocrity. 

The Wildcats (8-3) have four wins against Associated Press top-25 teams this season — the only school to achieve that — and are bowl eligible for the first time since 2017.

With a win over Arizona State on Saturday and an Oregon State upset of Oregon, Arizona will advance to the Pac-12 Championship Game against Washington. 

Before the season, few would have believed that to be possible. Following a 1-11 season in 2021, Fisch's first at Arizona, the Wildcats finished 5-7. 

The Wildcats’ journey from disappointment to bowl eligibility has been defined by unwavering determination and resilience. Fisch's role in instilling a winning mindset, nurturing a culture of excellence and pushing players beyond their limits has been evident throughout this transformative season.

"What Jedd Fisch has done to drive Arizona's ascent is as close to football heaven as Arizona has been in 25 years," Arizona Daily Star columnist Greg Hansen wrote.

The 2023 season started with setbacks, including a narrow overtime loss to mediocre Mississippi State in the second game and an injury to starting quarterback Jayden De Laura two games later. 

Redshirt freshman Noah Fifita stepped into the starting role, losing against No.7 Washington by seven and against No. 9 USC by two in overtime. 

Against the Trojans, Fifita had his best game, throwing for 303 yards and five touchdowns.

The team rallied around its new starting quarterback and bounced back with five consecutive wins, notably dominating No. 22 Utah, 42-18. In those five weeks, Fifita was awarded Pac-12 Freshman of the Week four times.

Fisch's motivational tactics for the in-state rivalry game are intriguing. At a news conference on Monday, he said showed the players a roadside billboard with the score of the dreadful 70-7 loss to Arizona State in 2020.