Before and after a driving rainstorm drenched Rice-Eccles Stadium, Arizona couldn’t hang onto the football. Four fumbles, plus a handful of other critical mistakes, led to a 45-20 loss to the Utes in front of an announced crowd of 51,919. Most had left by the fourth quarter, when the rain finally subsided.
The defeat was Arizona’s fourth in a row and dropped the Wildcats to 3-6, 1-5 in the Pac-12. Once 3-2, Arizona now needs to win its final three games to earn a bowl berth. – Michael Lev / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona running back DJ Williams is tackled by Utah defensive tackle Simote Pepa (77) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah quarterback Cameron Rising (7) throws against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah wide receiver Devaughn Vele, left, reaches for the ball as Arizona cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) reaches for Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura (7) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah wide receiver Jaylen Dixon (25) breaks free from Arizona safety Gunner Maldonado (9) on his way to a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah fans show their support during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah defensive end Connor O'Toole (81) celebrates after recovering an Arizona fumble during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura (7) carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham checks out the scoreboard during the second half of the Utes' matchup with Arizona on Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City.
Rick Bowmer. Associated Press 2022
Utah defensive end Connor O'Toole (81) celebrates after breaking up a pass to Arizona wide receiver Dorian Singer (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah defensive end Connor O'Toole (81) breaks up a pass to Arizona wide receiver Dorian Singer (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah defensive tackle Aliki Vimahi (95) sacks Arizona quarterback Jayden de Laura (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah's Tavion Thomas (9) reacts after making a tackle against Arizona during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah fans look on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press
Utah takes the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer / Associated Press