Early mishaps by Arizona cause deficit vs. West Virginia

The Arizona Wildcats entered Saturday’s contest against West Virginia losing three straight, and a first-quarter fumble by Arizona running back Quali Conley — along with lackluster defense — gave the Mountaineers an early 17-7 advantage.

After West Virginia took an early 3-0 lead on a Michael Hayes 45-yard field goal, Arizona began driving down the field before Conley fumbled on the Wildcats’ fourth play of the game.

The Mountaineers recovered and ultimately scored on a fake field goal, giving them a 10-0 lead as the first quarter came to a close.

Later on, though, Conley got his redemption, putting Arizona on the board with a one-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to just three points with 7:34 left in the first half.

But the Wildcats couldn’t contain the Mountaineers run game, allowing 147 first half yards on the ground, including 77 yards on seven carries from West Virginia running back Jahiem White.

West Virginia scored again on a Nicco Marchiol pass to Hudson Clement with just under three minutes left in the half, putting the Mountaineers up 10 as the first half came to a close.

The Mountaineers had 245 first half yards compared to Arizona’s 154. Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita was 8-for-11 with 86 passing yards. Receiver Tetairoa McMillan had five receptions for 66 yards.