In a thrilling first half at the Valero Alamo Bowl, the Oklahoma Sooners overcame a 13-0 deficit to seize a 14-13 lead against the Arizona Wildcats. Arizona’s defense initially dominated, forcing three turnovers, while senior Jacob Cowing broke the school’s single-season receiving touchdown record.
In a recent article by Arizona Sports, The Wildcats’ Tyler Loop kicked off the scoring with a 39-yard field goal, followed by freshman safety Genesis Smith intercepting Oklahoma’s quarterback Jackson Arnold. Soon after, Noah Fifita connected with Cowing for a 35-yard touchdown, putting Arizona ahead 10-0 and setting Cowing’s record with his 12th touchdown. Cowing’s achievement also elevated him to ninth in the FBS career receiving list.
Gunner Maldonado, a standout from Chandler High School, continued the Wildcats’ defensive prowess by intercepting Arnold for the second consecutive game. Loop’s additional field goal extended Arizona’s lead to 13-0.
The Sooners began their comeback with Gavin Sawchuk rushing for an 18-yard touchdown, reducing their deficit to 13-7. Sawchuk had an impressive first half, accumulating 92 yards on eight carries.
The tide turned further when Fifita threw an interception, followed by a forced fumble from senior defensive back Martell Irby, recovered by Maldonado. Capitalizing on this opportunity, the Sooners took their first lead just before the half’s end. Arnold completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Nic Anderson, concluding a 92-yard drive and putting Oklahoma ahead 14-13.