1983 Arizona Wildcats football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1983 Arizona Wildcats football Pacific-10 Conference Pac-10 7–3–1 4–3–1 Larry Smith 4th Steve Axman 4th Moe Ankney 4th Arizona Stadium The 1983 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona in the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) during the 1983 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fourth season under head coach Larry Smith, the Wildcats compiled a 7–3–1 record (4–3–1 against Pac-10 opponents), finished in fifth place in the Pac-10, and outscored their opponents, 343 to 188. The offense scored an average of 31.2 points per game, the eighth best average in Division I-A.1983 Arizona Wildcats Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football September 3, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arizona/1983-schedule.htmlArizona Football 2016 Media Guide University of Arizona September 3, 2016 107 2016 http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/arizona.sidearmsports.com/documents/2016/8/24/2016_Arizona_FB_Media_Guide.pdf September 21, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160921192006/http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/arizona.sidearmsports.com/documents/2016/8/24/2016_Arizona_FB_Media_Guide.pdf dead The team played its home games in Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. They were ineligible for a bowl game (including the Rose Bowl) due to NCAA violations (see below). The team's statistical leaders included Tom Tunnicliffe with 2,474 passing yards, Chris Brewer with 586 rushing yards, and Jay Dobyns with 694 receiving yards.1983 Arizona Wildcats Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football September 3, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arizona/1983.html Linebacker Ricky Hunley led the team with 176 total tackles.2016 Media Guide, p. 86. Before the season The Wildcats finished the 1982 season with a 6–4–1 (4–3–1 Pac-10) record and entered 1983 with high expectations with a chance to contend for a possible trip to the Rose Bowl. NCAA investigation In the spring of 1983, Arizona was placed on probation by both the Pac-10 and the NCAA after it was discovered that the football program was involved in a slush fund scandal by giving players cash payments, which is illegal under NCAA rules. Tony Mason, Smith's predecessor, was allegedly involved in the scandal.Wildcats football under investigation following allegations of fraud Arizona Daily Star March 13, 1980NCAA investigating UA football program over cash payments and recruiting The Arizona Republic March 13, 1980 After a three-year investigation, the NCAA and the Pac-10 found enough evidence that Mason covered up the scandal and that the Arizona football program broke NCAA rules by committing academic fraud as well as recruiting violations. The program was handed out infractions by the NCAA, including being placed on probation (the team was originally placed on probation in 1981 and Mason had already resigned before the 1980 season began, leading to the hiring of Smith to clean up the mess left behind by Mason).Wildcat football coach Mason resigns after reports of fraud Tucson Citizen April 7, 1980 Due to the scandal, the NCAA handed out the following sanctions to the Wildcats, which included: A probation of three years A $250,000 fine A loss of several scholarships and a ban of on-campus recruits during the season A two-year ban from playing in bowl games A two-year ban from having games broadcast live on television A two-year ban from being ranked in polls The NCAA/Pac-10 did not forfeit all of Arizona's wins from Mason's tenure due to the fact that the infractions occurred off the field.Wildcats will retain victories from Mason era despite sanctions Arizona Daily Star May 21, 1983 Due to television broadcasting rights for Arizona's games already booked for the 1983 season prior to the ban being handed down, the TV ban was in effect for the 1984–85 seasons.UA football program handed down NCAA sanctions in wake of fraud scandal Arizona Daily Star May 21, 1983 The Wildcats were also barred from eligibility to ranked in the polls (primarily in the AP and coaches’ polls) due to the sanctions. However, it was only affected for the 1984 and 1985 seasons, as the AP predicted the Wildcats to be competitive in 1983 despite being on probation.Arizona given ban from football rankings due to infractions, will be eligible for AP and coaches' polls in '83 season The Arizona Republic May 22, 1983 In addition, the Pac-10 announced that the Wildcats were ineligible for the 1983 and 1984 conference championships and the Rose Bowls if they were to finish in first place in both seasons (to date, the Wildcats have yet to make an appearance in the bowl game).Wildcats will not be eligible for Rose Bowl due to NCAA violations Arizona Daily Wildcat May 21, 1983NCAA, Pac-10: Wildcats football violated rules; UA placed on probation, ineligible for Rose Bowl The Arizona Republic May 21, 1983 Schedule 1983 AP Mountain September 3 7:00 p.m. w 14 Oregon State Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ USA 50–6 40,507 https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star-wildcats-rout-oregon/166492909/ Arizona Daily Star Wildcats rout Oregon State, 50–6 September 4, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com September 10 7:00 p.m. w y 11 Utah Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ WTBS 38–0 44,904 https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star-ua-dominates-utah-in/166435320/ Arizona Daily Star UA dominates Utah in second half, 38–0 September 11, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com September 17 12:30 p.m. w y 7 Washington State Martin Stadium Pullman, WA ABC 45–6 25,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-columbian-cats-clout-wsu/166491177/ The Columbian 'Cats clout WSU September 18, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com September 24 7:00 p.m. w y 4 Cal State Fullerton Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ KZAZ 27–10 43,107 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8880461/only_mickey_and_goofy_were_missing_in/ The Los Angeles Times Only Mickey and Goofy were missing in Titans' loss to Arizona Orange County John Weyler September 25, 1983 III-8 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com October 1 12:30 p.m. t y 3 California California Memorial Stadium Berkeley, CA ABC 33–33 40,018 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-golden-bear-rally-t/166493164/ The Sunday Oregonian Golden Bear rally ties Arizona 33–33 October 2, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com October 8 7:00 p.m. w y 10 Colorado State Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ KZAZ 52–21 40,309 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-arizona-republic-wildcats-attack-ear/166437148/ The Arizona Republic Wildcats attack early, late, batter Rams in 52–21 win October 9, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com October 15 1:00 p.m. l 9 Oregon Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ CBS 10–19 45,233 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-oregon-surprise/166493413/ The Atlanta Journal & Constitution Oregon surprises Arizona October 16, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com October 22 1:00 p.m. l y 19 Stanford Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA ABC 22–31 40,208 https://www.newspapers.com/article/statesman-journal-stanford-finally-wins/166493603/ Statesman Journal Stanford finally wins October 23, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com November 5 1:30 p.m. l y Washington 20 Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ CBS 22–23 48,808 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olympian-whew-huskies-hang-on-for-2/166490346/ The Olympian Whew! Huskies hang on for 23–22 win November 6, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com November 12 1:30 p.m. w UCLA Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ CBS 27–24 42,640 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee-road-to-pasadena-detours/166489454/ The Fresno Bee Road to Pasadena detours in Tucson November 13, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com November 26 1:30 p.m. w y Arizona State Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ rivalry CBS 17–15 70,033 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-field-goal-lifts-ari/166493836/ The Idaho Statesman Field goal lifts Arizona to win November 27, 1983 February 23, 2025 Newspapers.com Game summaries Oregon State Arizona opened the season against Oregon State for the second consecutive season. The Wildcats, who were ranked 14th in the preseason polls, didn't miss a beat and scored 50 points in their dominance over the Beavers.Cats rough up Beavers in season opener Arizona Daily Star September 4, 1983 California On the road at California, the Wildcats, unbeaten and ranked third, came out hot and led 26–3 at one point before the Golden Bears stormed back by outscoring Arizona 30–7 to tie it midway through the fourth quarter. Neither team would score the rest of the way, and settled for the tie, which ended the Wildcats’ chances of a possible perfect season, but still had their unbeaten hopes intact.Wildcats collapse in second half, force tie at Cal Tucson Citizen October 3, 1983 Colorado State After their devastating tie at California, the Wildcats returned home to host Colorado State in a rare October non-conference game. The Rams had no answer against Arizona's offense, who lit up the score with 52 points on its way to a victory.Wildcats run over Colorado State to stay unbeaten Arizona Daily Wildcat October 9, 1983 The win avenged the Wildcats’ loss to the Rams in 1980 in coach Smith's Arizona debut. The 52 points were the most Arizona scored in a game during the season. Oregon Arizona came in to the game against Oregon unbeaten (including a tie) and ranked ninth. Despite keeping Oregon in check on defense, the Wildcats sputtering on offense, perhaps due to a blitzing defense by the Ducks. In the end, Oregon came out on top and handed Arizona their first defeat of the season.Oregon upsets No. 9 Cats, 19–10, gives UA first loss Arizona Daily Star October 16, 1983 Stanford The Wildcats traveled on the road to Stanford to visit the rebuilding and winless Cardinal. Stanford was hungry for a win and ultimately took down Arizona in front of their home fans.Arizona falls to winless Stanford The Arizona Republic October 23, 1983 The loss turned out to be Stanford's only win of the season. Washington On homecoming weekend, Arizona hosted 20th-ranked Washington. The Wildcats were looking for their first win against the Huskies, and seemed to be on their way to that until Washington connected on a field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter to win and give Arizona their third straight loss.No. 20 Huskies escape Wildcats after last-second kick The Seattle Times November 6, 1983Huskies edge Cats with FG on final play Arizona Daily Star November 6, 1983 It was the first and only game of the season that Arizona faced a ranked opponent. UCLA Arizona hosted UCLA in their home finale. The Bruins were unbeaten in the Pac-10 and were contending for the Rose Bowl. In a back and forth battle, the Wildcats rallied in the fourth quarter and took the lead with a touchdown with over a minute remaining. UCLA tried to respond, but missed a field goal that would’ve forced a tie in the final seconds, and Arizona escaped with the win and snapped their three-game losing streak.UA tears down goal posts, UCLA Arizona Daily Star November 13, 1983Late rally helps Wildcats top Bruins Tucson Citizen November 14, 1983 Kicker Max Zendejas made a pair of field goals that went over 50 yards for the Wildcats. It was the only conference loss for UCLA, as they went on to capture the Rose Bowl. Arizona State Arizona–Arizona State football rivalry In the annual rivalry game against Arizona State, the Wildcats referred to game as their bowl game, as they were ineligible for the postseason due to the NCAA sanctions.With no postseason, Cats treat ASU game as their own bowl Tucson Citizen November 26, 1983 In the game itself, they fell behind late in the fourth quarter after ASU scored a touchdown to take a 15–14 lead (they missed a two-point conversion attempt) and Arizona had one final chance. They would drive into ASU territory and into field goal range. Zendejas connected on a 45-yard field goal as time expired to win the game for the Wildcats.UA field goal nips ASU, 17–15 Arizona Daily Star November 27, 1983UA stuns ASU, 17-15, in last seconds The Arizona Republic November 27, 1983The Kick II: The Sequel; Zendejas' FG beats Sun Devils Arizona Daily Wildcat November 28, 1983 It was the first time since 1961–62 that the Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils in back-to-back seasons. Also, it was Arizona's smallest margin of victory over ASU since 1955 (where they won by one point that season). Awards and honors Ricky Hunley, LB, Pac-10 co-defensive player of the year, Consensus All-American Season notes Arizona improved on their previous seasons’ win totals under coach Smith (five in 1980, six in both 1981 and 1982, and seven in 1983). The seven wins were the most by the Wildcats since 1975, when they won nine games. Two of the Wildcats’ non-conference opponents (Utah and Colorado State) were from the WAC, Arizona's old conference. The Wildcats ultimately defeated both teams. The Wildcats’ collapse against California (which led to a tie) marked a low point in the Smith era. Entering the game, Arizona was ranked third, which still remains the team's highest ranking in school history. The win over Arizona State drew comparisons to the 1979 meeting, with the Wildcats winning on a field goal on the last play of the game and that it was also played in Tempe. It was the second straight season that was memorable for game-winning field goals by Zendejas, as he beat Notre Dame with a kick in the previous season.'Mad Max' Zendejas does it again, beats ASU on last-second kick Tucson Citizen November 28, 1983 Arizona was ineligible for a bowl game due to NCAA sanctions (see above), despite seven victories. Also, the television ban (as part of the NCAA sanctions) began the following season due to the games for this season being picked up for TV before the sanctions were announced. The penalties that Arizona received due to the recruiting scandal heavily affected the Wildcats’ chances at signing local players that began this season and may have hurt their chances at the Rose Bowl later in Smith's era.NCAA penalties affected Wildcats' '83 and '84 recruiting classes Arizona Daily Wildcat April 17, 1985 Arizona linebacker Ricky Hunley won a share of the Pac-10 defensive player of the year and becoming the first Wildcat to win a conference award since Arizona joined the Pac-10 in 1978.Cats' Hunley captures share of Pac-10 football's top defensive player award Arizona Daily Star December 6, 1983 Several future Wildcats would win Pac-10/12 defensive player of the year awards since then. If not for the NCAA sanctions, Smith would have likely won the Pac-10 coach of the year award. For the second straight season, all of Arizona's road games were played on the road. Personnel 1983 Arizona Wildcats y Brad Anderson Brad Anderson (American football) WR y Ruben Barry WR Chris Brewer RB y John Conner QB David Connor OL Andy Crouch QB Brian Denton OL Charlie Dickey OL Jay Dobyns WR y Neon Edwards RB Nils Fox OL Phil Freeman RB y Marsharne Graves OL y Courtney Griffin RB Jon Horton WR Troy Hunter WR Alfred Jenkins QB y Vance Johnson RB y Bryon Nelson OL William Redman RB Sr Tom Tunnicliffe QB Mark Walczak TE y Glenn Wellman RB John Barthalt DL Don Be'Ans DB Steve Boadway LB Lynnden Brown DB Gordon Bunch DB Joe Drake DL y Joe Drake (American football) Allan Durden DB Bryan Evans DB Lamonte Hunley LB y Ricky Hunley LB y John Kaiser LB y John Kaiser (American football) Ivan Lesnik DL Randy Robins DB Cliff Thorpe LB Greg Turner DB Craig Vesling LB David Wood DL Craig Schiller P So Max Zendejas K y Larry Smith Tom Roggeman Terry Malone GA References Arizona Category:Arizona Wildcats football seasons Arizona Wildcats football