1988 Arizona Wildcats football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1988 Arizona Wildcats football Pacific-10 Conference Pac-10 7–4 5–3 Dick Tomey 2nd Ben Griffith 2nd Larry Mac Duff 2nd Arizona Stadium The 1988 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona in the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) during the 1988 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their second season under head coach Dick Tomey, the Wildcats compiled a 7–4 record (5–3 against Pac-10 opponents), finished in a tie for third place in the Pac-10, and outscored their opponents, 279 to 218.1988 Arizona Wildcats Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football September 3, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arizona/1988-schedule.htmlArizona Football 2016 Media Guide University of Arizona September 3, 2016 108 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. The team's statistical leaders included Ronald Veal with 669 passing yards, Alonzo Washington with 651 rushing yards, and Derek Hill with 508 receiving yards.1988 Arizona Wildcats Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football September 3, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/arizona/1988.html Linebacker Chris Singleton led the team with 118 tackles.2016 Media Guide, p. 86. Despite a 7–4 record, the Wildcats were left out of a bowl game due to a lack of bowls available at the time and that most of the bowls involved ranked teams. Before the season The Wildcats completed the 1987 season and Tomey's first year with a 4–4–3 record and tied Arizona State in the rivalry contest. The team spent the offseason looking to improve on their record and return to their winning ways as they did under previous Arizona coach (and then-current USC coach) Larry Smith.UA football seeks improvement for '88 season Arizona Daily Star April 15, 1988 Despite the offseason being held in the shadow of Arizona's basketball team as a result of its first Final Four appearance and Tomey and his players supporting them, the team continued to rebuild and prepared for the upcoming season.Wildcat football prepare for '88 season looking to win more after being overshadowed by basketball during offseason Arizona Daily Star August 18, 1988 Schedule 1990 AP Mountain September 3 w y Oregon State Parker Stadium Corvallis, OR 24–13 23,142 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-columbian-beavers-believers-to-the-e/173563381/ The Columbian Beavers believers to the end September 4, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com September 10 w y Texas Tech Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ TBS 35–19 46,334 https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-tech-blow/173527977/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram Texas Tech blows lead again, loses to Arizona, 35–19 September 11, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com September 17 l y y Oklahoma 4 Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Norman, OK 10–28 75,004 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-ous-wishbone-beats-ar/173563503/ The Wichita Eagle-Beacon OU's wishbone beats Arizona's September 18, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com September 24 w y Eastern Michigan Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ KMSB 55–0 43,035 https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star-ua-defeats-hurons-55/173563599/ The Arizona Daily Star UA defeats Hurons, 55–0 September 25, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com October 1 l USC 4 Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ 15–38 52,314 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-bernardino-county-sun-trojans-qu/173531899/ The San Bernardino County Sun Trojans quiet crowd, Wildcats in 38–15 win October 2, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com October 15 w Washington State Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ KMSB 45–28 48,287 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-arizona-republic-wildcats-thump-coug/173535235/ The Arizona Republic Wildcats thump Cougars, sustain postseason hopes October 16, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com October 22 l UCLA 1 Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ ABC 3–24 49,922 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-top-ranked-ucla-rips-ar/173533982/ The Boston Globe Top-ranked UCLA rips Arizona, 24–3 October 23, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com October 29 l California Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ KMSB 7–10 47,182 https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-cal-gratefully-accepts-a/173563997/ Oakland Tribune Cal gratefully accepts a victory October 30, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com November 5 w y Washington Husky Stadium Seattle, WA ESPN 16–13 60,204 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-arizona-republic-pfaff-cats-beat-hu/173564160/ The Arizona Republic Pfaff! Cats beat Huskies on field goal November 6, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com November 12 w y Oregon Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ KMSB 41–27 40,367 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bulletin-arizona-ends-ducks-bowl-ho/173564352/ The Bulletin Arizona ends Ducks' bowl hopes November 13, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com November 26 w Arizona State Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ rivalry TBS 28–18 56,978 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-wildcats-beat-sun/173564431/ The Los Angeles Times Wildcats beat Sun Devils in the Battle of Arizona November 27, 1988 May 31, 2025 Newspapers.com Game summaries At Oregon State December 2022 Texas Tech After earning a win in the opener at Oregon State, Arizona played its first home game of the season against Texas Tech. This was the first meeting between the two teams since they played in nine straight seasons from 1971 to 1979. After falling behind early, the Wildcats dominated the rest of the way and came away with the win.Wildcats overcome early deficit, top Texas Tech in home opener Tucson Citizen September 11, 1988 At Oklahoma Arizona Wildcats white 2; text-align:center collapsed Arizona Wildcats (1–0) at #4 Oklahoma Sooners (1–0) September 17, 1988 Arizona 3 0 7 0 Oklahoma 7 7 7 7 Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma 75,004 First quarter UA – Doug Pfaff 38-yard field goal. Arizona 3–0. OU – Leon Perry 1-yard run (R.D. Lashar kick). Oklahoma 7–3. Second quarter OU – Jamelle Holieway 5-yard run (R.D. Lashar kick). Oklahoma 14–3. Third quarter UA – Mario Hampton 9-yard run (Doug Pfaff kick). Oklahoma 14–10. OU – Eric Bross 43-yard pass from Jamelle Holieway (R.D. Lashar kick). Oklahoma 21–10. Fourth quarter OU – Anthony Stafford 5-yard run (R.D. Lashar kick). Oklahoma 28–10. Top passers UA – Bobby Watters – 11/25, 124 yards, 2 INT OU – Jamelle Holieway – 3/7, 73 yards, TD Top rushers UA – Reggie McGill – 2 rushes, 50 yards OU – Jamelle Holieway – 17 rushes, 75 yards, TD Top receivers UA – Art Greathouse – 4 receptions, 30 yards OU – Eric Bross – 1 reception, 43 yards, TD SoonerStats.com https://web.archive.org/web/20161026192646/http://soonerstats.com/football/games/boxscore.cfm?GameID=884#.Viq2CCvm7vE#.Viq2CCvm7vE 2016-10-26 . Retrieved 2015-Oct-23. Gainesville Sun. 1988 Sep 18. Retrieved 2017-Aug-27. The Wildcats traveled to Oklahoma in their first ever matchup against the Sooners. Despite playing tough, Arizona could not keep up with the fourth-ranked Sooners and eventually lost.Cats see no consolation in defeat; Arizona falls to Sooners, 28–10 Arizona Daily Star September 18, 1988 Eastern Michigan December 2022 USC The Wildcats welcomed former coach Larry Smith back to Tucson as Arizona hosted the fourth-ranked Trojans.Smith returns to Tucson as Wildcats host USC Arizona Daily Wildcat September 30, 1988 Several mistakes became a disaster for the Wildcats and USC capitalized on them to break the game open and win big, and Tomey lost to his predecessor for the second consecutive year.Trojan horses power USC past Arizona The Arizona Republic October 2, 1988Trojans triumphant in Smith's return to Arizona Stadium Arizona Daily Star October 2, 1988 Washington State December 2022 UCLA Arizona hosted top-ranked UCLA in a big test for the Wildcats. Unfortunately, the Wildcats did not have an answer against the Bruins and avoided a shutout with a late field goal, and leading to yet another loss to a top-ten ranked opponent.Top-ranked Bruins whip Wildcats Arizona Daily Star October 23, 1988 California Arizona Wildcats white 2; text-align:center collapsed California Golden Bears (4–3) at Arizona Wildcats (4–3) October 29, 1988 California 0 3 0 7 Arizona 0 0 0 7 Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona 47,182 "Golden Bears pin 10-7 loss on Wildcats." Eugene Register-Guard. pg. 7C. 1988 Oct 30. Retrieved 2022-Dec-18. right Full game left California Golden Bears California Arizona Wildcats Arizona Troy Taylor 15/30, 184 Yds, TD, INT Chris Richards 17 Rush, 52 Yds Vince Delgado 1 Rec, 55 Yds, TD Bobby Watters 8/24, 106 Yds, INT Alonzo Washington 15 Rush, 70 Yds Reggie McGill 4 Rec, 46 Yds CAL AU collapsed 2 California FG 47 Robbie Keen 3 0 4 Arizona RecTD Derek Hill Bart Recktenwald 15 good Doug Pfaff run/pass good/failed/incomplete 3 7 4 8:21 California RecTD Vince Delgado Troy Taylor 55 good Robbie Keen run/pass good/failed/incomplete 10 7 10 7 At Washington On the road at Washington, Arizona visited the Huskies. In a game that was dominated by both teams’ defense, the Wildcats pulled through with a late field goal and finally captured their first win over Washington in team history.Late FG kick lifts Arizona to first win against Washington Tucson Citizen November 6, 1988 Oregon December 2022 Arizona State Arizona-Arizona State football rivalry Arizona Wildcats white 2; text-align:center collapsed Arizona State Sun Devils (6–4) at Arizona Wildcats (6–4) November 26, 1988 Arizona St 6 12 0 0 Arizona 0 21 0 7 Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona 56,978 "Arizona Conquers Sun Devils, 28-18." Eugene Register-Guard. pg. 8E. 1988 Nov 27. Retrieved 2022-Dec-18. After getting a big homecoming win against Oregon, the Wildcats hosted Arizona State in a rivalry duel. Late in the first half before intermission, with the Sun Devils leading 18–14, Wildcat quarterback Ronald Veal threw a Hail Mary pass that was caught by receiver Derek Hill, who then ran to the end zone for a touchdown and Arizona led 21–18 at the break. The play gave the Wildcats the lead for good as they would not trail again and won it and extended their unbeaten streak over ASU to seven (including the 1987 tie).UA makes it seven straight Arizona Daily Star November 27, 1988Arizona strikes again, continues streak over ASU The Arizona Republic November 27, 1988 Veal's Hail Mary pass was referred to Arizona fans as the “Hail Veal”, “Hill Veal”, “Veal Mary” or simply “The Pass”, which was added to many other memorable play in the rivalry's history.The Pass: Wildcats' 'Veal Mary' leads to another win over ASU Arizona Daily Wildcat November 28, 1988 The win ended the regular season and Arizona became bowl-eligible. Arizona State Sun Devils Arizona St Arizona Wildcats Arizona Paul Justin 18/27, 225 Yds, 2 TD, 2 INT Bruce Perkins 18 Rush, 93 Yds, TD Steve Martin 4 Rec, 71 Yds Ronald Veal 6/15, 148 Yds, 3 TD, 2 INT Alonzo Washington 24 Rush, 150 Yds, TD Derek Hill 3 Rec, 116 Yds, 2 TD ASU UA collapsed 1 Arizona St RecTD Ryan McReynolds Paul Justin 8 no good run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 0 2 Arizona RecTD Derek Hill Ronald Veal 47 good Doug Pfaff run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 7 2 Arizona St RushTD Bruce Perkins 44 pass failed 12 7 2 Arizona RushTD Alonzo Washington 10 good Doug Pfaff run/pass good/failed/incomplete 12 14 2 Arizona St RecTD Ryan McReynolds Paul Justin 3 run failed 18 14 2 0:00 Arizona RecTD Derek Hill Ronald Veal 55 good Doug Pfaff run/pass good/failed/incomplete 18 21 4 Arizona 20 82 RecTD Alonzo Washington Ronald Veal 11 good Doug Pfaff run/pass good/failed/incomplete 18 28 18 28 Awards and honors Dana Wells, DL, Pac-10 defensive player of the year and Morris Trophy winner (defense), First-team All-Pac-10 Joe Tofflemire, OL, Pac-10 Morris Trophy winner (offense) Season notes The Wildcats improved on their 1987 record and achieved their goals with a winning season in 1988. Three of Arizona's four losses were to ranked teams, all of which were ranked in the top ten. Arizona had somewhat of a difficult schedule, but managed to win more games. Even though the Wildcats won seven games, they were snubbed from a bowl spot, with losses to ranked opponents, strength of schedule, and a lack of bowls at the time, were factors in them missing the postseason.Wildcats left out of postseason picture Arizona Daily Wildcat December 9, 1988 This season was the first in which a former Arizona coach faced his successor at least two seasons after leaving the school.Wildcats prepare for No. 4 USC, Smith's return to Tucson Tucson Citizen September 29, 1988 Smith's Trojans had also defeated Tomey's Wildcats in 1987. Due to Pac-10 scheduling, the Wildcats played eight home games and only three road ones. At one point during the season, Arizona played at home for five consecutive games, which was the longest span for the team since they 1979, when they also played five straight home games.Home Sweet Home: Cats' '88 football schedule unveiled, features mostly home games Arizona Daily Star March 5, 1988 Arizona's win over ASU was Tomey's first of several victories against his rivals. The final score (28–18) was identical to the 1982 meeting that began the Wildcats’ dominance over the Sun Devils.Veal, Hill come up big for Wildcats in win vs. ASU Tucson Citizen November 27, 1988 With nose tackle Dana Wells being awarded the Pac-10 defensive player of the year, Arizona won the conference's defensive award for the third straight season. Arizona would sweep the Pac-10's Morris Trophy awards, with lineman Joe Tofflemire winning on the offensive side and Wells on the defensive. Although it was overshadowed by its basketball counterpart due to its Final Four run earlier in the year, the football program managed to end the season on a winning note.Despite being in basketball's shadow, Wildcat football played successful in '88 Arizona Daily Wildcat December 1, 1988 Personnel 1988 Arizona Wildcats y Stuart Betty QB John Brandom OL Remy Carrasco RB David Eldridge RB Rob Fiory OL Art Greathouse RB Mario Hampton RB Derek Hill WR y Derek Hill (gridiron football) Kyle Jan WR Kip Lewis WR Reggie McGill RB George Mihalopoulos TE Glenn Parker OL y Doug Penner OL Doug Pritchard OL Bart Recktenwald RB Dave Roney OL Melvin Smith RB Mike Streidnig RB Aaron Thomas RB Joe Tofflemire OL Paul Tofflemire OL 10 So Ronald Veal QB Alonzo Washington RB RSr Bobby Watters QB Ron Wembley RB Rod Woods OL Zeno Alexander LB Todd Burden DB Darren Case LB James DeBow DB Scott Geyer DB Ken Hakes DL Jeff Hammerschmidt DB Brad Henke DL Reggie Johnson DL Darryl Lewis DB Arnulf Mobley LB Donnie Salum LB Chris Singleton LB Kevin Singleton LB Dana Wells DL y Chris Wright DB Gary Coston K Robert Epstein K Bret Holley P Doug Pfaff K Dick Tomey References Arizona Category:Arizona Wildcats football seasons Arizona Wildcats football