SANTA CLARA, Calif.—The Arizona Wildcats football team rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit but ultimately came up short in a 38-35 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers in the Foster Farms Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday night. The loss ends the Wildcats season at 7-6, after starting 6-2.
The loss, however, did not come without added controversy.
Before halftime, in an apparent kneel down scenario by Purdue, the Boilermakers ran a fake and running back D.J. Knox took the ball 30 yards down field, which ended in a field goal before the half.
Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez and other defensive players said that referees told the Wildcats not to rush, so they were left unprepared and the play was a crucial one with just a 3-point advantage at game’s end.