The Wildcats were placed on probation by both the NCAA and Pac-10 in May 1983 following the discovery of cash payments to student-athletes and players as well as allegations of fraud involving former Arizona coach Tony Mason in a scandal that rocked the university.
[2] Arizona entered the 1984 season believing that they would win despite being on probation, though they would neither be competing for the Rose Bowl nor being shown on television.
[8] Against Oregon at home, Arizona played a close game in the first half before taking control in the second to pull away from the Ducks to earn the win.
On the road at Washington, Arizona's offense struggled at times against the top-ranked Huskies’ defense, which led to a Wildcats loss.
[12] The offense managed to get only one touchdown and kicker Max Zendejas, who defeated ASU the previous year with a field goal, made three kicks, including 51 and 32 yard attempts in the fourth quarter, during the win.