Arizona used their "Desert Swarm" defense to win their first four games and were ranked #6 before a loss to eventual WAC champ Colorado State.
Steve McLaughlin broke the tie with a 44-yard field goal with 12:39 remaining, and a later interception gave Arizona a chance to seal the game at Utah's 20.
After only gaining two yards on three plays, Arizona decided to give Utah an intentional safety rather than risk a bad punt, making it 13–9 with 4:11 left.
Mike McCoy threw a desperation pass to Kevin Dyson, who caught it in the end zone to give Utah the lead with 3:34 remaining.
Arizona had the ball at their 32 and needed a drive to go their way, but on their second play, Jeff Kaufusi forced a fumble out of White and Utah recovered at the 31.