| Mode: | football |
| Year: | 1984 |
| Team: | Arizona Wildcats |
| Conference: | Pacific-10 |
| Short Conf: | Pac-10 |
| Record: | 7–4 |
| Conf Record: | 5–2 |
| Head Coach: | Larry Smith |
| Hc Year: | 5th |
| Off Coach: | Steve Axman |
| Oc Year: | 5th |
| Def Coach: | Moe Ankney |
| Dc Year: | 5th |
| Stadium: | Arizona Stadium |
The 1984 Arizona Wildcats football team represented the University of Arizona in the Pacific 10 Conference (Pac-10) during the 1984 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fifth season under head coach Larry Smith, the Wildcats compiled a 7–4 record (5–2 against Pac-10 opponents), finished in a tie for third place in the Pac-10, and outscored their opponents, 272 to 192. The team played their home games at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona.
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.[1] Due to the NCAA violations, Arizona was ineligible for the 1984 Pac-10 championship and was banned from playing in a bowl game (including the Rose Bowl). They were also barred from playing games on live television during the season as well as 1985.
The Wildcats completed the 1983 season with a record of 7–3–1 (4–3–1 in Pac-10). They did not participate in a bowl game due to the NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations. Arizona was deeply affected by the penalties when it came to recruiting during the offseason.[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. The NCAA had announced in May 1983 that the Wildcats would be barred from both a bowl game and having games aired live on TV.[3] As a result of the TV ban, Arizona games were not aired on national or cable networks.[4]
Arizona traveled to Baton Rouge to play Louisiana State (LSU) in the first meeting between the two schools. The Wildcats fought tough and ultimately came up short against the Tigers.[5]
See also: 1984 Oregon Ducks football team.
The Wildcats played Oregon at home. After a close first half, Arizona took control in the second half and defeated the Ducks.[6]
On the road at Washington, Arizona's offense struggled at times against the top-ranked Huskies’ defense, which to a Wildcats loss.[7]
See also: Arizona-Arizona State football rivalry.
The Wildcats played their season finale against rival Arizona State. In front of an Arizona Stadium crowd, the Wildcats did enough against the Sun Devils in low-scoring contest, and Arizona came out victorious over ASU for the third year in a row.[8] [9] 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. It was the first time since 1960-62 that the Wildcats defeated their rivals in three consecutive seasons.[10] Arizona finished the season with seven wins, matching their 1983 total.