Costello Sparks Stanford Offense In 41-31 Win Over Arizona
STANFORD (AP) -- K.J. Costello returned to Stanford's starting lineup and led the Cardinal to a 41-31 victory over visiting Arizona on Saturday.
The senior quarterback threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns after missing three games with a thumb injury. Back-up Davis Mills was unavailable.
Both teams are 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Pac 12.
The Wildcats went with two quarterbacks, starting the athletic Kahlil Tate, who passed for 205 yards and a pair of touchdowns and rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Showing no signs of discomfort, Costello rifled passes to 12 different receivers, including a pair of touchdown passes to Simi Fehoko and one to Brycen Tremayne, whose only two receptions have both gone for touchdowns.
Connor Wedington caught seven passes for 61 yards for Stanford and Michael Wilson had six for 45 yards.
Cameron Scarlett rushed for 102 yards and scored twice. Freshman Ryan Sanborn added a pair of field goals.
J.J. Taylor rushed for 107 yards for the Wildcats, surpassing 3,000 for his career.
Jamarye Joiner and Drew Dixon caught TD passes from Tate, who moved into eighth-place on Arizona's all-time passing yards list.
Freshman Grant Gunnell played two consecutive series in the first half, leading the Wildcats on an efficient eight-play, 65-yard scoring drive in which he completed all three passes attempted for 34 yards including an 8-yard scoring toss to Jalen Johnson.
Tate returned to the lineup after Stanford took a 21-10 lead and needed two plays to go 75 yards. Tate raced 57 yards for the score. He tucked the ball in after faking a pass and ran untouched.
TAKEAWAYS
Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin doesn't call it a controversary. He's just trying to get the most out of his quarterbacks. It's a nice problem to have. Freshman Grant Gunnell, an accurate passer, entered the game for a series or two in each half, sparking a touchdown drive on his first series. The rest also seemed to ignite Kahlil Tate when he re-entered. Two unique quarterback styles will make it tough on opposing coaches who must prepare for both.
Nothing like getting your starting signal caller back in the lineup. K.J. Costello gave the Cardinal offense a huge boost. After scoring 16 points in its last game with the No. 3 QB, Stanford scored 31 in the first half against the Wildcats. Costello gives his team a hit of confidence that could lead to another winning season.
UP NEXT
Arizona hosts Oregon State on Saturday.
Stanford has a bye next week and travels to Colorado on November 9.
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