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SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- John Mackovic is trying to install his pro-style offense at Arizona. He is fortunate that the Wildcats still have their old defense. The unit once known as "Desert Swarm" had a safety and a fumble return for a touchdown as Arizona rallied for a 23-10 victory over San Diego State in the season opener for both schools. The Wildcats found themselves in a 10-0 hole after one quarter, primarily due to a bad punt snap that put the Aztecs on the 1 and set up Larry Ned's short touchdown run. But Arizona used its defense to turn things around. Andrae Thurman blocked a punt through the end zone for a safety with 12:32 left in the second quarter and Chris Farmer ran 12 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing possession, cutting the deficit to 10-8. Farmer had 90 yards on 21 carries. With 2:56 remaining in the first half, defensive tackle Young Thompson forced a fumble by Ned that Brandon Nash scooped up and raced 57 yards for the go-ahead score. Thurman hauled in the conversion pass for a 16-10 lead. Jason Johnson, making his first start, threw a four-yard TD pass to Brandon Marshall with 6:37 left in the third period, pushing the lead to 23-10. Johnson completed 21-of-32 passes for 176 yards and one interception. San Diego State had just 201 total yards, punted eight times and lost three fumbles. Lon Sheriff was 15-of-30 for 138 yards for the Aztecs, who have lost four straight games in the series.
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