Arizona Wildcats CB Genesis Smith stands out in win vs. Houston
Nov 16, 2024, 1:45 PM
Defensive back Genesis Smith #12 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates after a defensive stop during the second half against the Houston Cougars at Arizona Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Defensive back Genesis Smith was confident he and Arizona’s defense would get back on track in the Wildcats’ 27-3 win on Friday.
The Wildcats defense held the Cougars to three points with three turnovers and four turnover on downs. Arizona ended a five-game losing streak, which included a 56-12 loss to UCF on Nov. 2.
Smith said in a postgame presser that the motivation for Friday’s game was already there following the loss to UCF.
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“(The loss) was definitely motivating but we had the motivation already,” Smith said. “We were just realizing how we didn’t respond in the UCF game and we knew we need to pick it up in practice that week. We just attacked practice day by day and just given our best (effort) and competing with the offense. That made us better throughout the week and it showed on gameday.”
Smith had a great game Friday, registering seven tackles, a pass defensed, a forced fumble and an interception. The sophomore cornerback said his interception in the second quarter off Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss was a big turning point in the game for the Wildcats.
“All week Coach (Duane) Akina said the ball was gonna bounce our way and I felt like that we did it that drive,” Smith said. “Great job by the d-line just swarming the ball and getting it out and I was just at the right place at the right time.”
Arizona head coach Brett Brennan credits the play of Smith and the execution on defense as a big reason for the Wildcats’ win on Friday.
“I thought the players did a great job of executing and being able to get to the quarterback and just trying to change up the rhythm and the timing of the pass game was obviously effective,” Brennan said.
Through 10 games, Smith has registered 19 tackles with five passes defensed, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
Brennan praised Smith’s play and the energy he brings onto the field.
“He’s one of the most engaging, energetic young people I’ve ever been around on a football field,” Brennan said. “Just watching him at practice or watching him on gameday, his energy is just contagious.”
