Roommates carry Arizona to victory

Charles C. Labenz Arizona Daily Wildcat Defensive end Daniel Greer (48) and defensive tackle Joe Salave'a (56) work together to bring down San Diego State's quarterback Kevin McKechnie in the third quarter of Arizona's 31-28 come from behind win. Greer led the Wildcats with his 2.5 sacks for a loss of 17 yards.

Perhaps now it's time to add Ortege, Dennis and Rodney.

Arizona Wildcats Ortege Jenkins, Dennis Northcutt and Rodney Williams all live together and they were answers one, two and three to the question of why Arizona was able to make a comeback against San Diego State.

Jenkins, making his first career start at quarterback, was 17 of 32 for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Northcutt caught six of those passes for 121 yards and two scores. Williams hauled in five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

"We talk about this every night," Northcutt said. "It's the kind of things we've been talking about since we've been together. Tonight was the first time we've been able to do it together on the field."

Arizona began to chip away at the Aztecs' 21-0 lead on one of the gutsiest play calls since deciding to go for two at California last year. Facing a fourth and 14 on the Aztec 35, Jenkins called an "x-fade" into the end zone for Williams who leapt over his defender and caught the ball for the touchdown.

"I just wanted to give him a shot and let Rod go get the ball," Jenkins said.

Northcutt's contribution to the highlight film came in the form of his first touchdown, a 56-yard, sideline-to-sideline jaunt through the San Diego State secondary.

"Dennis came to play," Williams said. "I know he had the physical ability because he displays it everyday in practice. And Ortege did a great job. He had great touch on the ball."

Given that this was Jenkins first career start, it's a wonder that the three were even able to prepare together. Enter the Sony Playstation.

"All week we've been playing college football '98," said Williams, who along with Northcutt is featured in the game.

Who says video games kill brain cells?