"Bear down, Arizona! Bear down, red and blue!"

For those who have been within earshot of a University of Arizona athletic event the past four weeks, they might have noticed those words to the university's fight song have been delivered with a little extra oomph.

It's easy to see – and to hear – why that is the case. The U of A football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams combined to win all 18 of their games in November, including victories over nationally ranked opponents and decades-long rivals.

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It's not just success on the field or on the court that has defined the Wildcats this November. The University of Arizona and Casino Del Sol, an enterprise of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, on Nov. 17 announced a 20-year naming rights agreement for Arizona Stadium valued at more than $60 million, the largest such agreement in Big 12 Conference history.

The Wildcats have also achieved unprecedented success in the classroom, according to the latest graduation success rate information released by the NCAA. Arizona posted a score of 92% in the data released, setting a new department record for the fourth consecutive year.

"November showcased the very best of what it means to be a Wildcat," said R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois. "Our student-athletes, coaches and staff continue to raise the bar – competitively, academically, and in how we serve this community. From record-setting graduation success rates to transformative partnerships and championship-level performances, Arizona Athletics is building momentum that will carry us well into the future."

Territorial Cup returns to Tucson

Arizona's football team entered November with a 5-3 record, just one win shy of bowl eligibility in Brent Brennan's second year at the helm. But after back-to-back nail-biting losses against BYU and Houston, the Wildcats' comeback season was in a precarious position.

That's when Brennan's squad put the pedal to the metal. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, the Wildcats put the clamps on opposing offenses, allowing just 17 points per game throughout November. The offense, led by offensive coordinator Seth Doege and quarterback Noah Fifita, caught fire as well, averaging 34 points over the five-game span.

Arizona saved its best for last, forcing five turnovers in a dominant 23-7 win over rivals Arizona State to reclaim the Territorial Cup, giving the Wildcats a 52-45-1 advantage in a series that began in 1899. The Wildcats finished the month 5-0 – a first in program history – and finished the season ranked in the College Football Playoff Top 25 and Associated Press Top 25.

Men's basketball rises to No. 2

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After a couple exhibition games in Tucson, Tommy Lloyd's team began its regular season in Las Vegas, taking on last year's national champions, the Florida Gators in what promised to be a high-energy showdown between two teams with Final Four aspirations. In one of the most entertaining games of this young college basketball season, the Wildcats prevailed, 93-87, behind statement games from freshman sensation Koa Peat (30 points, 7 rebounds) and senior captain Jaden Bradley (27 points).

Peat and Bradley continued to lead this squad to major wins over No. 15 UCLA and No. 3 Connecticut – both on the road against hostile crowds. But a strong Wildcat contingent in each arena could be heard singing "Bear Down, Arizona."

With wins over three top-15 teams in its first seven games, Arizona's men's basketball team has risen to No. 2 in the polls – 11 spots higher than its preseason ranking – and has its sights set on a deep March Madness run.

Women's hoops starts 6-0

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Becky Burke inherited a team in transition when she stepped into the head coaching role on April 9. Before the season, the Wildcats were picked to finished No. 14 in the 16-team Big 12 Conference with nobody included on the All-Big 12 preseason team.

To say that this team has exceeded those expectations would be a massive understatement. Under Burke, the Wildcats have developed a culture prioritizing hard work, tenacity, determination and effort, winning games by an average of 15 points during the team's 6-0 start.

Arizona is one of five undefeated teams in the Big 12 Conference behind the sharpshooting of Cleveland State transfer Mickayla Perdue (17.7 points per game) and the steady point guard play of Noelani Cornfield, whose 8.3 assists per game ranks third in the nation. Cornfield, who followed Burke from the University of Buffalo, sets the tone on both ends of the court.

More fall success

The start of November also saw two other programs achieve national accolades, with the women's triathlon team capturing its second straight national championship in its third year of existence. Head coach Wes Johnson was named national coach of the year and Kelly Wetteland won the individual national championship. 

First-year student and men's cross country standout Evans Tanui advanced to the NCAA Championships, the first appearance by a Wildcat in the national meet in a decade. He finished No. 44 out of more than 250 runners and has set the bar for additional success next season.

On the horizon

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The 9-3 football team awaits word on where it will play its bowl game, while the basketball teams continue to ramp up for Big 12 Conference play with marquee non-conference battles against Auburn (Dec. 6), Alabama (Dec. 13) and San Diego State (Dec. 20) on the horizon.

Arizona's volleyball squad will take on South Dakota State in its first appearance in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament since 2018.

And Wildcat fans throughout the world will continue to sing "Bear Down, Arizona" at the top of their lungs.