In the days leading up to Arizona’s matchup with Colorado, all the talk was about B.J. Denker and what he could do at quarterback with Matt Scott out.

Then, Ka’Deem Carey stole the show. Thanks to his first half trifecta, the Wildcats head into the locker room with a 28-17 lead over the Buffs.

Carey had 121 rushing yards on 12 carries, 34 receiving yards and three touchdowns for Arizona, giving him 16 on the season. With the three scores, Carey surpassed ex-Wildcat Nic Grigsby and tied Kelvin Eafon for second on Arizona’s all-time single season list.

Denker had a solid first half debut, completing 9-of-10 for 122 yards and a touchdown pass to Dan Buckner with 1:28 remaining in the half, giving Arizona its 11-point halftime lead.

In five appearances earlier this season, Denker didn’t inspire much confidence in limited spurts. Against Colorado, things didn’t get off to a much better start. On Arizona’s first offensive play of the game, a miscommunication between Carey and Denker led to a fumble near its own end zone, which the Buffs recovered and converted into a 7-yard touchdown run from Christian Powell.

Colorado jumped out to a 7-0 lead, its first since a 7-6 first quarter lead against Arizona State on Oct. 11.

Denker bounced back on the next drive, completing 3-of-3 passes for 42 yards and leading to a 10-yard Carey touchdown run.

In the second quarter, with Arizona leading 14-10 and less than 13 minutes remaining, safety Tra’Mayne Bondurant intercepted an attempted screen pass by Colorado quarterback Nick Hirschman, Bondurant’s second of the year.

After a 19-yard end around from speedy receiver Garic Wharton, Carey ran for a 30-yard score giving the Wildcats a 21-10 lead with 10:30 remaining.

In addition to Denker, freshman safety Vince Miles, freshman linebacker C.J. Dozier and freshman guard Cayman Bundage all started due to injuries to starters Jourdon Grandon, Hank Hobson and Chris Putton, respectively.