Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pac 10 - Arizona

Arizona
Skinny - The backbone of the Wildcats offense is gone. Mike Thomas finished his career as the Pac-10's career receptions leader and the guy throwing him those passes, Willie Tuitama is also gone. Although these two were the staple of an improving Arizona program, the star and playmaker of the team, tight end Ron Gronkowski, is back and should provide some offensive sparks. The two leading candidates to replace Tuitama present two different types of attacks that coach Mike Stoops could consider. The battle of the sophomores features the athletic Matt Scott and the more pro style Nick Foles. Whoever wins the job will have the luxury of throwing to an experienced receiver in Delashaun Dean, who will try to make up for Thomas' lost production, and Gronkowski. Nic Grigsby highlights a productive backfield, as his 1153 yards last season was good and his back up Keola Antolin will challenge him after a very successful freshman season. Arizona has a pretty difficult schedule, including a game against Dan LeFevour and the Chippewas, a trip to Iowa to play a dangerous Hawkeye team and a devastating four game stretch to close the season. Arizona will probably take a step back this season or finish in a similar fashion to last season, as they replace the heart of their team for the last few years.

Strength - Secondary
Devin Ross and Trevin Wade will be the starting corners for the Wildcats and they form a solid duo. Ross is an experienced senior, who could find his way onto the postseason awards lists for the Pac-10. Trevin Wade is a talent waiting to be showcased. He led the team as a freshman with 4 picks despite not being in the starting line-up. Marcus Benjamin should play in the nickleback role and see some playing time, as he enters the school as a junior college transfer. Back from the 23rd ranked pass defense from last season is two year starter Cam Nelson at safety. Nelson is a solid player who might not snatch a ton of interceptions, but he tackles well as he was third on the team in tackles last season with 67. Robert Golden was one of Arizona's higher rated recruits last season and saw action in all games, and hopes to turn his hype into production this season at safety.

Weakness - The offensive line
Arizona only had 158.4 ypg (48th in NCAA) on the ground last season, despite a 1000 yard tailback and a solid backup (500 yards) in Antolin. Granted Tuitama was more of a pocket passer, one would think the unit still would have performed better running the ball. The unit lowered their sacks allowed last season to 28, but I would imagine that number returns to the 30s this year after losing 3 starters to graduation/NFL, including Eben Britton. Britton would have anchored the line this season after an All-Pac 10 performance last season, but decided to test the NFL. Uncertainty rests at the quarterbacks blind side (LT) and RG. RT features a semi-new starter in Adam Grant, but he started several games last season and the spot should be his.

Key Game - 9/26/09 @Oregon State
Arizona doesn't have the easiest nonconference slate to start the season. They play a dangerous quarterback in the opener, though he got destroyed when he played Georgia last season and LeFevour will have a long plane ride to Tucson. Playing @ Iowa the third game of the season will put Arizona in the underdog role. Should the survive those two games they'll have an important opener in the Pac-10 playing at an Oregon State team that features firepower behind the Rodgers brothers. Arizona has the potential to make a run starting with this game and building hype and confidence before they travel to California the second week in November.

Key Player - Matt Scott
Following up a four year starter at quarterback is never an easy situation and it doesn't make it easier that his prime target won't be there to help you. Scott doesn't have the job locked up by any means as he'll be challenged by Michigan State transfer Foles, but he seems to have the inside position on winning the job. Scott proved in limited action last season that he's dangerous with his feet and will add a new dimension to an offense that has a solid running game. But can he keep defense's honest with his arm. He hasn't had much opportunity in real game situations to throw the ball and he'll need to learn quickly before Arizona travels to play the Hawkeyes in their marquee non-conference tilt.

Impact Freshman - Adam Hall

Predicted Pac-10 finish - 5th

Top 5 Players
1. TE Rob Gronkowski
2. OG Colin Baxter
3. RB Nic Grigsby
4. WR Delashaun Dean
5. CB Devin Ross

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