When a program is trying to make the leap into national prominence there comes a time when a statement has to be made on a grand scale. Arizona got close last season against Oregon and then fell flat on its face against Nebraska. But in the grand scheme of things, 2009 will be viewed as one step forward for Arizona football. The Wildcats are now good enough for each game in 2010 to be a barometer of where the program is, and that sort of pressure week in and week out will not only be realized this week but handled with ease. Unlike everyone else, I think the Wildcats are going to take control early and never look back.

Arizona 31, Iowa 16

– Tim Kosch

In the biggest non-conference game Arizona Stadium has seen in nearly 20 years, ZonaZoo fans will not leave disappointed. One of the nation’s best defenses will collide with one of the nation’s more exciting offenses — who will come out on top? While Nick Foles will prove he’s arrived and Arizona’s defense will continue to defy expectations, Iowa is simply too experienced and scary defensively to fall to the Wildcats. Expect Arizona to struggle to establish a running game, consequently they will become predictable in the passing game, and fall just short of the Hawkeyes. The Wildcats will gain national respect with a well-played game but not the recognition that would come along with an upset over a top-10 team.

Iowa 24, Arizona 21

– Mike Schmitz

If Wildcat fans were to ever see a battle of epic proportions in Arizona Stadium, this would be it. The No. 9 Hawkeyes descend on Tucson with potentially the biggest matchup of the year for No. 24 Arizona. Both teams have something to prove here — Arizona’s looking for respect around college football, Iowa’s seeking a ranked-win on the road. The game will come down to the play of the defenses, Iowa’s strength matched against Arizona’s speed. In this case, I think strength stifles the Wildcats again.

Iowa 27, Arizona 20

– Nicole Dimtsios