Football Guide Articles
By Tom Knauer
"Baby steps" seems to have been the operative phrase since former head coach John Mackovic was canned in 2003 and Mike Stoops swooped in to rescue the Arizona football program.
When Stoops entered, the team had a dearth of talent and a deficit of expectations.
By Tom Knauer
The Arizona secondary will have one thing to lean on as it tries to live up to the prodigious hype that has seemed to replace senior leader Darrell Brooks: comfort.
At least that's what defensive coordinator Mark Stoops expects to see on the field from his two-year junior starters at cornerback, Antoine Cason and Wilrey Fontenot.
Quaterbacks
By John Ryan Casey
He was the catalyst for a struggling team, providing them with the spark they were so desperately searching for. He reinvigorated a fan base. He sent expectations soaring through the roof. And, perhaps most impressive of all, he did it all in less than five games.
Defensive Line
By Tom Knauer
With the addition of a top junior-college recruit, the return of a steady veteran and the promise of a few youngsters, Arizona's defensive line this season should have all the talent and depth it needs to finally meet coaches' expectations.
But to what extent will this potential show on the field? Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops and defensive line coach Mike Tuiasosopo both expect that answer to define the success of not only the line, but also the defense as a whole.
Wide Recievers
By John Ryan Casey
A year after sharing the title of Pacific 10 Conference Freshman of the Year, Mike Thomas returned to fall camp, only to find a major difference: This year, there was competition.
It's something unseen at the wideout position during head coach Mike Stoops' tenure, something that's thanks in large part to an incoming trio of freshmen.
How UA will finish Michael SchwartzSports editor In football, both college and pro, there are always teams that everyone thinks will turn it around and then actually do it. If you look at the talent on Arizona's roster, something they haven't had in years, there's no reason they won't make a Cal-esque turnaround, like when a losing Golden Bears squad turned into a winner earlier in the decade.
By Tom Knauer
Brigham Young Cougars
Provo, Utah
Game day: Sept. 2
Head coach: Bronco Mendenhall (second year)
2005 record: 6-6 (5-3 Mountain West Conference)
Key losses: WR Todd Watkins, RB Naufahu Tahi, LB Justin Luettgerodt
Key returners: QB John Beck (No.
Linebackers
By John Ryan Casey
Last season was supposed to be their big year together.
But last season, they lost a combined 14 games to injury.
Last season, they never saw the field as a collective unit.
So it comes as no surprise that all anyone wants to talk about is the time they've never spent together on the field.
Previously inconsistent running back position gains maturing, talented newcomers to back up starting running back Henry
By Roman Veytsman
Undoubtedly the most maligned group on the team, Arizona's running backs are at least unafraid of the criticism.
Aside from junior running back Chris Henry, Division I football experience is scarce among the group, as last year's backs - Denver Broncos starter Mike Bell and his classmate Gilbert Harris - used up their eligibility.
Casey at the pen
By John Ryan Casey
It's not so much a secret around these parts anymore. In just three short years at the helm of Wildcats football, Mike Stoops has caused expectations around the Arizona football program to go through the roof.
Gone are the days of three straight losses by more than 30 points and players lining up in university presidents' offices to complain about coaches.
Offensive lineman
By Ari Wasserman
With blades of grass stuck to their faces, sweat dripping down their foreheads and bumps and bruises covering their bodies, the Arizona redshirt offensive linemen have shown that their hard work may be starting to pay off.
What is possibly the hardest working unit on the team - and arguably the most important - the offensive line is typically the least appreciated.
Mike Stoopshead coachthird year (6-16, 4-12 Pacific 10 Conference)Tim Kishassistant head coach linebackers third yearMark Stoopsdefensive coordinator defensive backs third yearMike Canalesoffensive coordinator quarterbacks third year Joe Robinson special
Offensive Roster for Fall, 2006
| Rank | Team | Pts. |
| 1 | Ohio State(4) | 79 |
| 2 | Notre Dame(3 | 76 |
RankTeamPts.1USC(7)972California(2)853Arizona State724UCLA(1)715Oregon656Arizona577Oregon State348Washington279Stanford2310Washington State20 -Conducted by a panel ofWildcat Sports Desk writers
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