At this time a year ago, the Arizona Wildcats were about to take on Central Michigan at home. Sure, Central Michigan was talented, but there should be minimal concern when a BCS team takes on a mid-level non-BCS team. That wasn’t the case last year — I remember the mood around practice leading up to the game was one of uncertainty, even nervousness. Yet here we are, hours away from kickoff, and I had to keep reminding myself that Arizona had a game this weekend. That’s because the Wildcats were completely and totally relaxed and focused this week. They expect to win, and they will.
Prediction: Arizona 38, Toledo 13
— Tim Kosch
All of the historical stats point to an upset for Toledo. They’re 5-1 against BCS schools at home since 2001, and the Wildcats haven’t won a non-conference road game since 2001. But despite all of the stats, Arizona is just way too talented for the Toledo defense to keep up. Nick Foles will carve up the Rockets’ secondary, Nic Grigsby will prove he’s completely healthy and scamper for a long score, and just maybe Arizona’s questionable defense will solidify itself against new Toledo starting quarterback Austin Dantin. Toledo should scare a slightly rattled Arizona team early on, but Foles and company will settle down and, as Robert Golden put it, “”do what the Arizona Wildcats do.””
Prediction: Arizona 54, Toledo 21
— Mike Schmitz
Tonight’s game will be the offense’s first opportunity to take off against the Rockets in Toledo, Ohio. Quarterback Nick Foles and the Wildcats’ running back trio will have ample opportunity to put points on the board against the Rocket defense, which allowed 37.7 points per game last season.
On the other side of the ball, the Rocket offense is the perfect test for Arizona — a team that has potential to test but not overwhelm the questionable Wildcat secondary early in the season.
After a shaky start, the Wildcat offense will bail the defense out and get Arizona its first non-conference road victory since 2001.
Prediction: Arizona 35, Toledo 16
— Nicole Dimtsios
