Three ways to win
Utilize the three headed beast
For a team that was supposed to have one of the best passing attacks in the Pac-12 Conference, Arizona’s rushing attack has been the offense’s focal point. Of course, Nick Wilson is the head honcho of the group running for eight touchdowns in just six games, but the supporting cast of Jared Baker and the rising freshman Orlando Bradford have proven their worth for the future. Bradford broke through as a supporting player against Oregon State and rushed for 83 yards, making every yard worthy enough for a three-touchdown performance. A productive output from the backs in Boulder, Colorado, should lead to a win.
Anu back in his groove
Quarterback Anu Solomon returned from a concussion last week against Oregon State after missing the second half of the UCLA game and the entire Stanford game, in both of which Arizona was thumped. Solomon threw for 276 yards and found a groove against a desperate Beavers squad looking to put the nail in Arizona’s shaky season. It may sound cliche, but the only way for Arizona to come out on top in Colorado is for Solomon to get it done with his arm.
Worldstar
Safety Will Parks made online headlines with a hit against Oregon State wide receiver Jordan Villamin that was heard from West Philadelphia. Villamin ran his route and was in position to make the completion until Parks came over to clean his clock. Parks’ hit made the World Star Hip-Hop twitter page with the shock face emojis. For a defense that was scrutinized the past two weeks for its 3-3-5 defense not getting the job done, Parks laid the wood to prove the Wildcats’ defense is just dandy. Who knows, maybe this week it will be Cam Denson lowering the shoulder on a Colorado receiver. Regardless, if the Arizona defense that was on the field in Tucson last weekend shows up in Boulder, the Wildcats should be smiling the entire ride home.
Three ways to lose
Don’t look at the record
Colorado is a team sitting at 3-3 and the Buffaloes are the only squad in the Pac-12 Conference without a conference win, losing to ASU and Oregon. Though Colorado has struggled through the first half of the season, the Buffaloes’ crowd will be loud and Arizona will be under pressure. A team with its back against the wall could spell trouble for Rich Rodriguez.
But coach, I can’t breathe
Arizona is traveling to Boulder, Colorado, so the altitude will be extremely uncomfortable, even for the fans making the trip. Boulder’s elevation is 5,430 feet, and the weather is expected to be mild. The Wildcats will be huffing and puffing frequently throughout the game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Arizona thrives on being the hardest working team in the country, and that will be tested on Saturday.
Road woes, blaming the yellow laundry
Arizona’s last road loss was against Stanford as the Cardinal thumped the Wildcats 55-17. Arizona thrives on being a physical and up-tempo team, so there will be a handful of calls that seem questionable against the visiting Wildcats. If the Wildcats drown themselves in penalties, it will turn from an easy conference win to a bummer in Boulder.
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