After two straight blowout losses, Arizona is looking for a spark to salvage what is left in its schedule. With Oregon State in town this weekend, the Wildcats have a chance to get back on the winning track.
Arizona was without quarterback Anu Solomon last week against Stanford because of a head injury he sustained against UCLA.
While Solomon had a tough game against the Bruins, he is the better option at quarterback whenever he is available. Arizona’s offense is full of playmakers and Solomon under center will help put the Wildcats back into the win column Saturday afternoon.
Solomon’s return to the field would be a huge boost for a team that has suffered too many injuries to count this season.
Think about it. The offense could regain its flow if the sophomore leader returns. Don’t get me wrong, Jerrard Randall has been one of the most exciting players on the team with his speed and big-play ability, but Solomon is a more accurate passer and game-ready quarterback.
Arizona’s offense was one dimensional against Stanford. The team tried to run a lot because Randall overthrew a lot of receivers. Solomon’s game opens the playbook and the Wildcats offense become a potent threat again.
Not to mention the help it gives running back Nick Wilson. Wilson’s play took a hit when Solomon wasn’t under center to take the pressure off of him, as he ran for only 46 yards on 17 carries against Stanford. In games Solomon played, Wilson averaged 139.75 yards per game.
The Wildcats are 3-0 in games that Solomon has started and played the majority of. In games he has missed time, Arizona is 0-2.
— Kyle Hansen
VS
Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon is still listed as day-to-day, but he has been practicing this week in preparation for Oregon State and will attempt to revive the Wildcats after their two-game skid to open Pac-12 Conference play.
This is bad news for Wildcat fans and even worse for Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez.
Solomon is returning from a concussion he suffered against UCLA after sliding and taking a blow to the back of the head from a flying knee.
Dizziness, migraines and sensitivity to light are all symptoms of a concussion.
Arizona is playing an afternoon game in which the sun will be out and dehydration will be a strong factor.
Playing Solomon and relying on him spells Scooby Wright III 2.0. Even though the Wildcats are eager for their sophomore leader to stand behind center, the risk of Solomon taking another shot to the head and leaving the game is at an all-time high.
For the sake of argument, let’s say Solomon is completely healthy and starts Saturday; Arizona is still trying to grease the wheels from the previous two games.
The offense might take until the third quarter to find its groove, but increasing the pass game will take away from Nick Wilson’s production.
Wilson, at this point in the season, is the center point of this offense with six touchdowns, which is a team high excluding quarterbacks.
Utilizing Solomon only spells trouble for Arizona on Saturday, and against a rebuilding Oregon State squad, the Beavers will enter this week’s matchup with a chip on their shoulder. Boy, would they love to put a bigger stain to Arizona’s season and completely eliminate the Wildcats from traveling to Levi’s Stadium.
— Justin Spears
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