Arizona is under the microscope for the first time in the Rich Rodriguez era. There is the argument that the spotlight was on the Wildcats last season during the ASU thriller, but the importance of the game didn’t rise until halftime when it came down to the two rivals to take the Pac-12 South.
Even though it’s early in the season, the matchup between Arizona and UCLA tomorrow has the hype and anticipation of a Pac-12 South championship. Both the ‘Cats and the Bruins are dealing with injuries that have plagued the team, but no one is more important than Scooby Wright III and UCLA two-way playmaker Myles Jack. Despite Jack being out for the season, Wright is expected to play this week, and that could make the difference in the primetime Pac-12 showdown.
With Wright back in the starting lineup, the Wildcats’ defense will get their ringleader back, and the atmosphere will be night and day. Let’s face it, Arizona’s defense looked out of place during the three games Wright was out. It’s difficult going from an All-American to a walk-on freshman calling the shots for defense.
Now if defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel can limit Wright’s playing time, then Arizona will have the upper hand in this game, especially since Jack is out of the picture. With ESPN’s College GameDay running through Tucson and the game appearing in a prime-time slot on ABC, it’s the best option for Arizona to allow Wright to play. Wright has the NFL on his mind, and with the theory of the ESPN East Coast bias, this is the best time for Wright to receive exposure to increase his draft stock.
Arizona has the opportunity to showcase its ability to compete with the big boys in the country, and if Wright gets action, then it’s a win-win situation for the Wildcats.
— Justin Spears
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As Arizona prepares to take on UCLA tomorrow night, the biggest question surrounding the game is whether All-American linebacker Scooby Wright III will suit up for the Wildcats. Listed as questionable, Wright’s impact will undoubtedly be huge if he is able to play.
This game is huge. The winner will hold a spot at the top of the Pac-12 South and gain a top-10 position in the polls.
However, Wright should sit this game out and wait one more week.
If Wright plays on Saturday, he will probably not be 100 percent healthy. That being said, head coach Rich Rodriguez and the Wildcats cannot afford to lose their star player again.
The Wildcats will take the road next week to Stanford, which upset USC last week. They will also have tough road games against ASU and the Trojans, as well. Utah will be another tough matchup that comes into Tucson.
Arizona needs Wright to be healthy for the rest of the season. He needs to be there for all of the impact games, not just this one. There is always a risk of injury in football, and the Wildcats might know that to be true better than anyone. If Wright is not completely healthy, his chances of re-injury increase.
It’s a tough call to make, but Rodriguez and the Wildcats need to have Wright’s long-term future in their plans and keep him off the field for one more week.
— Kyle Hansen
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