Without an Arizona football game to play this weekend, let’s dust off our crystal ball and predict what the rest of the season has in store for the Wildcats.
Washington State — Nov. 7, 2009
Regardless of it being considered an easy win, this game is crucial for future success. If the Wildcats come out and lay an egg but escape with a win, the question of whether or not they should be ranked will be everywhere. If they come out and dominate on both sides of the ball, then the confidence of both the players and the fans will be sky high moving forward.
Prediction: Arizona 44, Washington State 13
@ California — Nov. 14, 2009
This one is going to be tough for Arizona. After a convincing win over WSU, the Wildcats will likely be ranked in the top 20 in all polls, but Cal might be there, too. Don’t forget that this team was once in the top 10, and if it beats ASU and Oregon State in its next two games, then the Bears will be growling pretty loudly. I think Cal will take this game from Arizona, Washington fashion.
Prediction: Cal 31, Arizona 24
Oregon — Nov. 21, 2009
I think Oregon will beat USC this weekend, giving the Ducks all the confidence in the world and the inside track to the Rose Bowl (and maybe more). After rolling over Stanford and ASU, Oregon will coast into Tucson and run into a very, very angry Arizona team. Remember the upset two years ago? Down 20-17, Nick Foles hits Delashaun Dean in the endzone with a minute left to give Arizona the win.
Prediction: Arizona 24, Oregon 20
@ Arizona State — Nov. 28, 2009
It’s impossible to predict a rivalry because anything can happen, but I don’t think this one will be too close because Arizona’s offense is just too much for ASU’s struggling attack to keep up with. Arizona will take this one off of the momentum from the big Oregon win.
Prediction: Arizona 34, ASU 17
@ USC — Dec. 5, 2009
This is the game that everyone will be watching, and it will be the ultimate test for Arizona. The Wildcats had some tough wins, but losses to Iowa, Washington and Cal have kept Arizona from being considered elite. What better way to make a statement than to beat USC in Southern California in front of a national audience? This could be a program-defining win for Mike Stoops.
Prediction: Arizona 27, USC 23
Final Prediction: Arizona will finish 9-3 (7-2 Pac-10) and meet Oklahoma in the Holiday Bowl. A lot would need to happen in order for this matchup to go down, but how fun would a Stoops vs. Stoops showdown be?
