Arizona Wildcats - College Football Playoff Contenders?

Last season the Arizona Wildcats were Pac-12 South Champions. Will the Wildcats stay at the top of the conference, or are they in for a slide down the hill? One question comes to mind… Is it football season yet?

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The 2014-2015 football season was one of, if not the best seasons Arizona Wildcats have had in recent memory. There were some ups and downs in the season, giving rise to the term “cardiac cats.”

The heart, grit, and physical play was showcased in games the “experts” thought Arizona didn’t have a chance to win. The team went to Eugene, Oregon, and caught the Ducks off-guard. The team brought a Pac-12 South Championship to Tucson. A red-shirt Freshman QB made believers out of skeptics, and showed a bright future for Arizona football.

At the same time, we saw a team let games slip away. Arizona should have won the USC game in Tucson if not for “Icing the kicker” late time out whistles that worked and a missed field goal. The offense failed to show up against UCLA in Pasadena. Oregon absolutely crushed Arizona in the Pac-12 title game. The season still found success by playing in the Fiesta Bowl, even if the team was nowhere to be found for a large portion of the game.

So what should be expect for the 2015-2016 season? Another Division title? A Pac-12 Conference Title? College Football Playoffs?

All of these are possibilities since the team brings back a large chunk of players from last year. According to CollegeFootball.AP writer Ralph Russo, the Wildcats team and fans should begin planning a visit to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl against Penn State. The Holiday Day Bowl… hmm…

I can see why some might think Arizona has a bit of a slip this year. The Pac-12 Conference is only getting better and better. This conference could fall victim to having teams beat up on each other, which only helps teams outside of the conference. However, I think the impression left on media and some fans from the Pac-12 Championship game in addition to the Fiesta Bowl are still very vivid in their minds. That was last year. The new season is approaching fast! That said, we should put more faith in the potential this season can bring to winning.

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson (28) carries the ball during the first half against the Boise State Broncos in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Anu Solomon is only getting better with the hard work and time he’s put in. The offense will be returning several starters at the skill positions with Anu, Nick Wilson, Cayleb Jones, Trey Griffey, David Richards, Nate Phillips, Samajie Grant, all leading what will be one of the most feared offenses in the nation.

Oct 26, 2013; Boulder, CO, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright (31) hurries Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) in the second quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Defense will be anchored by “2 Star Scooby” Scooby Wright III, who as we all know had a breakout season last year, and piled up numerous awards. One of the most highly recruited Juco players in the nation last year, Paul Magloire should have an immediate impact at Safety. Add in returnees Will Parks, Derrick Turituri, Jake Matthews, Davonte’ Neal (switch to CB), and Reggie Gilbert, the defense should see a big improvement from last year, which will be needed to fend off high profile Pac-12 offenses.

With who is coming back, and a rare mix of experienced new comers, thinking Arizona will play in the Holiday Bowl is a bit low. Even with the improvement of rival Pac-12 teams, it’s not like Arizona got worse in the off-season. They got better. Winning the Pac-12 South 2 years in a row is 100% possible, and should be expected from this group.

Arizona Wildcats – College Football Playoff Contenders?

By Mark Barrera | Jun 23, 2015

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