Arizona Wildcats Musings for Season Opener Vs UTSA
By Brad Malone
Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) on the field during the first quarter against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Good news Arizona Wildcats fans. The Cats are 1-0 after winning their home opener 42-32 over University of Texas San Antonio.
It was wonderful to finally be at a game at Arizona Stadium for the first time in nine months. The last time I was there, the Territorial Cup was given back to it’s rightful owners.
Arizona Wildcats
Not only did the Cats win against the Roadrunners, but it was the most pleasant home opener I can ever remember. The rain stopped just before kickoff and it hovered around 70 degrees for most of the game.
Now I know some of you are a little upset about the display our Cats showed last night, but before you give up on the season and start talking about basketball, let’s review what happened against the Roadrunners, in a new weekly series called Malone’s Musings. It wasn’t all bad.
Say It Ain’t So Scooby
As of this morning there is no word on the extent of Scooby Wright’s knee injury, although Anthony Gimino reported Wright’s Father thought the injury was ‘not major’.
Not having the best defender in the nation on the field made an obvious difference. The Cats surrendered an eyebrow raising 525 yards of total offense. Even with Wright on the field these Cats are expected to give up a bunch of yards, but Arizona made up for it in this game by scoring two defensive touchdowns and blocking a field goal.
This trend of big timely defensive plays will most likely have to continue if the Cats are to have a chance at another special season, especially if they regularly give up 500 yards a game.
Deja Vu All Over Again
In last year’s Territorial Cup Anthony Lopez became a fast hero after he pulled off a scoop and score during ASU’s first offensive series.
Against the Roadrunners Lopez did it again, but this time he scored the first touchdown of the game by pulling off a pick six early in the first quarter. It was the most exciting play of the night.
Offense to Defense to Offense
During his red shirt freshmen year in 2012, Johnny Jackson was a cog in the Arizona Offense. After a quiet sophomore season he moved over to the defense for his junior year.
Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon (12) prepares to pass during the second quarter against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
After making little impact on the other side of the ball it was decided to give him another chance at receiver for his senior year.
After one game it looks like a great plan. Jackson led the team with eight receptions for 101 yards. His second quarter 21-yard touchdown reception from Anu Solomon gave the Cats a 21-10 lead.
The Doghouse
Nick Wilson got into the Rich Rodriguez doghouse early in the second quarter. Wilson made Arizona’s first turnover of the season by fumbling on an Arizona drive in Roadrunners territory.
Jared Baker is a name we heard a lot in camp and Rich Rod did not hesitate to bring him in to be the man at running back, while Wilson did some deep thinking on the bench.
By the time Wilson got back into the game he seemed to have learned his lesson. He finished with 97 yards rushing, including a pretty sweet 21-yard zig zag run that got me out of my seat.
Royalty Returns
Senior Sir Thomas Jackson has had a rough couple of years on the field. He was a main contributor his freshman year but has not been called on much since.
He may have only been credited with 2.5 tackles last night but it was sure nice to hear his name called over the P.A. on a more regular basis.
Second Year Quarterback
A lot is expected of Anu Solomon this year. His freshman year was stellar but had a few critics.
He had a few more three and outs than he would have liked against the Roadrunners, including one to start each half.
It seemed Solomon’s timing may have been a bit off, overthrowing receivers numerous times, but overall his performance got the job done.
He still finished the game 22 of 36 for 229 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. The often sacked Solomon of last year was only sacked once against UTSA.
He made something out of nothing during the touchdown pass to Jackson. Solomon looked like he was done for, but he bobbed and weaved his way to safety before connecting with Jackson on a 21-yard touchdown pass.
Final Thought
Remember how last year when the Cats escaped San Antonio with a three-point win and how you worried about it the rest of the season?
I didn’t think so.
If you were anything like me you forgot all about it the second the Hill Mary happened or if it still was in the back of your mind after that, Scooby stripped Marcus Mariota in Eugene and it was erased from your brain as if Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith flashed a light in your face.
If the Cats can survive the road next week at Nevada and find a way to beat UCLA in three weeks for the first time in the Rich Rod era you probably will never give the Roadrunners another thought for the rest of your life.
Let’s just hope Scooby is OK.