Where does the AP have Arizona ranked to start the season? Is it too low, just right, or too high?
Arizona ended the 2014-2015 on a rough note. With many players returning for the 2015-2016 season, Arizona figures to make some noise.
The 2015 College Football AP poll was released yesterday. Ohio State ran away with all the 1st place votes. The Pac-12 is well represented in the top 10 by Oregon (7) and USC (8). Overall, there are six Pac-12 teams ranked in the top 25: Oregon (7), USC (8), UCLA (13), Arizona State (15), Stanford (21), Arizona (22).
Arizona, ironically enough, is listed at 22, which is one spot ahead of Boise State, who beat Arizona to end the 2014-2015 season on an even more sour note. Arizona returns several key players from the 2014-2015 season that brought a Pac-12 South Championship to Tucson. Add a couple transfers, and those incoming freshman and the Arizona Wildcats look to make a case for the College Football Playoffs.
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Let’s get back to that No. 22 ranking. It seems fair enough considering how Arizona ended the year: a complete butt-kicking in the Pac-12 Championship and a loss to Boise State that was close but easily could have been a blowout. You look at those two losses and some of the games where Arizona didn’t fully show up, and a preseason No. 22 slot seems fair.
But I see a couple of teams ahead of Arizona that I question. Of course I will always question why that other Arizona school would be ranked ahead of the Wildcats, especially after we beat them last season and return basically all pivotal positions. Does Arizona State look to possibly have a good year?
Yes, as painful as it is to admit it. That said, the Pac-12 as a whole is looking to have a big impact this year and putting Arizona behind ‘that other’ school doesn’t make sense to me. Even though they are also returning key players, this years Territorial Cup is played in Tempe, and it was a close game in Tucson, I still think the Wildcats will keep the cup!
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils 42-35 to win the Pac-12 south title. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The AP poll also has Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Stanford ahead of Arizona. Looking at the rest of the poll, Arizona should be above Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and maybe Georgia Tech. Ole Miss had a nice ride last season, but when it came down to the final games, they got crushed.
Oklahoma is coming off of an 8-5 season and getting drop-kicked by Clemson. Georgia Tech…I just don’t know. Their triple option attack is still, surprisingly, baffling some defenses. But I just have a hard time thinking they are the better team when they play in the ACC, and I don’t see their defense being able to slow down Arizona.
I think Arizona is definitely a top 20 team, even top 15. We’re talking about a team that is bringing back one of the best passers in the country in Anu Solomon. A record-breaking freshman season from Nick Wilson who showed he can truck players (ask Oregon). Let’s not forget arguably one of the best wide receiver groups in the nation with Cayleb Jones, Trey Griffey, Samajie Grant, and David Richards. And this is just the offense!
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) walks on the field in between plays during the third quarter of the territorial cup against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Defensively Arizona has the best linebacker in the country, Scooby Wright, to anchor the defense along with Cody Ippolito. Davonte’ Neal has looked really good at corner, and he’s dangerous on special teams. Safety William Parks is looking to have a big impact at safety along with highly touted JUCO transfer Paul Magloire.
So is a No. 22 ranking fair? Yes. Is it just right? You could argue either way. To me, Arizona is a top 20 team for sure. But being ranked No. 22 shouldn’t put a sour taste in our collective mouths but being ranked behind that other Arizona school should.
The season is almost here. It’s time to put away the bad memories from last year. Forget the games we let slip away. Forget the Pac-12 championship. It’s a new season with the best team Coach Rich Rod has had thus far. Expectations are high. Will Arizona live up to them? I can’t wait to find out!