Arizona Football: Wildcats Run Wild in Reno
By Mark Barrera
The third meeting between Arizona and Nevada was begging for another classic, except this time around, Nevada didn’t get the memo.
Coming off of what was a poor performance from the Arizona football team against UTSA, the question all week was how the Arizona Wildcats would respond. The response came loud and clear from the first snap as the Wildcats marched down the field with ease.
Sep 12, 2015; Reno, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats slot receiver Johnny Jackson (30) dives into the end zone for a touchdown in front of Nevada Wolf Pack cornerback Ahki Muhammad (3) the first quarter of their NCAA football game at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Not even two minutes into the game, Anu Solomon found Johnny Jackson from six yards out for the touchdown. Anu completed 5 of 5 passes on the first drive to set up the score for Jackson. It was as perfect of a starting drive you could ask for, and exactly what this team needed to do.
The next question was whether the Wildcats could maintain their good start the rest of the night. Again, the answer was loud and clear as Nick Wilson burst into the end zone from 8 yards out. Nick Wilson gaining yards would be a recurring theme the rest of the night.
Here's #Arizona's two TDs from 1st qtr. #BearDown https://t.co/QujaoeVuhJ
— AZ Wildcat Country (@Wildcat_Country) September 13, 2015
The Wildcats went into halftime up 21-13, with a good showing on both sides of the ball. After being put to work last week, and with Scooby Wright out with an injury (along with many others), the defense had the most to prove in Reno. An early three-and-out from the defense was a great sign for this team.
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The Wildcats defense, with Scooby’s backup Haden Gregory suffered a knee injury and out for the game, showed no signs of a hangover. Sure, the Wolf Pack had some big gains throughout the night. But they kept answering the bell the rest of the evening, putting in solid work.
Speaking of solid work..our two offensive stars balled out tonight. Anu was very efficient on the night, even with his questionable shovel pass to avoid a sack. He finished the game 24-33 for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He showed great poise and confidence in the pocket, most notably when he got rocked on a long pass that was completed to one of his NINE DIFFERENT TARGETS!
Anu Solomon has successfully passed to NINE different receivers...Nine!
— ZonaZealotsFS (@ZonaZealots) September 13, 2015
But the MVP of the game was Nick Wilson, no question about it. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark in the first half and continued his dominance on the first drive of the 3rd quarter. After the game, Nick provided an explanation for everyone: “I always go out and run hard, I guess I can say I am a second half, player… it’s either kill or be killed.” And boy, did he kill the Wolf Pack defense.
As I said in the preview for this game, Arizona needed to come out and win the battle at the line of scrimmage. For a team with such a strong running game, week 1 was very disappointing. It was a must for the team to come out and own the running game. Nick Wilson did just that to the tune of 194 yards, on 21 attempts, with three touchdowns. Oh, and he also had 30 receiving yards! The same Arizona Wildcats running game we saw dominate teams last year.
Overall it was a superb performance all around. As it is with every game, there are still some things that need to be ironed out. It is only the second game of the season, and it feels like it’s going to be a long one at that.
Sep 12, 2015; Reno, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson (28) runs for a first down in front Nevada Wolf Pack defensive back Asauni Rufus (2) in the third quarter of their NCAA football game at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
The defense, taking into consideration how many injuries they have endured, played great. They allowed a total of 327 yards, 168 on the ground and 159 through the air, and only 7 points in the second half.
The offense continued to show how dangerous they can be when in sync. A total of 570 yards, with 301 coming on the ground, is outstanding. Ten different receivers, throughout the game, caught a pass. Running it down the throat of the defense, as Nick Wilson did all night, is what this offense is meant to do.
Note: Arizona’s backup quarterback Jerrard Randall scored a rushing touchdown and so did running back Jamardrde Cobb. True freshman Orlando Bradford also got in the game rushing for 57 yards on five carries, and his longest run was 32 yards. So an excellent all-around team win.
Coach Rich Rodriguez and company responded in a great way tonight. The players and the staff should enjoy this dominating win, and I’m sure they will. Tomorrow is a new day, a new week, and a new opponent in Northern Arizona. Let’s all celebrate getting the W tonight, and bring on the Lumberjacks!