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Arizona Football: Everything you need to know about the Grambling State game

By Eric Townsend

Sep 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson (28) celebrates a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cougars won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson (28) celebrates a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cougars won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Colby Pearson (3) is tackled by Arizona Wildcats cornerback DaVonte
Sep 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Colby Pearson (3) is tackled by Arizona Wildcats cornerback DaVonte /

Arizona Football Notes:

The 2016 season didn’t quite start off with a bang as the Wildcats were hoping. Arizona had a tough challenge against a more-than-serviceable opponent in BYU, and the Wildcats ended up losing in heartbreak fashion by way of a last-second field goal.

While Arizona is favored in this one, the Wildcats need to be focused and need to find a way to get into the win column for the first time this season.

More from Wildcats Football

Even though the Tigers don’t appear to be too tough of a challenge, upsets do happen, and with the uncertainty at quarterback this week, and Arizona’s offensive struggles last week, we suppose it is possible, just not probable.

Rich Rodriguez did take some of the blame last week for the Wildcats’ inefficiencies, especially on the offensive end, and if Arizona hopes to return to a bowl game this year even with a daunting schedule, the offense is going to need to be more efficient than they were last Saturday.

Nick Wilson, of course, led the way against the Cougars, carrying the ball 17 times, and picking up 138 yards and two touchdowns last week. While it appears he seems to have returned to his dominant, freshman form, he is still considered injury prone, and but his health is going to be vital to Arizona’s success this season.

With the uncertainty of Solomon this week, Arizona will, of course, have to rely on Wilson a bit this week, and could call upon redshirt sophomore, Brandon Dawkins.

Although Solomon and Dawkins again are listed as “co-starters” on the depth chart for Grambling State, Rodriguez gave no indication that a change will be coming.

“If we’re moving the ball and scoring, great. We’ll leave the guy in there…If we’re not, we may not.”

He did say that he was “close” to playing Dawkins against BYU and that he’d like to get him some time against Grambling.

“If we’re moving the ball and scoring, great. We’ll leave the guy in there,” Rodriguez said. “If we’re not, we may not.”

Arizona’s key to this game is to start fast and start early. Just take care of business, and hopefully get out of this one healthy and victorious.

Game Prediction: Arizona 45 Grambling State 10

Listen to Coach Rodriguez as he gives his thoughts following the BYU game, as well as his preview of the Grambling State game.

Next: Arizona Football: Wildcats vs. Grambling State Tigers, three questions

At Zona Zealots, we are excited to see the first home game of the season, and as always Arizona fans are encouraged to stay the whole game. BearDown, Arizona!

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