Arizona Football Week 1: Northern Arizona University includes Coaches sons
By Eric Brown
The 2017 Arizona Football season finally commences on September 2nd. With FCS Rival Northern Arizona first up on the schedule, let’s break down the Wildcats first opponent.
How to Watch: September 2nd, 8 P.M. on Pac 12 Networks
Score Prediction: Arizona 70 – Northern Arizona 24
The first game up for the Wildcats is finally less than a week away. On September 2nd Arizona Football will face off against in-state opponent Northern Arizona University (NAU). The last time Arizona played against Northern Arizona, they set many school records on their way to demolishing the Lumberjacks by a final score of 77-13. Surely, things can’t be that great again. Or can they?
In 2015, the Wildcats broke the record for points and total yards, 77 and 792 respectively. The team still has not announced who will be the starting QB for the matchup.
Arizona Wildcats Football
No matter who lines up under Center to begin the game, look for two others, possibly even three quarterbacks to see snaps as the game goes on, as this projects to be a blowout.
The defense has their hands full, as Northern Arizona is no slouch on offense. If the Wildcats are not careful, it could be an upset of epic proportions. Emmanuel Butler will be the main guy for the Lumberjacks, last season he put up a line that any high D1 athlete would love to have, finishing with 69 Catches, 1,003 yards, and nine Touchdowns.
One thing that will be worth looking forward to is former high school teammates Rhett Rodriguez and Max Michalczik‘s teams facing off against each other for the first time. Max is the son of Arizona offensive line assistant coach, Jim Michalczik. Max, unfortunately, injured his shoulder the night we interviewed him on Catalina Foothills Senior night but is recuperating nicely. “I’m still very excited for this game and to be on the sideline as a collegiate athlete for the first time,” explained Max, “I’m waiting to see how I do next week when I get cleared [on red shirting].”
This would still be a fun family dinner to attend after the game.
The Lumberjacks also have junior linebacker Jake Casteel playing in this one. Casteel is of course the son of former defensive coordinator, Jeff Casteel.
ZZ Interviewed with Rhett Rod after his senior day game:
ZZ Interview with Max Michalczik:
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Arizona will likely win this first matchup of the season. Many quarterbacks may see the field. Or Rich Rodriguez will start with who he left off with last season Brandon Dawlkins and go from there. One thing is for sure, Rodriguez and Rod Smith will need to figure out what works best for his team the rest of the season. Who do you think will have a standout game? Let us know in the comments below.