Heading into the game, everybody knew that this could be one of the tougher non-conference games of the season. They may have lost, but they played tough. Let’s give you a look at three takeaways from the game.
From the beginning snap, it was very apparent that the Arizona Wildcats were not going to run wild like they did last week against Northern Arizona. Ed Oliver is potentially a Top 5 pick in next year’s NFL draft, the Wildcats had their hands full with him all game, failing to stop him.
One thing was noticeable and evident, if Rich Rodriguez wants to choose a quarterback, he needs to stop switching them mid game, going back and forth. Let’s look at a few takeaways from the loss. That said, he warned us that he was going to play as many quarterbacks as he needs to.
Ed Oliver is going to be an NFL stud
Coming in, we’ve been saying defensive lineman Ed Oliver is a great talent and will be a top 10, potentially top 5 picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. As a true freshman in 2016, Oliver finished the season with 65 total tackles, 22 for a loss, to go along with five sacks. Those numbers are spectacular for any player, let alone a true freshman.
Last night, the Wildcats had their hands full. They allowed him to get 11 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal. Arizona may not play another defensive player of this caliber all season, but hopefully, it got them ready for a tough Pac-12 schedule.
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Khalil Tate is clearly the answer at Quarterback
Brandon Dawkins started the game at the position, and he finished the game. In the middle, Rich Rod inexplicably went to Khalil Tate. He may not have impressed in the statistical columns, but he has a better throwing motion than Dawkins, a seemingly better grasp of the offense, and is almost three years younger.
Rich Rodriguez will eventually need to choose a primary signal caller who the team can rally behind once they get into the heart of the Pac-12 play. Switching from one to the other will not work.
Defensive line needs improvement
So far through 2 games, the team only has two sacks to show for. That needs a lot of improvement, especially if the team has their sights on improving their win total from last season. The Pac-12 has some of the best offensive lines in the country, along with some of the best QB’s as well. To be a successful defensive unit, the team will need to create more pressure in the backfield.
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This was a tough battle all game long, with Ed Oliver dominating from the first snap and the Wildcats trying to show that they can do more than run the ball. The plan may not have worked, but they appear to have taken the first step towards becoming a better team in 2017. Bear Down, Arizona!