The Five keys for Arizona Football to make a bowl game in 2019

With just a few weeks until the start of the 2019 Arizona Football season, if the Wildcats are to make a bowl game this season, these are the five keys for them!

We’re anxious for the start of Arizona Football, and as the Wildcats prepare for 2019, they’re going to have to shake of a few of the haters and naysayers.

There’s no doubt things have been down from the end of 2018, even now heading into 2019. After the hype the Wildcats experienced prior to the start of 2018, only to fall flat, has been demoralizing for a fan base hungry for wins.

Arizona Wildcats

I’m sure I’m not alone here in saying that I along with others, had hoped for a smoother transition, especially with the seven-win Arizona team Kevin Sumlin took over. Especially with the talent he returned, with quarterback Khalil Tate being the most notable out of that group.

Unfortunately, things didn’t quite play out the way many had hoped, and that’s what has left Arizona fans down in the gutters.

It’s not easy being an Arizona fan, especially as we still long for that elusive Rose Bowl. However, while a Rose Bowl likely won’t happen in 2019, a bowl berth is still possible, but if the Wildcats are to get there, these are the five keys to Arizona’s success!

1. The play of the Offensive Line

This last season, the offensive line turned out to be a pretty good group for the Wildcats, and one that certainly got better as the season progressed. However, the downside is that a few key pieces from that group will not be here this season.

Gone from last year are; Layth Friekh, Michael Eletise, Thiyo Lukusa and Alex Kosinski most notably. That’s also not including the departure of offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, who has returned to the NFL.

Luckily, Josh McCauley will likely lead this group, and ultimately I think Arizona should be okay here with newly hired offensive line coach Kyle DeVan as well. Biasedly, I do think this is a group that will have success, and if the Wildcats are to have a good season, this is the group that Arizona’s success will be contingent upon!

2. A Strong Defensive Pass Rush

It’s no secret Arizona has experienced their fair share of struggles defensively the past few years. But most notably absent from the Wildcats the past few years, has been a lack of a serviceable pass rush.

Perhaps that can finally change! Luckily, Arizona has the majority of their pieces from last year, but will still have to replace P.J. Johnson.

Coming in are a few solid defensive pieces, some via the Junior College route, and a couple key players return from last year as well. Finally, it seems like Arizona has the size they need to compete, now it’s a matter of them getting it done!

Should the Wildcats have a solid group that improves from the 2018 season, that should put the Cats in a great position to win some games and even make a bowl game!

3. A vastly improved Defense

Much like the point above, Arizona has had their fair share of struggles defensively for quite some time now. This will be year four under defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, and the success and improvement has been marginal.

There is a reason to believe the Wildcats could see even more improvement this season and that’s one thing all Wildcat fans should be happy about. Plus, if Arizona is going to make a bowl game, this is a group that’s going to need to get it done!

4. A bit of the 2017 Tate

2018 was a year where Arizona fans perhaps had a bit too high of expectations for Tate. Despite the solid season, many still feel as if the year he had was a disappointing one.

Well, compared to the year before, where he stormed on scene, running for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns, in addition to the 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns he threw.

While we don’t expect a full 2017 form of Tate to return, if he has any sort of the running success like he had in 2017, he’s going to help jump start this offense, and keep opposing defenses honest.

Tate when healthy, is one of the most electric and dynamic athletes in college football. Arizona and Arizona fans are banking on a successful season, and a lot of will come down to Tate. If he can be just a little bit of that 2017 version, Arizona will go bowling!

5. Good Health

Seems obvious, but with the fairly limited depth the Wildcats have, health is super important. While I don’t think things need to go perfectly for Arizona to make a bowl game, they do need a few things to go there way, and health will certainly be a big part.

Should a player like Tate, any of the offensive line or any key players on defense, and it could be a long season for the Cats.

If Arizona has fortunate year of health, the Wildcats will have a great chance to go bowling!

At Zona Zealots, we’re excited for the return of Arizona Football, and are hoping for a great and successful season! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!