Arizona Football has a huge conference showdown with Stanford

This week comes as a very important one for the Arizona Football team (4-3, 2-2), as the Wildcats enter a crucial game against Stanford (3-4, 2-3).

It’s been a rough couple weeks for the Arizona Football team, as the Wildcats are in the midst of a two-game losing streak, and now face a bit of a crossroads as they take on Stanford this week!

After starting a surprising 4-1 to begin the year, two straight losses are making Arizona’s bowl prospects looking a bit bleak now. Even more concerning are the tough games that are looming.

Arizona Wildcats

To make matters worse, the quarterback situation for the Wildcats is an unknown. Khalil Tate certainly didn’t play well against the Trojans, and part of that can be attributed to the sub par play of the offensive line.

Then of course you have some pushing for the freshman Grant Gunnell to start who “better fits” Noel Mazzone’s offense, but is still a bit young.

However, if Arizona is to get back on track, maybe this is a week for them to do it. Stanford has been battling some big-time injuries, and if they still have a few key players out, I can’t help but think that helps Arizona immensely.

Nonetheless, beating Stanford, especially on the road where the Wildcats are winless this year, will be a tough challenge. With that said, here’s our ‘Week 9’ preview of Arizona’s match-up against Stanford:

Know Thy Foe:

Team: Stanford Cardinal (3-4, 2-3)

Conference: Pac-12 Conference

2018 Record: 9-4 (6-3); beat Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl last season by a 14-13 final.

Head Coach: David Shaw enters his ninth season with the Cardinal, compiling a 85-30 head coaching record. Although his team is struggling this season, Stanford will still have a tough group as they always do, and the play of Shaw’s teams are indicative of his coaching style, tough, smart and gritty.

Disregard the 3-4 record, they have a lot of talent and have typically been a bad match-up for the Wildcats.

Key Returners/ Starters: The Cardinal have largely been led by quarterback K.J. Costello, however, there is concern he may not be able to go as he battles a thumb injury. They’ve even had some solid play from Davis Mills as back-up, and it’s quite possible one if not both are back this week.

Although, it’s worth noting, the Cardinal do have a few, crucial injuries along the offensive line that could come into play.

Stanford also utilizes running back Cameron Scarlett quite heavily, and he’s been solid thus far. He’s got a powerful running style, and with the way Stanford plays, it will be tough for Arizona to match-up against.

Lastly, they have a solid corp of pass catchers and have gotten some great production from guys like Connor Wedington, Michael Wilson, Colby Parker, Osiris St. Brown and Simi Fehoko (who I think will be an incredibly tough match-up).

Defensively, the Cardinal aren’t quite as dominate this year as they have been in the past, but nonetheless they have quite a few talented players and they play tough-nosed football.

Led by leading tackler Curtis Robinson, they also like to bring a lot of pressure, and guys like; Casey Toohill, Thomas Booker, Gabe Reid and Thomas Schaffer have been incredibly successful this season.

Although Stanford has struggled in their passing defense, they have gotten some great production from secondary players like; Paulson Adebo, Andrew Pryts and Kyu Blu Kelly most notably.

Look for them to again pressure the edges like USC and Washington have done, and force Arizona to make quick decisions and pressure Tate heavily (assuming he starts).

Key Injuries: 

Arizona 

• No injuries are listed at this time

USC 

• CB- Ethan Bonner (Out) – Bonner is out for an extended period due to an unspecified injury.
• T- Walker Little (Out) – Little is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to left knee surgery.
• G- Dylan Powell (Out) – Powell is expected to miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.
• T- Devery Hamilton (Out) – Hamilton is sidelined due to a knee injury and there is no timetable for his return.
• T- Henry Hattis (Out) – Hattis suffered a season-ending leg injury.
• LB- Ricky Miezan (Questionable) – Miezan has missed the previous five games with a knee injury, and it is unknown if it will play against Arizona.
• QB- K.J. Costello (Questionable) – Costello has missed the previous three contests due to an injury to the thumb on his throwing hand. It is unknown if he will take the field versus Arizona.
• P/K- Jet Toner (Questionable) – Toner left the last game with a leg injury, and it is unknown if he will return to face Arizona.
• LB- Jacob Mangum-Farrar (Questionable) – Mangum-Farrar has sat out the previous five games due to an undefined injury, and it is unknown if he will available versus Arizona.

Game Information: 

When: Saturday, October 26th, 2019

Time: 11:30 AM PST/ 12:30 PM MST

Watch: Pac-12 Network

Where: Stanford Stadium (aka – “The Farm”) – Palo Alto, CA (50,424)

Spread: TBD

Overall Series Record: 16-14 Stanford. It’s been awhile since the Wildcats last beat Stanford. A series that Arizona once used to lead, the Cardinal have reeled off five-straight wins against the Wildcats, even winning eight of the last 10 meetings.

Last Meeting vs. Arizona: Stanford last won the meeting between these two teams, with the Cardinal dominating the Wildcats in Tucson by a 34-10 final. NFL sensation Christian McCaffrey was on that Cardinal team, rushing for 169 yards on 23 carries for two touchdowns in that win.

My Prediction: Stanford 31 Arizona 23. I think this game may be a bit of a toss-up, but really I just think this is a bad match-up for the Cats.

Arizona typically doesn’t play well against physical, smart and well-coached football teams like Stanford. They are a team that typically won’t make many mistakes and will force you to beat them by making more plays, something the Cats haven’t done the past two weeks.

The bad news for Arizona, is that Jack West WON’T be playing quarterback this weekend, which means Stanford likely won’t have the abysmal offensive showcase like they had against UCLA.

Add in the fact they lost to UCLA at home, and I think Stanford responds, especially against an Arizona team that is severely licking their wounds after being outscored 92-41 the past two games.

Prediction record so far: 4-3

At Zona Zealots, we’re hoping to see a better performance this week, and more importantly a much-needed Wildcat win! As always, Bear Down, Arizona and beat the Cardinal!