Well, our Arizona Football team is 0-3 and have lost 10 in a row, but we have no time to pout with two very difficult games remaining on their schedule.
The first of the remaining games for Arizona Football will be against the Pac-12 South’s 2nd place team, the Colorado Buffaloes. So far, the Buffaloes are 3-0, and they have certainly looked the part.
As one of the Pac-12’s highest scoring teams, the Buffaloes are averaging a league high 34.3 points per game, which could be quite problematic for the Wildcats’ defense.
Arizona Wildcats
Even worse, is that Arizona’s offense is having a very unlike Arizona year, averaging just a very meek 22.3 points per game, the third-lowest in the Pac-12.
In Karl Dorrell’s first year as head coach with the Buffaloes, they have proven to be a well-balanced offense, with the ability to attack a defense from all angles of the field. But as most good offenses do, Colorado has a legit running game this year, led by Sophomore running back Jarek Broussard.
As a team, Colorado averages 220.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks in the top half of the Pac-12. And after surrendering nearly 300 yards against the UCLA Bruins last week, this matchup could spell trouble for an Arizona defense that is allowing 35.0 points and 229 rushing yards per game.
As if the defensive problems were not bad enough, the offense has been just as hard to watch for Cats, especially since starting quarterback Grant Gunnell went down with a shoulder injury against UCLA.
Typically a strong point for Arizona, the production has been inconsistent, to say the least, and things look to be even more challenging moving forward, as they will rely on the Freshman backup, Will Plummer, should Gunnell miss the final two games.
While Plummer has been able to show off his mobility, he has had trouble making the throws necessary to win football games. If the Cats are going to have a shot at pulling off the upset, Plummer’s ability to make accurate throws will be an important factor.
Either way, Plummer can’t do it by himself. Two other players on offense who will be important include the likes of running back Gary Brightwell and wide receiver Jamarye Joiner. Usually two of Arizona’s most dependable weapons, both Brightwell and Joiner have been having severe down years.
Their numbers this year have simply not been good enough if they want to beat the Buffaloes, and should Arizona win, they are going to need to have a bigger impact!
If these players can step up and show significant improvements in their game, the team will have a chance, but either way, it won’t be easy. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!