Arizona Football: Who is to blame for blowout loss to ASU?

Arizona Football finishes their season winless for the first time in school history, ending their season with a blowout loss to Arizona State.

You could tell that when the Arizona State Sun Devils returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, that it was going to be a long day for Arizona Football. And that is exactly how it went down in the 94th annual meeting for the Territorial Cup.

After ASU returned the opening kick for a touchdown, it only got worse from there for the Wildcats, especially as running back Gary Brightwell fumbled the ball on the Wildcat’s second play from scrimmage inside the ten.

Arizona Wildcats

Just 56 seconds into the game, and already the Sun Devils were up 14-0. Arizona was routed by a final score of 70-7, yes you read that correctly, 70-7. The worst loss to the Sun Devils in program history.

Unfortunately for myself, I don’t think I have seen such a horrible football game played. There is so much blame to go around this loss, that it is more funny than sad really. So let’s break down who the blame should be directed towards, shall we?

Kevin Sumlin

As is the norm in the sports world, when a team plays as poorly as the UofA has the last couple of years, all eyes turn towards the head coach and work their way down. During Kevin Sumlin’s tenure here, the Wildcats have never had a winning season, been to a bowl game and worst of all, never beaten ASU.

The first two things might (and I strongly emphasize the word “might” here) be excusable so early in Sumlin’s tenure if it weren’t for the fact that he is winless against that team up North.

With the team losing 70-7, it seems almost inevitable that Sumlin will be fired, and with good reason too.

With last night’s performance and effort, it seemed apparent that the team quit. Like they don’t have an investment in this coaching staff or season anymore.

I have been watching UofA football for 11 years, and I have seen my share of bad football, particularly dating back to the Mike Stoops era. But even he was able to get his teams prepared for the game against ASU.

I have no doubt that Coach Sumlin deserves the majority of the blame for the pitiful performance against ASU, and for all that has transpired during his time here.

I think I speak for all of my colleagues at Zona Zealots when I say that we hope the UofA can get their issues fixed. We wholeheartedly love our UofA teams, and this one hurts. Bear Down, Arizona!