Biggest Takeaways in the Arizona Football loss to Utah

Falling to 3-6 (1-5) on the season after their loss to No. 12 Utah, we take a look at the major takeaways from the Arizona Football loss. 

We are now into the final few weeks of the 2022 season for Arizona Football, and despite the Wildcats scoring 20 points and 387 yards of offense, the Wildcats fell flat on Saturday evening.

Returning to action against a talented and physical Utah team, the Wildcats had to battle mistakes and inclement weather, and despite competing late, it wasn’t enough as Arizona surrendered 306 yards rushing and five touchdowns as the Utes cruised to the 45-20 win.

So with Arizona Football now falling to 3-6 (1-5) on the season, we look at the major takeaways following the Wildcats’ loss to No. 12 Utah.

Arizona’s Defense has made Zero Progress this Season

As we approach the final few weeks of the 2022 season, sadly, this defense has not made any progress this season.

Look, I understand, the Wildcats don’t have the talent to truly be successful, especially in a conference that predicates itself on high-flying offenses; however, with a first-year defensive coordinator in Johnny Nansen, this group has been a disappointment.

Every week, we see the same mistakes being made, guys out of position, missed tackles, etc., and don’t bank on seeing any modicum of improvement when the final whistle blows on the 2022 season.

The play Calls on 3rd and 4th and Long were Strange and Unnecessary 

Jedd Fisch and the Wildcats have put together an impressive offense this year, but on Saturday against Utah, Arizona was all out of sorts.

Turning the ball over four times, gaining just 387 yards, and scoring 20 points, it was an offensive performance that pales in comparison to recent weeks for the Cats.

Beyond that, Arizona had a couple of bizarre instances and play calls on 3rd and 4th and long situations. Instead, going for some deep passes, the play calls were a bit strange and concerning for an offense that hasn’t had many problems in moving the ball recently.

Pac-12 Refs are still hot garbage

Making an appearance on this list again are the conference’s less-than-stellar officials, as once again on Saturday, the conferences’ porous officiating was on full display.

Look, there is no way I am blaming the refs for this loss, after all, they were not the reason that Arizona’s defense gave up 457 yards of offense and 45 points; however, a couple of crucial, blown calls did not help this one either.

From the overturned Michael Wiley touchdown, and the questionable pass interference on Christian Rolland-Wallace, there were surely a couple of head-scratchers in this one.

The Pac-12 has to do something, because it is getting downright embarrassing, and I don’t know how Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff and the conference can continue to say they are committed to the excellence of this conference when the product on the field week in and week out tells a different story.

Slow and Steady Progress

This time last year, Arizona was 1-8, finally picking up their first win of 2021. We have seen some progress, but Arizona is still far from perfect.

Fans (including us), have to remind ourselves that we are barely into year two of a lengthy rebuild, and progress will continue to be slow, especially at a place like Arizona where winning isn’t easy.

Arizona has made some strides this season, but patience and support are still needed for this program to succeed!

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