The Arizona Wildcats may be No. 21 in the AP Poll, but if you’re reading this chances are they are No. 1 in your heart.
The preseason ranking, for all it’s actually worth, is a sign of how far the program has come and just how far it still has to go. No longer is Arizona seen as any kind of bottom feeder, but then again even with the most stacked roster the program has had in some time they are also not seen as a true contender. Given where the Wildcats were just a few years ago this is certainly not a bad place to be.
Given where they were just a few months ago, after the head coach who guided them to 10 wins and an Alamo Bowl victory left for Washington, it’s a place to be. Unfortunately as we all know, preseason rankings are fun when you’re a part of them but mean nothing other than you’re expected to be pretty good. Arizona is going into this season with quite a bit of hype and a talented roster, but there are some big questions that will need to be answered if the program is to at least maintain its 2023 level, if not take another step forward.
Now, with fall camp in full swing and the season opener on the horizon seems like a good time to take a look at what we can be sure of with this team and what, as it stands, we need to learn. that is elite and the team’s best QB heading into a season since at least Anu Solomon in 2015 but maybe before then. could perhaps make a claim heading into the ‘18 season, but the coaching change set him back.
Fortunately that doesn’t appear to be the case this time around, as and company have made it a point to say they are not trying to reinvent the Arizona wheel. They will undoubtedly install plays of their own, but letting Fifita do what he’s proven to do well is absolutely the right approach. With an offseason as the unquestioned starter, Fifita is poised to build off what he’s done and take his game to another level.
what the offensive line will look like. Or, more specifically, what will happen at left tackle. Arizona may very well bring back four last year’s five starters, but replacing — who was drafted in the first round by the — will be no easy feat.
Originally projected as the likely left tackle, it was announced sophomore would not be with the team this season. Reports are but until he or someone else proves capable of handling the job, this will be a worrisome question. Protecting Fifita is key to the team’s chances, and his blindside must remain clean.
the secondary is pretty stacked. Yes, there is one starting cornerback spot available but there seem to be some excellent options and the rest of the back line is filled with not only talent, but experienced talent. and form one of the league’s best safety duos, with waiting in the wings (or elsewhere on the field).
As for those corners, is elite and is as solid as it gets. The Big 12 figures to be a passing league and the Cats’ secondary will get tested, but if , or one of the other newcomers emerges Arizona will be just fine. what Arizona has at tight end.
Or, rather, if Arizona has enough at the position. was a revelation for the Cats, a true every-down player who was effective as a blocker and excellent as a receiver. His ability to make plays and pick up yards after the catch were a luxury Arizona was fortunate to have, as he allowed Fifita to burn defenses that focused too much on the receivers.
Is ready to take on the role of pass catcher? Has put it all together to the point where he is ready to make good on his potential? Will experience, size or all-around game find its way onto the field? The Cats figure to employ a multiple-TE offense a good number of plays and while Arizona does not need greatness out of the position to have an effective offense, solid play is a must. Arizona’s leadership and camaraderie are not only good, but special. This team largely stayed in Tucson because it wanted to stick together, because of their bond and interest in seeing this through.
Egos were put aside for the betterment, or at least the idea, of the team. That is largely unheard of at this level, especially in the era of NIL and the transfer portal. This is all intangibles that cannot be measured in a box score, but it’s difficult to imagine it will not help or prove to be a difference-maker in a close game.
Where other teams may splinter with adversity or turn its focus to the next stop, this one figures to be all in with not only this season, but each other. how much of a downgrade, if any, this coaching staff will be. Brennan arguably won the offseason with the retention of talent and addition of some quality pieces via the portal, but the fact remains that the previous staff was able to win 10 games and the current one has never coached together before and, for many, at this level.
Not only are they taking over a Power Four program but one that is ranked. There is no soft landing here, unfair that may be. The good news is there is no reason to think this staff cannot get the job done, but there isn’t much room for growing pains or a learning curve with a team that has playoff aspirations.
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