Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Tuesday morning:
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez was noncommittal about the quarterback situation for the Colorado game Saturday. “It’s going to be a feel thing,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you who’s going to be the first one out there.” Brandon Dawkins started the past two weeks. Anu Solomon came on in relief. Dawkins appeared to get banged up at the end of the first half vs. Washington State.
* Solomon on his performance: “Watching the film, I felt like I was a little bit uncomfortable, a little bit antsy at times, and other times I just felt like I could’ve done better – the laterals, my fumble. But all in all, I did an all-right job. Got the rust off me. Hopefully I can do a better job this week.”
* Rodriguez said Dawkins looked rusty after coming back from a rib injury and a concussion. “That’s probably understandable,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve gotta shake that off and just play better."
* Guard Freddie Tagaloa started and played extensively vs. Washington State. His self-review: “I played pretty well, played better than I did at the beginning of the season. As long as I keep progressing, I’m going to be happy with the way I’m playing. But overall, it really doesn’t matter if I do good if we lost 69-7.”
* Rodriguez on Arizona's weekly field-position deficit: "The margin’s probably one of the worst in the country." According to the website bcftoys.com, Arizona is tied for 126th in the nation – out of 128 teams – in net starting field position (minus-10.3 yards).
* All of Arizona's offensive numbers are down this season. “I haven’t really looked at the numbers, but I don’t have to,” Rodriguez said. “I know it’s not good." I’ll have more on this topic later.
* Rodriguez on trying to win vs. playing younger players: “The message to the team is that you’re trying every week to win. To be fair to the seniors and the program, you try all you can to win."
* Rodriguez said it seems as if the players are focused when he's around them. "But I could be getting tricked too," he said.
* Rodriguez said he's seeing good leadership from the team in this time of crisis, particularly "outside the building,” where players are trying to block out the noise from critics.
* With the program having a down year, Rodriguez said there's more talk with recruits about playing-time opportunities. He and his staff are more liable to say, "We could use your help."
* Rodriguez said Colorado’s turnaround began two seasons ago; it just wasn't evident in wins and losses. The Buffaloes lost a lot of close games the past two years. Now they’re 7-2 and ranked in the top 20.
