Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ weekly news conference at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility:
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez said he “might” start quarterback Anu Solomon on Saturday at Oregon State. Starting Brandon Dawkins against Colorado was the “head coach’s decision,” Rodriguez said. I’ll have more on the quarterbacks later today.
* Rodriguez said his message to the team Sunday was about “focusing on just playing ball and keeping the outside noise outside.” He said the team owes it to the seniors to “end on a good note.”
* Rodriguez described this season as “maybe the most frustrating year I’ve ever had.” Arizona (2-8, 0-7 Pac-12) has been plagued by injuries, bad luck and other misfortune during its seven-game losing streak. The results, Rodriguez said, are not a reflection of how hard everyone is working.
* The inconsistency of the officiating is another source of frustration for Rodriguez. Entirely different interpretations were made for disputed receptions the past two weeks. Rodriguez said he will bring two other calls to the attention of the league – the chop block and intentional grounding called against the Wildcats in the first half vs. the Buffaloes.
* Rodriguez said he hasn’t lost confidence in Josh Pollack’s kicking ability, even though he missed 3 of 4 field-goal attempts vs. Colorado. Pollack will remain the starting placekicker. There could be a change at punter.
* Rodriguez indicated that kickoff specialist Edgar Gastelum wouldn’t play for Arizona again. Gastelum missed the Colorado game because of a concussion, which Rodriguez said happened when Gastelum got hit in the head by a ball in practice. “I’m not going to say the concussion is the reason he might not be playing,” Rodriguez said. “I wouldn’t expect to see him suited up, let’s put it that way."
* Rodriguez on receiver-turned-tailback Samajie Grant’s pro prospects: “I think he’s going to have a chance. Because he loves football. He’s a smart football player. He understands schemes and concepts, and he’s a talented guy. I’m really proud of him.”
* Rodriguez on Oregon State: “They remind me a little bit of where Colorado was a year ago or two years ago. They’ve clearly gotten better. They’re in a lot of close games. They’ve lost some close games. They’ve got some skill guys They believe in what they’re doing.”
* Rodriguez complained about the late start for Saturday’s game – 7:30 Pacific Time, 8:30 in Arizona. “It’s ridiculous,” he said. I’ll have more on this topic later as well.
