Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after practice Tuesday morning:
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez’s message to the team on the heels of its opening-week loss to BYU: “There’s nothing that happened in the last game that we can’t correct. That’s an encouraging thing.”
* Rodriguez declined to say whether safety Tellas Jones (ankle) practiced. Jones, the Wildcats’ most active defender, missed the second half after getting hurt in the second quarter.
* Arizona quarterbacks learned who was starting on game day after the team's morning walk-through, starter Anu Solomon said.
* Rodriguez said quarterback Brandon Dawkins took the news that he wasn't starting well. "He’s a competitive guy,” Rodriguez said. “I’m sure he wanted to start."
* Rodriguez said defensive coordinator Marcel Yates was having the defense do more turnover drills today after the unit had zero takeaways against BYU.
* Rodriguez believes the special teams can play a lot better. Issues vs. BYU included the last kickoff (short of the goal line) and coverage on that kick (the Cougars started from their 31 yard-line); punt coverage; and blocking on kickoff returns.
* Solomon confirmed that intended target Tyrell Johnson got bumped on his break before Solomon’s second interception. "The ref didn’t see it,” Solomon said. “It is what it is. I can’t take it back."
* Rodriguez said his goal is to run 80-plus plays per game. Arizona ran only 56 vs. BYU. The Wildcats’ yearly averages under Rodriguez:
- 2015: 76.4
- 2014: 81.4
- 2013: 79.2
- 2012: 83.2
* The opening three-and-out (all passes) set an ominous tone for the Arizona offense vs. BYU. The minimal goal this week against Grambling State is to get some first downs and establish a rhythm.
* Rodriguez said the defense has a goal of six three-and-outs per game. Arizona had one vs. BYU.
* Rodriguez on senior receiver Nate Phillips: "Nate’s been a good player since the day we signed him. He’s a smart guy. He’s tough. He’s competitive. That’s why he’s one of our leaders. He’s got a lot of respect. He works."
