Watch: Wildcats talk RhettRod, provide season outlook ahead of UCLA trip

Wildcats return to L.A. with their premier signal-caller sidelined

Kevin Sumlin announced Tuesday that sophomore Rhett Rodriguez will start at quarterback when the Arizona Wildcats visit UCLA on Saturday.

With Tate still less than 100 percent after aggravating an ankle injury at Utah last week, the Wildcats will move on to their backup from Catalina Foothills High School. Sumlin said the change, for now, will be a one-week deal.

"It’s the best thing for (Tate). It’s just for this week, to give him a chance to get healthy."

Still, the Wildcats no doubt want to see what Rodriguez can do.

At 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the Pac-12 following a blowout road loss to Utah, Arizona needs to start piling up wins in a hurry to reach bowl eligibility. Even with two games against ranked opponents fast approaching, the Wildcats on Tuesday refused to look past the lowly Bruins.

Players talked about the upcoming matchup with UCLA, what Rodriguez brings to the field relative to Tate, and provided an outlook for the second half of the season.

Poindexter: 'He's going to make the throws'

Senior receiver Shawn Poindexter evaluates Rhett Rodriguez’s arm before the QB makes his first start at UCLA pic.twitter.com/rLvv124SnG

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 16, 2018

Minimizing mistakes

Wildcats safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles runs through the qualities that make Rhett Rodriguez a threat at quarterback pic.twitter.com/McBQ92Gbv1

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 16, 2018

Time winding down

In his senior season at Arizona, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles’ attitude hasn’t changed. “I want to win every game.” pic.twitter.com/pPNqey98oW

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 16, 2018

Brightwell lets us in on Taylor's attitude — and Fortnite habits

What kind of teammate is J.J. Taylor? Let’s put it into Fortnite terms, via Gary Brightwell pic.twitter.com/kDYTP21ycR

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 16, 2018