Watch: The 9 most interesting things RichRod said in Monday's press conference
Arizona's head coach made a Scooby Wright comparison to a freshman linebacker, a "fake news" reference and said someone on UTEP needed Dr. Phil after last Friday.
Wildcats look to maintain confidence heading into the Pac-12 home opener against Utah
Updated
Rich Rodriguez will receive a $6.28 million buyout after being fired by the UA on Tuesday. The firing blindsided members of the football program.
Arizona is coming off an expected win against UTEP and for the second week in a row, the Wildcats will play on a Friday night. This time, against No. 23 Utah. It's the first time this season the Wildcats will play an opponent in the AP Top 25.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez held a press conference Monday to recap the win against UTEP and looking ahead to arguably the biggest test the Wildcats have faced thus far in 2017. Here are the most interesting things he said.
All videos courtesy of the Star's sports Twitter feed, @TheWildcaster, and shot by online sports producer Justin Spears.
1. Newcomers handled UTEP road trip like pros, gained confidence
UpdatedRich Rodriguez on the team's confidence and the newcomers mindset during Arizona's first road trip at UTEP. pic.twitter.com/gTnvDBloYo
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
2. Brandon Dawkins played his best game of the season Friday
UpdatedRich Rodriguez says Brandon Dawkins played his best game of the season against UTEP. Said he practiced like he had something to prove. pic.twitter.com/Ni8AkHiq45
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
3. Dawkins is playing out of character, "more focused"
UpdatedRichRod on Brandon Dawkins' confidence growing heading into Pac-12 play: pic.twitter.com/8fTMSr1HZ9
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
4. QBs need to protect themselves better
UpdatedRichRod on quarterbacks protecting themselves when running. "Cringes" every time QBs get hit during games. pic.twitter.com/lalkPNNeOf
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
5. Yelling at his son, Rhett, against UTEP is "fake news"
UpdatedRichRod on the story about yelling at his son, Rhett, in the middle of the UTEP game. Calls it "fake news". pic.twitter.com/4RwCdEWqmu
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
6. UTEP's punter needed Dr. Phil after Shun Brown spun around him for a TD
UpdatedRichRod says the UTEP punter Shun Brown spun around on the punt return might need some "Dr. Phil moments". pic.twitter.com/K9EoJpjbqa
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
7. Scooby Schooler
UpdatedRichRod compares freshman LB Colin Schooler to Scooby Wright. pic.twitter.com/Ip0tcjByvs
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
8. Utah QB Tyler Huntley presents familiar challenge
UpdatedRichRod on Arizona's defense matching up against Utah's dual-threat QB Tyler Huntley: pic.twitter.com/DiWWenHixn
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
9. How a defensive lineman became a tight end
UpdatedICYMI: RichRod talks about the story of converting DE Jack Banda to TE against UTEP. pic.twitter.com/UYGZUkilzU
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 18, 2017
Other news:
UpdatedStatus of Arizona DE-LB DeAndre' Miller unclear for Utah game. Hasn't practiced yet. Could come down to game-time decision.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) September 18, 2017
RichRod said he thinks by the end of the year he’ll probably have played more freshmen than any other school in the country.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 18, 2017
RichRod said this is the most athletic Utah team he’s seen.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 18, 2017
