Key numbers then: Heading into Pac-12 play, Arizona was allowing opponents to convert 44.2 percent of their third downs. That rate, which ranked 109th in the nation, represented a slight improvement from the defense’s first two seasons under coordinator Marcel Yates. However, the Wildcats were yielding a 41.4 percent conversion rate when foes faced third-and-7 or longer, significantly higher than what should be expected in those situations.
What’s happened since: In the past three games, Arizona’s opponents have converted 43.8 percent of their third downs — about the same as the first three games.
But in third-and-long situations, the UA defense has taken a significant step forward. Opponents have converted only 29.4 percent of their third downs when needing 7 or more yards.
Additionally, the defense is creating more third-and-long scenarios. Opponents averaged 9.7 third-and-long attempts in the first three games — and 11.3 in the past three. Opponents needed 7 or more yards on 55.8 percent of their third downs in the first three games, 70.8 in the past three.
Arizona is doing a better job on first, second and third downs over the past three games. The Wildcats also are faring better on fourth down. Opponents converted 8 of 10 fourth downs the first three weeks, just 2 of 6 the past three.
Progress made? Yes.
