Every week throughout the season, we take a look back at the Arizona Wildcats’ previous game after re-watching it via the TV broadcast. Here are five key takeaways from the UA’s 24-13 loss to Colorado on Saturday:
1. FEELING THE PRESSURE
Sometimes it’s easy to determine the turning point in a football game. Other times it’s not so obvious. Upon reviewing Arizona’s school-record 11th consecutive defeat, we concluded that the turning point happened in the second quarter and fell into the latter category. The Wildcats had a 13-0 lead. They had the ball at the CU 40-yard line facing third-and-5. They had a chance to go up 16-0 or even 20-0. Instead, the Buffaloes sacked Will Plummer, forcing a punt. At that moment, it was as if the lightbulb went on. Colorado’s coaches realized that if they could get Arizona into third-and-medium or third-and-long situations, they could dial up blitzes that would befuddle the Wildcats’ struggling offensive line. On that particular play, the Buffs brought six rushers. Safety Isaiah Lewis came in free off the left edge. Tailback Michael Wiley tried to get to him from Plummer’s right but couldn’t. Right guard Robert Congel got beaten to the outside by linebacker Carson Wells. Left tackle Donovan Laie got beaten to the inside by linebacker Joshka Kustav. It happened again and again from that point forward, just like the previous week against UCLA. Four of five UA possessions bridging the second and third quarters ended with sacks. If Plummer wasn’t sacked, he was pressured. Arizona didn’t score the rest of the night.
2. RED-ZONE BLUES
Despite those persistent pass-protection problems, Arizona was able to move the ball in the second half. The Wildcats twice advanced inside the CU 5-yard line. They came away empty both times. In the past two games, they have scored only one touchdowns in six trips inside the red zone. The first drive ended with a Plummer pick on a tipped pass that might have been intercepted even if it hadn’t been deflected. But we’re going to break down the second sequence, which better illustrates the issues with Noel Mazzone’s offense. Arizona had four plays from the 7-yard line and in. On each, the Wildcats used three receivers, one tight end and one running back – their most frequently used formation anywhere on the field. By contrast, when Colorado got in close, they put QB Sam Noyer under center and utilized two tight ends and a fullback. Does that guarantee success? No. But it’s different, and it requires an adjustment. Anyway, on third-and-goal from the 3, Arizona ran for the third straight time – into an eight-man box. The receivers were one on one with no safety help, but no pre-snap change was made. After a 2-yard loss, the Wildcats had no choice but to pass. The concept was good this time, with slot receiver Brian Casteel running to the corner behind two in-breaking routes. But with two defenders closing in on him, Plummer couldn’t get enough juice on the ball. The pass was broken up.
3. IMPROVING EYES
Run defense obviously was a major issue again for the Wildcats, who surrendered 407 yards on the ground. But we want to focus on a positive in this item – an area where Arizona is improving defensively. The Cats are starting to play with better eyes under first-year defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. They’re recognizing what they’re seeing and reacting accordingly. It was evident on all three of Arizona’s takeaways (its first forced turnovers of the season). Safety Isaiah Mays caused La’Vontae Shenault to fumble, but it was Rourke Freeburg who read the jet sweep, fought through a block and forced Shenault to slow down. While Freeburg wrapped him up, Mays poked the ball away. On both of linebacker Anthony Pandy’s interceptions, he dropped into a deep zone. You could see him reading Noyer’s eyes. In both cases, Pandy flowed to where he thought the ball was headed. Sure enough, it came. Rhoads has been using a ton of zone coverage, at least in part to offset Arizona’s lack of depth at linebacker and defensive back. The Wildcats are becoming adept at it.
4. THIS TIME IT’S PERSONNEL
Each week we provide some notes on individual players, so here goes … RB Michael Wiley is among Arizona’s most improved players. He’s running with greater force and verve. The next step is to improve his reads and execution in pass protection. ... Not only did Casteel catch three passes for a team-high 71 yards, he drew two pass-interference penalties worth an additional 30. ... Freshman WR Ma’jon Wright made the key block on Jamarye Joiner’s 33-yard punt return. ... Although he committed a holding penalty and missed an assignment late, it might be time to give freshman Josh Baker a start at left guard. ... Sophomore DT Kyon Barrs continues to play with great effort. He also drew penalties on Colorado on back-to-back plays (one was declined). ... Senior DT Myles Tapusoa had a strong sequence early in the fourth quarter (3-yard tackle for loss, stop for 1 yard) but needs to play under control (two 15-yard flags). ... Mays is showing promise at a new position after primarily playing cornerback in junior college. If he continues to progress, he could be in position to start next season.
5. CUP HALF EMPTY
It’s pretty much Territorial Cup or bust at this point for Kevin Sumlin and the Wildcats. His future at Arizona could depend on the outcome of Friday’s game. Another loss not only would be the Wildcats’ 12th in a row, it would be Sumlin’s third in as many tries against rival Arizona State. Arizona cannot salvage this season. The Wildcats’ best possible record is 2-4 (with the final opponent to be determined). A 1-5 mark would drop Sumlin’s record here to 10-20 – but if that one win comes against ASU, it might be enough to save his job. Arizona isn’t in position, financially, to swallow a $7.5 million buyout. But UA athletic director Dave Heeke also has to weigh the cost of bringing Sumlin back if the losing streak persists into 2021. Fan enthusiasm has ebbed to say the least. If UA fans are allowed to attend games next fall, will they show up to support a Sumlin-led program? One other Territorial Cup subplot: the health of QB Grant Gunnell. The Wildcats clearly missed him the past two weeks. They could really use him Friday.
