Here's a week-by-week look at Arizona's 2018 football schedule
-
Michael Lev
Sports Reporter/Columnist
- Updated
Editor's note: This story is part of the Arizona Daily Star's 2018 college football preview.
Bye, bye, bye? Kevin Sumlin, Cats have to wait until November
Updated
Head coach Kevin Sumlin watches the Wildcats run through their paces on Friday, Aug. 10, as Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season.
Three years ago, the Arizona Wildcats didn’t have a true bye until, well, they never really had one. It was like adding insult to their injuries.
This year, Arizona doesn’t have a bye until Nov. 10.
Better late than never, right?
At least the Wildcats don’t have to face Stanford or Washington, who have won two of the past three Pac-12 championships. (The Cardinal has won three of the past six.)
Arizona also has only five road games, with only one back-to-back (Utah and UCLA).
Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of Arizona’s 2018 schedule:
Game 1: BYU
UpdatedWhen: Saturday, 7:45 p.m.
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: ESPN
What to expect: The emergence of Khalil Tate and the hiring of Kevin Sumlin have created a palpable buzz around the UA program. The opener provides the first opportunity to see their working relationship in action. Arizona opened as a 15.5-point favorite over BYU, which struggled to a 4-9 record last season – the Cougars’ first sub.-500 mark since 2004, the last year of the forgettable Gary Crowton era. BYU was awful offensively, has a new coordinator and could have a new quarterback if freshman Zach Wilson beats out senior Tanner Mangum.
Player to watch: DE Corbin Kaufusi. The senior led BYU in sacks last year (six) and is one of the most disruptive members of what should be the Cougars’ strongest position — their defensive front. Kaufusi is listed at 6-9, 275 pounds, and he’s part of a family with deep BYU athletic ties, including father Steve, a former assistant coach, and older brother Bronson, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Corbin Kaufusi will provide an immediate test for Arizona’s rebuilt offensive line, which won’t have veteran left tackle Layth Friekh for the first two games.
All time: Arizona leads the series 12-10-1. The teams have split their past four meetings. BYU won the most recent one, the 2016 opener, 18-16 in Glendale. That game turned out to be the penultimate start of QB Anu Solomon’s UA career.
Game 2: at Houston
Updated
Khalil Tate saw action in the Wildcats' home tilt with Houston a year ago. Arizona narrowly lost 19-16.
When: Sept. 8, 9 a.m.
Where: TDECU Stadium (capacity: 40,000), Houston
TV: Ch. 9 or ESPN2
What to expect: This game will be heated, in more ways than one. First, kickoff is at 11 a.m. Central, so it’s going to be hot and humid. Second, it marks the return of Sumlin, who guided the Cougars to a 35-17 record over four seasons before leaving for Texas A&M. Third, star DT Ed Oliver began trash-talking Khalil Tate in summer; Tate is unlikely to respond publicly, but he won’t forget Oliver’s proclamation that he’d give Tate a “nightmare.” Finally, the Wildcats won’t forget how the Cougars marched into Arizona Stadium and beat them last year.
Player to watch: Oliver. There’s no other choice. If there’s such a thing as the consensus best player in college football, it’s the Houston junior who plays like a slightly bigger Aaron Donald. In two seasons, Oliver has accumulated 39.5 tackles for losses, including 10.5 sacks; 12 passes defensed; and five forced fumbles. He more than lived up to the hype against the Wildcats, finishing with 11 stops, including 1.5 TFLs, and a forced fumble. He presents a problem for any offensive line, let alone Arizona’s patchwork unit.
All time: This is the fourth meeting between the schools. Houston has won twice. Last year, a less-than-100 percent Tate made only a brief second-half appearance for the Wildcats, who held the Cougars to just two points after halftime but still lost.
Game 3: SOUTHERN UTAH
Updated
Southern Utah quarterback Patrick Tyler
When: Sept. 15, 8 p.m.
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Networks
What to expect: No offense to the Thunderbirds, but this is the least attractive game on Arizona’s home schedule. So the atmosphere could depend largely on how the Wildcats fare in their first two games. If they go 2-0, it should be pretty lively. If they’re 1-1, it could be relatively subdued. Regardless, Arizona should win easily. And if the Wildcats can pull away early enough, they can give some young players an opportunity to play — without them losing a year of eligibility thanks to the new redshirt rule.
Player to watch: TE Logan Parker. The senior has ideal size at 6-4, 250. He led the team with five TD receptions last season and ranked second in catches (43) and yards (560). Arizona’s secondary at times had trouble with bigger receivers last year, so Parker will provide a test for Demetrious Flannigan-Fowles and his teammates. The question is whether Southern Utah can get Parker the ball. The Thunderbirds are breaking in a new quarterback.
All time: This is the first meeting between Arizona and Southern Utah, which won the Big Sky Conference last year. The Thunderbirds played at Utah in 2016 and Oregon in ’17, getting swept by a combined score of 101-21.
Game 4: at Oregon State
Updated
When: Sept. 22, time TBA
Where: Reser Stadium (capacity: 45,674), Corvallis
TV: TBA
What to expect: This should go better for the Wildcats than the last time they visited Corvallis — a miserable 42-17 loss in the next-to-last week of the desultory 2016 season. The Beavers are in the throes of rebuilding; no Pac-12 program is further from contention. Is there some concern that Arizona will overlook them with USC up next? Maybe. But the Wildcats should have enough leadership to stay locked in, especially in the league opener at a place where they got embarrassed two years ago.
Player to watch: WR Timmy Hernandez. Hernandez was a two-way star at Pima College after prepping at Phoenix Mountain Pointe. He scored his first career touchdown in the ’16 game against the Wildcats and had three receptions for 31 yards and a TD against them last year. However, as with Southern Utah, there are major questions about the QB position. Presumed starter Jake Luton had a tenuous hold on the job at best as the Beavers worked their way through training camp.
All time: Arizona leads the series 23-15-1 and has won two of the past three meetings. Last year’s 49-28 victory in Tucson was the Wildcats’ only win in November. Arizona rushed for a school-record 534 yards.
Game 5: USC
Updated
When: Sept. 29, time TBA
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: TBA
What to expect: This has the potential to be the most electric atmosphere at Arizona Stadium since the UCLA game in 2015 — if the Wildcats hold up their end of the bargain. If they’re 4-0 and ranked heading into the game, it becomes a potential destination for ESPN’s “College GameDay.” Regardless of its record, this is an opportunity for Arizona to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the Pac-12 South. USC will have a new QB but remains a heavy favorite in the division.
Player to watch: LB Cameron Smith. Smith is the senior leader of what could be the best defense in the Pac-12. Smith had a team-high 112 tackles last season, including 11 for losses. Smith had just four stops in last year’s meeting, in which Tate rushed for 161 yards and nearly led a massive second-half comeback. It’ll be up to Smith to quickly deduce what Tate is up to and direct his teammates to the right spots — or track down the explosive QB himself.
All time: The Trojans lead the series 33-8 and have won seven of the past eight meetings, including five straight. Nine straight were decided by eight or fewer points until the past two years, when USC won by 34 and 14 points, respectively.
Game 6: CAL
Updated
Cal’s Patrick Laird finds the end zone as Arizona’s Jarrius Wallace and Colin Schooler try to hang on.
When: Oct. 6, time TBA
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: TBA
What to expect: A lot depends on how the previous week transpires. Remember that ’15 UCLA game we referenced? Arizona got crushed, Scooby Wright got hurt, and the team never fully recovered. If they upset USC, the Wildcats would be flying high — but would have to guard against a letdown. If they lose to USC, they would be seeking to get back on track. The Golden Bears won’t be lacking for motivation after falling to the Cats 45-44 in double overtime last year in Berkeley.
Player to watch: RB Patrick Laird. A former walk-on, Laird emerged as Cal’s lead back last season. He rushed for 1,127 yards and eight touchdowns despite starting only eight times. He’s also a threat as a receiver, catching 45 passes for 322 yards. Laird tallied 130 rushing yards and two scores vs. Arizona, adding 42 more yards on five receptions. The Wildcats are expected to be better against the run this season. The USC-Cal back-to-back will provide proof, one way or the other.
All time: Arizona has won four straight in the series to take a 17-14-2 lead in head-to-head matchups. Each of those wins has come by five or fewer points. The last two meetings were decided on the last play.
Game 7: at Utah
Updated
Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley crashes to the turf under Arizona linebacker Tony Fields II in the teams' Pac-12 opener on Sept. 22, 2017.
When: Oct. 12 (Friday), 7 p.m.
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium (capacity: 45,807), Salt Lake City
TV: ESPN
What to expect: Arizona returns to the road in a game that could have major ramifications on the Pac-12 South race. Most preseason prognostications project a three-team battle among the Wildcats, Utes and Trojans, who visit Salt Lake the following Saturday. Arizona heads to Utah trying to end a two-game losing streak in the series. The Wildcats lost last year by six points in a game in which they turned the ball over five times, including four by QB Brandon Dawkins. Dawkins since has transferred to Indiana.
Player to watch: QB Tyler Huntley. Easily forgotten amid the angst of that loss was that Huntley got hurt in the second quarter. Before he left, he completed 8 of 9 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Whittingham told reporters that Huntley is “better in all areas” compared to a year ago. He wasn’t bad as a sophomore — completing 63.8 percent of his passes, rushing for 537 yards and accounting for 21 touchdowns — and presents a genuine dual threat.
All time: Last year’s win for Utah was its second straight in the series after Arizona won the previous four. That streak included a pair of victories at Rice-Eccles. Utah holds a 22-19-2 edge all time.
Game 8: at UCLA
Updated
When: Oct. 20, time TBA
Where: Rose Bowl (capacity: 91,136), Pasadena, Calif.
TV: TBA
What to expect: The Bruins will have a different look and vibe about them with Chip Kelly in charge. By this point in the season, he will have a good idea of what he has, and his players will be used to his style and system. The identity of UCLA’s starting quarterback remained a mystery as of mid-August. Michigan transfer Wilton Speight offers experience; freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson offers the dual-threat skill set that fits Kelly’s scheme. Either way, the Bruins will play fast.
Player to watch: TE Caleb Wilson. Wilson has a couple of claims to fame. He is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded returning tight end after catching 38 passes for 490 yards and a touchdown in just five games. (Wilson suffered a season-ending foot injury in that fifth game.) Wilson was a part-time quarterback in high school and a teammate of Tate’s, for a time preventing the future Wildcat from becoming a full-time starter. Wilson missed last year’s game in Tucson.
All time: Arizona’s 47-30 victory last year ended a five-game UCLA winning streak in the series. The Bruins lead all time 24-16-2. The UA has lost three straight at the Rose Bowl by a combined score of 128-41.
Game 9: OREGON
Updated
UO quarterback Justin Herbert, right, rushes for the end zone ahead of Arizona's Tony Fields II in 2017.
When: Oct. 27, time TBA
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: TBA
What to expect: Three teams are a cut above the rest in the Pac-12 North; Oregon is the only one on Arizona’s 2018 schedule. Although playing for their third coach in as many years, the Ducks should be a force — bearing a much closer resemblance to the team that dismantled the Wildcats late last season than the one that went 4-8 in 2016. Much hinges on the health of QB Justin Herbert. Oregon simply is a different, better team with him than without him.
Player to watch: Herbert. After missing the middle portion of the season because of injury, Herbert returned just in time to face Arizona. The then-sophomore passed for 235 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 40 and a score. He has the physique (6-6, 233) and skill set to become a top-10 pick. He still has much to prove, including whether he can last a full season. With bulldozing back Royce Freeman no longer around, the Wildcats can focus their game plan on harassing Herbert.
All time: Oregon leads the series 26-16 and has won seven of the past nine meetings. The last time the Ducks came to Tucson, in 2013, they were ranked fifth in the country. The Wildcats thumped them 42-16.
Game 10: COLORADO
Updated
Colorado quarterback Steven Montez
When: Nov. 2 (Friday), 7:30 p.m.
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: FS1
What to expect: Every UA opponent will gear its defense toward stopping Tate; none will approach that task with greater vigor than Colorado. The Buffaloes were the unwitting victims of Tate’s coming-out party last year. The Buffs had no idea Tate would play; this time, at least, they will know what’s coming. Colorado also catches Arizona on a short week that ends a run of 10 straight weekends of football.
Player to watch: QB Steven Montez. Montez is as gifted as any quarterback in the conference. But he was plagued by inconsistency in his first full season as a starter. He threw three TD passes against the Wildcats but also took four sacks. The feeling in Boulder is that Montez could be on the verge of a breakout. He’s in better shape (listed at 6-6, 235) and has connected quickly with new position coach Kurt Roper.
All time: Colorado leads the series 14-6, but Arizona has a 5-2 edge since the Buffs joined the Pac-12 in 2011. Five of the seven games were decided by 18 or more points.
Game 11: at Washington State
Updated
Wide receiver Shawn Poindexter, a 6-foot-5 target, could be poised for a breakout season.
When: Nov. 17, time TBA
Where: Martin Stadium (capacity: 32,952), Pullman
TV: TBA
What to expect: No matter what happens, it won’t be as bad as the last time the Wildcats visited the Palouse. WSU defeated Arizona 69-7 in 2016 — one of the worst losses in UA history. The Wildcats should feel refreshed after their long-awaited bye. The weather could be an X-factor in this contest; Arizona will be among many rooting for a day game. Oddly for a Mike Leach-coached team, this Cougars squad might be better on defense than offense, with more starters returning on that side of the ball.
Player to watch: LB Peyton Pelluer. If it seems as if Pelluer has been at WSU forever, well, he practically has. Pelluer is back for a sixth season after receiving a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA. He missed the final 10 games last year because of a foot injury. The injury snapped a streak of 34 straight starts. Pelluer had 21 tackles, two passes defensed and a pick-six before getting hurt. The Cougars really could have used him last year, when they yielded 58 points to the Wildcats.
All time: Arizona leads the series 27-16 but has lost three of the past five. Before that disastrous visit in 2016, the Wildcats had prevailed in their previous four trips to Pullman, winning each time by double digits.
Game 12: ARIZONA STATE
Updated
When: Nov. 24, time TBA
Where: Arizona Stadium
TV: TBA
What to expect: At last they meet. Sumlin and Herm Edwards square off for the first time. Not only will they be vying for the Territorial Cup but for recruits in the Phoenix area, where Sumlin is determined to weaken ASU’s stronghold. If the season goes the way the Wildcats hope, they’ll be playing for something significant — possibly the South Division crown. Most prognostications have the Sun Devils finishing at or near the bottom of the South — somewhat surprising given that they went 6-3 last year.
Player to watch: WR N’Keal Harry. The best receiver in the conference and one of the best in the country, Harry has rare size (6-4, 213) and knows how to wield it. He caught two TD passes against Arizona last year on balls from Manny Wilkins that only Harry could have snared. He finished the season with 82 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. If ever there were an occasion to devote safety help to the cornerbacks, this is it.
All time: Arizona leads the series 49-41-1. Since the formation of the Border Conference in 1931, the rivals are deadlocked at 40-40-1. Home field has meant everything in recent years, with the home side winning each of the past five meetings.
Michael Lev
Sports Reporter/Columnist
