Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Wednesday morning:
* The key for Arizona against Colorado on Saturday night, according to UA coach Rich Rodriguez: string good plays together to build confidence. There has been far too much good play/bad play of late. “That’s probably easier said than done,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve got guys that can make plays. We’re in position at times to do it. We’ve just got to put something together and be more consistent.”
* Effort isn't the issue for Arizona. “We’re playing hard,” Rodriguez said. “But playing hard’s not good enough. You’ve got to play hard and play well"
* Rodriguez said quarterback Anu Solomon is practicing and playing with more confidence. Rodriguez didn’t name a starter for the Colorado game. Brandon Dawkins has started the past two weeks, but Solomon seems to be building momentum.
* Starting right tackle Gerhard de Beer had a brace on his left knee after practice. He exited the Washington State game in the second half.
* Defensive end Justin Belknap had a walking boot on his left foot.
* Rodriguez on the Colorado defense: "They’re always in the right spot. They tackle extremely well. They’re one of the best tackling teams I’ve seen."
* Arizona might have unearthed a defensive lineman in Larry Tharpe Jr., the walk-on transfer from Idaho State and Tyler (Texas) Junior College. More on Tharpe coming later today.
* Rodriguez reminds the scout-team players every week that the coaches are watching them and reviewing their film. "They can make an impression,” Rodriguez said.
* How do you motivate a 2-7 team that's lost six in a row? "You appeal to their competitiveness first and foremost,” Rodriguez said. “I think that should be there all the time.”
* Rodriguez isn’t sure if a good finish carries over into the following season. “But it sure would make everybody feel better,” he said, “especially our seniors."
* Was Arizona's defensive performance at Washington State an aberration? "I hope so,” Rodriguez said. “But still, it should never happen. We learn from it and move on"
* Rodriguez said he learns something new every year – especially during this long, difficult season. “You learn a lot when you hit adversity,” he said. “How can this make us better?"
* Rodriguez said Arizona is more apt to bring in recruits on official visits after the season. The late starts make it hard for coaches and players to spend time with them. The Colorado game kicks off at 8 p.m. All but one UA home game has started at 7:30 or later.
