Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Wednesday morning:
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez said he will remind his team about all the upsets that occurred this past weekend in college football, including FCS teams beating FBS teams. Sportsbooks have yet to post a line on the Arizona-Grambling State game, but the Wildcats are expected to be a multiple-touchdown favorite.
* Grambling will use the zone read as part of its offense. Arizona missed some assignments on zone-read plays against BYU and Taysom Hill and needs to be more disciplined in that regard, defensive coordinator Marcel Yates said.
* With steady rain falling, the Wildcats practiced at Arizona Stadium, which has a field-turf surface. Rodriguez said throwing and catching were challenging with a wet ball but that the team got its usual work done.
* Regarding Michael Barton's move to “Will” linebacker, Yates said Barton is basically the swing linebacker between “Will” and “Mike.” Moving him is a way to get him more snaps.
* Rodriguez said the Wildcats are doing extra tackling drills this week. Tackling wasn't great vs. BYU. It's become harder and harder to teach and coach at all levels of football with an increased emphasis on player safety.
* There has been lots of talk this week about creating more takeaways. Rodriguez said ultra-aggressive linebacker Scooby Wright was "one of the best I’ve ever seen" at causing turnovers.
* The defense forced six turnovers against the scout team today. Its daily goal is three ore more. Anything less and the players have to run sprints.
* Rodriguez said there were situations vs. BYU where quarterback Anu Solomon could have run. But Rodriguez added that “he’s better when he’s throwing on the run.” The offense in general needs to simply take what the defense is giving, Rodriguez said.
* Rodriguez described the pregame ceremony for Zach Hemmila and his family as "emotional." Rodriguez hadn't seen Hemmila’s parents since his funeral. He will be recognized before the home opener as well. The cause of Hemmila's death in early August has yet to be determined.
