Watch: Rich Rodriguez beats UCLA for first time with help from Khalil Tate, defensive energy
Arizona took down UCLA for the first time in the Rich Rodriguez era and for the first time since beating Arizona State last season, Rodriguez entered the press conference room with a smile after a win over a Pac-12 opponent.
Steps in the right direction:
Updated
Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez greets wide receiver Shun Brown (6) after his catch set up a Wildcat touchdown against UCLA at Arizona Stadium, Saturday, October 14, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
The Wildcats (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12) were led by two factors: Defense and Khalil Tate. The defense had five sacks -- four from Kylan Wilborn -- and three interceptions including a pick-six from Jace Whittaker.
Tate had another player-of-the-game-esque performance with 9-of-13 passing for 148 yards and 230 rushing yards on 15 carries for three touchdowns.
Rodriguez, Tate, Wilborn, Whittaker and running back Nick Wilson spoke with the media following the win over UCLA. Here's what they had to say:
Over the hump:
UpdatedRich Rodriguez’s opening statement on finally beating UCLA for the first time at Arizona: “It wasn’t a monkey, it was a gorilla.” pic.twitter.com/JxCWX1VJiN
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Josh Rosen who?
UpdatedRichRod on the defensive performance and getting to Josh Rosen: pic.twitter.com/3VHs27Ee9Y
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Improvements from Khalil Tate:
UpdatedRichRod on the biggest difference between Khalil Tate now and Fall camp: pic.twitter.com/FlLwaPtufp
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Beat UCLA, be humble:
UpdatedRichRod on maintaining confidence and looking forward to Cal: pic.twitter.com/VoLZH225Qk
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Tate as the established QB for Arizona:
UpdatedKhalil Tate on his performance and becoming more comfortable in the offense as the starter: pic.twitter.com/oMVN1DrZCR
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Defensive front getting active:
UpdatedKylan Wilborn on his four-sack performance and the defense playing active against Josh Rosen: pic.twitter.com/ewBmXWpYMK
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Playing UCLA is personal for So. Cal natives:
UpdatedJace Whittaker on facing Josh Rosen and beating UCLA as a California native: “I’ve never liked them growing up.” pic.twitter.com/lWaRwEMoKI
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Freshmen stepping up:
UpdatedJace Whittaker on the freshmen stepping for Arizona: pic.twitter.com/kOhWEWmfxr
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Playing for pops:
UpdatedJace Whittaker on playing while his dad is in the hospital: “That was all for him tonight.” pic.twitter.com/Yx7mH5Xwwi
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
Nick Wilson adjusting to Tate:
UpdatedArizona RB Nick Wilson on Khalil Tate sparking Arizona’s offense against UCLA: pic.twitter.com/2C1GvitsyZ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 15, 2017
