Notes and takeaways from Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin’s weekly Monday news conference as the Wildcats prepare to face UCLA:
* Sumlin said he is unsure of QB Khalil Tate's status for Saturday. Tate reinjured his sprained left ankle against Utah and didn’t play after the second offensive series. Sumlin added that he'd like clarity on the QB situation sooner than later and doesn't want to keep repeating the scenario where Tate plays and gets hurt. We’ll have more on this developing story later today.
* Left tackle Layth Friekh also couldn’t finish the Utah game because of ankle issues. Sumlin said it’s been a difficult decision whether to play or rest Friekh because he missed the first two games of the season, has only a handful left in his UA career and wants to be out there.
* Sumlin praised the work of receivers Stanley Berryhill III, Devaughn Cooper and Cedric Peterson. The three combined for 11 catches, 150 yards and a touchdown against Utah. Sumlin said Cooper has looked more explosive of late after battling an ankle injury during the offseason.
* Sumlin noted that Arizona’s offensive efficiency on third downs has dropped in recent games. I’ll have more on that topic later in the week.
* Sumlin said the tackling issues that arose at Utah could have been mitigated if Arizona had more defenders around the ball. He also reiterated that it’s incumbent on the players to win more one-on-one battles, whether in the trenches or on the perimeter.
* Sumlin tied UCLA’s recent turnaround – a close loss to Washington and a victory over Cal after a winless start – to an improvement in turnover margin. The Bruins were minus-1 through five games. They were plus-5 last week.
* Sumlin faced UCLA last season – a game he’d rather forget – but doesn’t see much value in that because the Bruins have a new coaching staff and many new players. UCLA coach Chip Kelly did spend time visiting Texas A&M last year while working as an analyst for ESPN.
* Sumlin said he continues to be well-received in Tucson, and he praised the support of the student section. He shares the fans’ frustration over the Wildcats’ inconsistency and stressed the importance of recruiting and player development so he and his staff can “put a product on the field that this whole city can be happy with.”
