Watch: 8 best things Kevin Sumlin said in Monday's press conference

UA hopes to get healthy with much-needed bye

With two games remaining, the Arizona Wildcats have a 5-5 record and are tied for first place in the Pac-12 South with Utah and USC, although both teams hold the tie-breaker over the Cats. 

UA is coming off a 42-34 win over the Colorado Buffaloes after quarterback Khalil Tate completed 17 of 22 passes for a career-high 350 yards and five touchdowns while J.J. Taylor rushed for 192.

Taylor became the first Wildcat running back since Nick Wilson in 2015 to rush for three consecutive 100-yard games. Taylor is third in FBS for rushing yards with 1,221 on the season. 

With wins over Oregon and Colorado, Arizona enters the bye week on a high note, which is also a plus, because the players can use this time to rest any lingering injuries such as Tate's ankle, which he's had since the season opener versus BYU. It's also a time for the coaching staff to catch up on recruiting, which Sumlin and the staff will be doing around the country this week. 

Sumlin held a press conference Monday, here's what he had to say. 

Race for the South

Kevin Sumlin on Arizona being tied for first in the Pac-12 South: pic.twitter.com/oubUfsouUx

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Lucas Havrisik's ability to bounce back

Kevin Sumlin on Lucas Havrisik making two long field goals (55,49) against Colorado after losing the starting job to Josh Pollack: “Instead of pouting or going a different way, he continued to work at it.” pic.twitter.com/UhOXf7Os7o

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Plan for bye week

Kevin Sumlin says Arizona will practice three days this week and then the coaching staff will be spread out around the country recruiting. Sumlin also added that he will be traveling this week. pic.twitter.com/bx1pTeTybq

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Potential on D-line

Kevin Sumlin on the impact of JB Brown and Jalen Harris: pic.twitter.com/WOQi4MelD4

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Mom didn't want Sumlin to be a coach?

Kevin Sumlin says his mom didn’t want him to be a football coach. pic.twitter.com/yuwOmVSZQb

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Focus for team

Kevin Sumlin on the team’s mindset going into the bye week: pic.twitter.com/eHTtl5PJgN

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Gary Brightwell's status

Kevin Sumlin says he’s still unsure about Gary Brightwell’s status (injury). pic.twitter.com/MNHUgW3zrj

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018

Deep-ball coverage for DBs

Kevin Sumlin on deep-ball coverage: pic.twitter.com/mPYnnc31bx

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 5, 2018