Watch: Arizona Wildcats on Houston preparations, 'challenge' of Ed Oliver

Wildcats hit the road searching for win column at Houston

The Arizona Wildcats are tasked with a difficult bounce-back game at Houston this week after dropping the home opener to BYU in surprising fashion.

Some of the Wildcats' struggles in Kevin Sumlin's debut looked reminiscent of those from a season ago. The defense struggled to put pressure on the quarterback (UA was seventh in sacks among the Pac-12 in 2017) and looked vulnerable on third-down conversions (11th in the Pac-12 in 2017). The offense failed to cash in on the big play and couldn't get Khalil Tate into a groove.

With Arizona's home loss to BYU, it's worth noting the Wildcats haven't started a season with consecutive losses since 1981, when they fell to UCLA and Cal at home in coach Larry Smith's second season.

After a disappointing start to said "new era" of Arizona football, five Wildcats players met with media Tuesday and talked about preparations for Houston and potential No. 1 draft pick Ed Oliver.

WR Tony Ellison

Tony Ellison on how Arizona can be more efficient, and how Khalil Tate’s legs open things up on offense pic.twitter.com/PZY5hnhIS8

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

So, Houston talks a lot of trash per UA receiver Tony Ellison. He wouldn’t call it a must-win though. pic.twitter.com/gOdUoza0jd

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Senior Tony Ellison evaluates Arizona’s passing game and talks about the third quarter against BYU. Says Khalil Tate wasn’t able to find a groove. pic.twitter.com/xZ8bCeEDKV

— Dominic Baciocco (@DominicBaciocco) September 4, 2018

CB Tim Hough

Business as usual. CB Tim Hough is feeling confident and says the Wildcats will be ready for Houston after a Week 1 loss. pic.twitter.com/O5acnCMsX4

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

RB J.J. Taylor

J.J. Taylor talks about his first game as Arizona’s return man. “I want to be on the field as much as possible.” pic.twitter.com/IgRPqADNUt

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

J.J. Taylor says teams are going to realize Arizona has more than one threat on offense pic.twitter.com/NgBSwPY7YY

— Dominic Baciocco (@DominicBaciocco) September 4, 2018

LB Tony Fields

Tony Fields notes Houston’s first-year offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, but says the Cougars still run a spread and UA will plan accordingly pic.twitter.com/yPAUVo2Xjt

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Arizona’s defense on third down in 2017 ranked 11th in the Pac-12. ’17 opponents: 46.7 pct. convertedBYU in Week 1: 41.6 pct. convertedTony Fields says it will be great having Scottie Young Jr. and Jace Whitaker return this week at Houston. pic.twitter.com/uVAbd8QIKs

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

OL Tshiyombu Lukusa

Tucson has been good to OL Tshiyombu Lukusa. He grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and redshirted the 2016 season before transferring from Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/cSPlUaWrXK

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Tshiyombu Lukusa says he learned to appreciate life during his year away from football while working at an adult foster care home in Traverse City, Michigan. pic.twitter.com/MOvmahNMyP

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Nerves definitely played a factor for Arizona’s young offensive line and Tshiyombu Lukusa in his first game since 2016 pic.twitter.com/6YOGfAwWnS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Lukusa on Houston's Ed Oliver

Tshiyombu Lukusa called Houston’s potential No. 1 draft pick Ed Oliver a “challenge.” “Come 11 o’clock, know that you did everything you could to be ready for him.” pic.twitter.com/KuTxh5cj8I

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018