Midseason awards for Arizona football, as the Wildcats enter the second half of season

At the halfway point of Arizona's season, the Wildcats (3-3) sit at .500 and have shown flashes of the team that won 10 games a year ago, but they still have their work cut out for them. 

Arizona has the same record in the first six games as last season, but the 2023 Wildcats didn't have conference championship — and potential College Football Playoff — expectations like this year's squad.  

“Now all of a sudden, it feels worse. The good news is that we have six opportunities left to play,” Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said on Monday. “We have so much football left to play, and if we’ll just focus on right now and the work that’s required to give yourselves a chance to get the outcome you want. That’s where we need to be.”

When Brennan was asked about Arizona's identity, the UA head coach said, "In some ways, we're still finding that."

"When you turn on the tape, we play hard, which I love," Brennan said. "If you don't have that, you're dead. I like where we're at in terms of our effort. I think, right now, that's what we have to hang our hat on."

Brennan lauded the Wildcats for how "they just keep playing, they play hard and they play for each other," and said Arizona's offense is "doing a good job of moving the football. Obviously we have to finish those drives to beat anybody good in this conference," he said.

"Defensively, I think those guys continue to improve and continue to make adjustments," Brennan said. "I love how they keep playing. ... There's a lot of really good stuff on film. We're focusing on that and we're cleaning up the stuff that's not where we quite want it to be."

We combed through the last six games to determine who Arizona's offensive and defensive MVPs, in addition to the Wildcats' top newcomer and most improved player. Here's who they are: 

Offensive MVP: Tyler Loop, kicker 

Finalists: Quarterback Noah Fifita, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, center Josh Baker

The rundown: We could've gone two different routes with this award. Arizona star quarterback Noah Fifita made two critical third-down throws in Arizona's upset win over 10th-ranked Utah in Salt Lake City, including the knockout touchdown pass to tight end Keyan Burnett late in the fourth quarter; plus, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan set the program's single-game receiving record with 304 yards and four touchdowns in the season opener against New Mexico. 

However, Loop has been Mr. Consistent for the Wildcats this season, making 14 of his 17 field-goal attempts, including three field goals from 50-plus yards — besting his season total from last season. Arizona has 16 touchdowns this season. 

Loop has an 82.4% career rate, which is the third-best among active college football kickers. Loop is tied for the 55th-best career rate in college football history.

Loop's career-best five field goals against Utah had a significant impact in the Wildcats' first marquee win under Brennan. Loop, who leads the Wildcats in points (56), was named the Lou Groza Star of the Week and Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks. All 34 of his kickoff attempts (excluding the onside attempt against Texas Tech) have all been touchbacks this season. 

They said it: "He's incredible. I've never been on a football team where if the ball is at the (50-yard line) and you're like, 'Want to kick it?' That’s an insane conversation. That speaks to his talent and the hard work he puts in." — Brennan

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Defensive MVP: Tacario Davis, cornerback

Finalists: Linebacker Jacob Manu, defensive end Tre Smith, strong safety Dalton Johnson

The rundown: If Davis' catching ability was a strength and some of those 21 pass deflections were interceptions, the UA cornerback could be a bonafide All-American and Jim Thorpe Award candidate. Still, after a breakout season as a sophomore and opting to return for another year instead of transferring, Davis is one of the top defensive backs in college football and a potential first-round pick for the 2025 NFL Draft. Davis showed his pro potential in Arizona's upset win over Utah with five pass breakups, including three on fourth-down plays, which contributed to Arizona holding the Utes to 0 for 4 on fourth-down conversions, the UA's best mark since 2006. Davis was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week and Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week following his standout performance against Utah.  

They said it: “It’s harder for some of those smaller corners to work around T-Mac, but with (Davis), he’s got such length, that the length becomes a problem. He can take vertical speed off you and then he can get his hands on the football that other guys can’t.” — Brennan

Best newcomer: Quali Conley, running back

Finalists: Defensive end Tre Smith, cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew, wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson

The rundown: Since ESPN broadcaster Rod Gilmore mistakenly pronounced Conley's first name "Quail," the UA coaches and players have nicknamed the San Jose State transfer after the desert bird. Conley leads the Wildcats with 82 carries for 458 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season. Arizona's next leading rusher is redshirt freshman Kedrick Reescano, who has 35 carries for 215 yards and a touchdown. With New Mexico transfer Jacory Croskey-Merritt's eligibility in question by the NCAA, along with junior Rayshon Luke redshirting for the remainder of the season, Conley is the headliner for a position that was one of Arizona's deepest groups, but now has depth concerns. 

They said it: “I have a lot of history with that young man, and he’s just an awesome human being and awesome player. Seeing the confidence Quali is playing with is really exciting.” — Brennan

Most improved player: Genesis Smith, defensive back 

Finalists: Linebacker Taye Brown, left tackle Rhino Tapa'atoutai, cornerback Emmanuel Karnley

The rundown: One could make the case that Smith, a sophomore from Chandler, is Arizona's defensive MVP this season considering he has started at three different positions: nickel back, free safety and strong safety, in place of the injured Treydan Stukes, Gunner Maldonado and Dalton Johnson. Smith, who has the fifth-most tackles (24) by a Wildcat this season, leads the team in interceptions (2); he also has a forced fumble. 

After having a role in Arizona's "dollar" package as a true freshman, Smith has been thrust into a leadership role with Stukes out for the remainder of the season and Maldonado out for a significant amount of time.  

They said it: "Guys like that have great value to your football team." — Arizona defensive coordinator Duane Akina