Thank you,
Dave and Sam

PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL
San Diego, California
#20 Arizona Wildcats (8-4) VS. #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-4)
Wednesday, December 30, 5:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Nebraska -3.0

Sam’s Take (57 – 22):

There is little doubt that Nebraska will have the best player on the field in tomorrow’s Holiday Bowl, but will the dominance of Ndamukong Suh and the Nebraska defense be enough to overcome a more complete Arizona team? The Wildcats are full of athleticism on both sides of the ball, and possess a significantly better offense than the Cornhuskers.

Both of these teams dealt with some incredibly bitter defeats in 2009. Nebraska lost three games (Virginia Tech, Iowa State, and Texas) by a combined four points. Arizona lost leads late in the fourth quarter of three games (Washington, Cal, Oregon). So what does that tell us about this match-up? Well it is certainly clear that both teams are used to playing close games, and I will be interested to see which team finishes stronger in what is sure to be another closely contested contest.

I have no doubt that the Blackshirts will be at their best in San Diego for Bo Pelini’s squad. However, it is important to note that while the Huskers D has been magnificent (9th nationally in total D, 2nd nationally in scoring D), Arizona has one heck of a defensive unit as well. The ‘Cats finished the regular season 21st nationally in total defense, and that should serve UA especially well against a Nebraska offense that ranks 102nd in total offense.

I believe the difference in this game will be the Arizona offense. Sonny Dykes system is predicated on the quick passing game, and I therefore expect QB Nick Foles to elude Suh by getting the ball out right away. The return of RB Nic Grigsby also figures to be a huge boost to ‘Zona, as it gives the ground game a true home run threat. I don’t expect the ‘Cats offense to light up the scoreboard by any means, but I think the unit will come up with a few key drives.

The Holiday Bowl is always one of the most exciting games of the post-season and I expect this game to be another thriller. While we may not get offensive fireworks, fans of defense should be glued to their seats all night.

In the end, I expect the Wildcats to squeak out a win.

Prediction: Arizona 17 – Nebraska 14

Arizona Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Juron Criner – Criner has been a clutch playmaker for UA all season, and against a talented defense that doesn’t allow big plays, he may have to play his best game of the year.

Nebraska Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Niles Paul – Like Criner, Paul has proven to be a playmaker for the Huskers throughout the season. He is a deep threat receiver who can also make a difference in the return game.

Dave’s Take (59 – 20):

This one definitely has the look and feel of an evenly-matched slugfest, and should be a lot of fun to watch.

I like Arizona in this one, but for a somewhat peculiar reason; Ndamukong Suh.

Don’t get me wrong; it isn’t like I think he’s overrated or anything. He is every bit deserving of all of the accolades he is receiving. But because he is as amazing of a talent as he is, the Holiday Bowl has essentially become the Ndamukong Suh Showcase Bowl in the eyes of many.

The Heisman Trophy Winner going on to lose in their bowl game (has happened to 5 of the last 6 winners) has now picked up a name; the “Heisman Curse”. But this one is no Billy Goat/Voodoo type of deal; there is logic to it. When the media spends an entire month clamoring over a player, not only is it a distraction for that player, but more importantly, it adds a huge chip to the shoulders of the opposing team.

In a sport like football where motivation and intensity plays such a big role in determining winners, being ignored by the media in favor of the other team’s stars is one of the biggest motivators out there. While Suh didn’t win the Heisman, he might as well have with all of the (deserved) hype he is getting; Defensive Player of the Year, projected first overall pick in the NFL, etc.

Arizona, meanwhile, who had one of their greatest football seasons ever, has been virtually ignored. No love for playing such a hard fought game against Oregon; they lost, after all. No love for going into USC and beating the Trojans IN the Coliseum; Stanford just did that, and “this isn’t the same USC team”. Now, once again, they find themselves overlooked.

Needless to say, both teams will be plenty motivated. But I think that the Wildcats have that extra chip on their shoulder as they likely feel they have more to prove, and I think they can pull it off.

Prediction: Arizona 16 – Nebraska 12

MAACO BOWL LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas, Nevada
#18 Oregon State Beavers (8-4) VS. #14 BYU Cougars (10-2)
Tuesday, December 22, 5:00 PM PST

SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL
San Diego, California
#23 Utah Utes (9-3) VS. Cal Bears (8-4)
Wednesday, December 23, 5:00 PM PST

EMERALD BOWL
San Francisco, California
Boston College Eagles (8-4) VS. #24 USC Trojans (8-4)
Saturday, December 26, 5:00 PM PST

PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL
San Diego, California
#20 Arizona Wildcats (8-4) VS. #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-4)
Wednesday, December 30, 5:00 PM PST

BRUT SUN BOWL
El Paso, Texas
Oklahoma Sooners (7-5) VS. #21 Stanford Cardinal (8-4)
Thursday, December 31, 11:00 AM PST

ROSE BOWL GAME PRESENTED BY CITI
Pasadena, California
#8 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) VS. #7 Oregon Ducks (10-2)
Friday, January 1, 1:30 PM PST

UCLA – *UCLA will receive invite to the EagleBank Bowl if Navy defeats Army

Arizona Wildcats (7-4) vs. USC Trojans (8-3)
Saturday, December 5, 12:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: USC -7.0

Sam’s Take (53 – 19):

If Oregon is able to beat Oregon State in the War for the Roses, the winner of this Saturday’s game between USC and UA will likely head to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. Each team could finish as high as second in the conference standings or as low as sixth. Although the Trojans haven’t lost to Arizona in nine years, the series has been closely contested in recent years (last two meetings have been decided by a touchdown).

I like USC in this game for two main reasons. First, the Trojans can still finish with 10 wins this season and I believe that would provide the program with positive momentum heading into the off-season. After last week’s ending against UCLA, ‘SC seems to have found an emotional spark, and I’m sure Pete Carroll will have his team ready for the season finale. Second, the ‘Cats will be without RB Nic Grigsby for yet another game. Last week against Arizona State, it was clear that the ‘Cats missed their home run threat, and the offense just isn’t the same without him.

The Trojans defense is starting to make plays again, and ‘Zona QB Nick Foles will be less than 100%. I expect ‘SC to contain RB Keola Antolin, Greg Nwoko and the rest of the ‘Cats running attack, which should allow the Trojans D to pin its ears back and attack Foles.

The normally stout UA defense has allowed a 100-yard rusher in three straight games, and I expect RB Joe McKnight to make it four. Once McKnight gets going, Matt Barkley, Damian Williams and the ‘SC passing attack should have plenty of opportunities.

Arizona has led in the fourth quarter of every conference game this season, and I have no doubt Mike Stoops’ club will keep this one close. But in the end, I expect USC to pull away late for another one score victory over the ‘Cats.

Prediction: USC 31 – Arizona 24

Arizona Player to Keep an Eye On: CB Devin Ross - Ross is a shutdown corner capable of eliminating an opposition’s feature receiver. Damian Williams will be his biggest test of the season.

USC Player to Keep an Eye On: TE Anthony McCoy - McCoy figures to be closer to 100%, and I expect him to have a big day against an undersized UA defense.

Dave’s Take (54 – 18):

Gone is USC’s aura of invincibility, and in its place is a lack of certainty on both sides of the ball.

The defense had an outstanding game against the Bruins, but than again, UCLA doesn’t have a particularly high-powered offense. When going up against the Pac-10’s three top offenses in total yards in Stanford, Oregon State, and Oregon, USC has given up 55, 36, and 47 points, respectively.

Arizona ranks fourth in the conference in total yards.

Can USC’s defense build on the momentum of the UCLA game, or will it fall back into giving up points to another high-powered attack? Despite Arizona’s solid defense and USC’s less-than-stellar offense, I think the Trojans have gotten healthy enough on offense to put up some points in this one; but if the game turns into a shootout, I don’t love USC’s chances.

I don’t think it will turn into a shootout, though. I get the feeling that USC will be the more focused team in this one playing their third straight home game and potentially for a Holiday Bowl berth. Arizona, meanwhile, is coming off of the intense low of losing to the Ducks at home to end their chance at a Rose Bowl to the intense high of beating hated rival ASU in the closing seconds. I just don’t know how much more they have to give in this regular season, and they’ll nead to be at their best to beat USC at the Coliseum, even if this is an off year for the Men of Troy.

Prediction: USC 28 – Arizona 21

#1 Star: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Alma Mater: Cal
Stats (11/26): 28 for 39 348 Yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 124.7 QB Rating

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers continued their push for one of the NFC Wild Card spots in a huge Thanksgiving Day beat down against the Detroit Lions 34 – 12. Rodgers matched a career high in touchdowns this week and once again showed what he can do with time in the pocket.

Down 7 – 0, Rodgers connected with Donald Lee on a seven yard touchdown reception to the right to tie the game at seven. With the Packers up 13 – 7 at halftime, Rodgers kicked it up another notch in the second half completing another seven yard touchdown score, this time to Donald Driver, and a 21 yard shot down the middle to James Jones to give the Packers a 27 – 7 lead late in the third quarter. The Packers would coast to victory and Rodgers would also finish the game with his second highest QB Rating of the season.

Rodgers had his fourth 340+ yard game of the season and the Packers are 3-1 this season when he has hit that mark. If he can continue to get time in the pocket and spread the ball around like he has (completed passes to eight different receivers), the Packers should continue to roll right along and get into a playoff spot.

# 2 Star: Justin Forsett, Seattle Seahawks
Alma Mater: Cal
Stats (11/29): 22 Rushes for 130 Yards, 2 TDs

With Julius Jones still out due to injury, Justin Forsett once again put up huge numbers to lead the Seattle Seahawks to victory this week over the St. Louis Rams 27 – 17. Forsett also led the Seahawks to their first road victory of the year, coming in at 0-5.

Forsett started off the scoring in the game with a three yard rush to the right to give the Seahawks a 7 – 0 lead. Up 17 – 10 early in the fourth quarter, Forsett pounded in a two yard rush to the left this time to put the game out of reach at 24 – 10. Forsett averaged 5.9 yards per carry and posted his second 120+ yard game in his three starts.

I know the old saying goes “you cant lose your starting position to injury”, but Mora is going to have a tough decision when Jones comes back next week. Forsett has 385 yards with a 6.8 yard average while Jones has 392 yards on a 3.7 yard average. You make the call.

# 3 Star: Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
Alma Mater: Arizona
Stats (11/24 – 11/30): 18.6 Pts, 7.4 Rebs, 6.6 Asts, 2.6 Stls, 37% FG Pct

The Philadelphia 76ers are not off to the best start in the world (5-13) and have lost seven straight, but they definitely cannot point the finger at their star shooting guard/small forward Andre Iguodala. Iguodala has found a way to put up his usual points as well as spread the ball around leading the 76ers in assists in all five games during the week.

On November 25th, against the Boston Celtics, Iguodala posted his best game of the week. He had 25 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in the three point loss. Against the Hawks on November 27th, Iguodala again flirted with a triple double, posting 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Against the Spurs two nights later, Iguodala once again filled the stat sheet with 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and a season high five steals.

If Iguodala can continue to put up these types of numbers, and anyone else on the team can step up and help him out a little, the 76ers could potentially turn things around. Iguodala is a superstar in the league and it is a shame that he plays on such a bad team where a lot of people don’t get to see him to often.

Honorable Mentions:

Cal’s Tony Gonzalez (9 Receptions for 83 Yards)
USC’s Brian Cushing (11 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD)
UCLA’s Baron Davis (21.3 Pts, 3.7 Rebs, 6.0 Asts, 1.0 Stls 52% FG Pct)
Stanford’s Brook Lopez (21.8 Pts, 10.0 Rebs, 1.8 Asts 1.3 Blks 49% FG Pct)

Arizona Wildcats (6-4) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (4-7)
Saturday, November 28, 12:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Arizona -3.0

Sam’s Take (49 – 19):

This year’s installment of the Dual in the Desert had tremendous potential a week ago. After all, if Arizona could have hung on against Oregon and/or if ASU could have found a serviceable offense against the Bruins, one or both programs would have something special to play for. As it stands, the Devils have no shot at a bowl game and the ‘Cats have no shot at the “The Granddaddy of Them All”

So what is there to play for now? Much like this year’s UCLA-USC game, the Territorial Cup comes down to bragging rights in 2009. The two schools steaming hatred for one another will still provide plenty of motivation, and I expect aggressive physical play before, during and after the whistle.

Arizona heads to Tempe mentally drained and injury plagued. It has been a “what if” season for the ‘Cats, as the program really was only a few wacky bounces away from an undefeated conference record. Sonny Dykes offense will be without RB Nic Grigsby for yet another week, and it could also be without RB Keola Antolin. Arizona State is a good run-stopping team to begin with, so the Wildcats could really struggle to establish a ground game with their two most explosive backs out.

Fortunately for UA, QB Nic Foles is playing so well that it may not matter. Arizona will likely utilize their quick passing attack often this week, especially against a makeshift ASU secondary that has struggled with consistency.

For the second straight week, the Sun Devils will turn to QB Samson Szakacsy. Szakacsy is the best playmaking QB on the roster, but he’s also prone to making mistakes (as he proved against UCLA). If the sophomore has a big game against UA it will provide a huge shot in the arm for a program in search of an offensive identity (and Szakacsy would likely be at the top of the depth chart for 2010).

On paper this is a 10-point UA win, but rivalries are never that simple. I expect a physically dominant ASU defensive front seven to make life tough on Foles and Co. Will frustrating the potent ‘Cats attack be enough for the Devils to win? I don’t think it will. ASU has wasted great defensive performance all season, and I expect to see it happen again because of another underwhelming offensive performance.

Prediction: Arizona 27 – Arizona State 21

Arizona Player to Keep an Eye On: DT Earl Mitchell - Mitchell has been a dominant presence in the middle of the UA d-line, and I expect him to overpower a vulnerable ASU o-line.

Arizona State Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Kyle Williams - Williams has flourished since Szakacsy took over at QB (150 receiving yards 3 TDs in 2 games), and I expect to see more of the same this week.

Dave’s Take (50 – 18):

In most cases, coming off of a second-overtime loss which knocks a team out of the running for the conference title would set up a prime let-down type of game the following week.

A game against a hated rival isn’t “most cases”.

While there is nothing on the line this Saturday other than pride and in-state bragging rights, both teams should be at their best for that motivation alone.

I’d like to take the Sun Devils, I really would. I feel the same way I do about this one as I do about most Sun Devils games; they have the elite defense to keep it close, and they always seem to be just a play or two away from springing the upset, and this just might be the week.

Unfortunately, it never is. Every time I pick the Devils, the offense continues to putter and the defense’s effort goes to waste.

This game should be a lot of fun, and it could easily go either way. But while ASU may have the slight edge on defense, Arizona has the more noticeable one on offense; and I expect it to be the difference.

Prediction: Arizona 24 – Arizona State 17

Arizona Wildcats 6-4 Overall (4-3 Conference)

This Week’s Score: Oregon 44 – Arizona 41 (2OT)

Next Week’s Opponent: @Arizona State

For Wildcats fans, none of the cliches in the book about how great of an effort last Saturday’s game was are going to make the loss sting any less.

That said, I’ll make the point anyway; Saturday’s game against Oregon was an extremely respectable effort, and the Wildcats and their fans should hold their heads up high for showing as much fight as they did and providing a fantastic game that not only lived up to all of the hype, but far surpassed it.

This team has come a long way over the last few years in terms of talent and mental toughness, and they should be able to build off of these invaluable experiences next season.

Nick Foles had an excellent day, passing for 314 yards and four TDs (30/46, 1 INT). His main target was Juron Criner, who made five catches including three for touchdowns, capped off by an electrifying 71-yard play on a short pass that at the time gave the Wildcats the lead.

The defense also played a very good game. When Oregon’s offense is rolling, there isn’t any stopping it; but to slow it down is an impressive feat. And in fact, the defense stepped up huge midway through the fourth quarter when they forced a 4-and-out to get the ball back at the Oregon 45 to preserve the touchdown lead. The offense turned the ball back over with just over three minutes left to play, and you can’t give an offense like Oregon’s a second chance.

With the Rose Bowl out of reach and a bowl game already locked up, the Wildcats will have to dig deep to find motivation to finish up the last two games of the season. Granted, there is always plenty of motivation when playing hated rival ASU, but even that will pale in comparison to Saturday’s game. Hard to go from controlling your own destiny for the Rose Bowl to bring (likely) one loss away from a 6th place finish in the conference, but that’s the reality.

Will the Wildcats finish strong, or fizzle to the finish line? We will soon find out.

Short Answer:

Oregon and Arizona both control their own destiny, and if they win out, they are in.

Oregon State only needs a single Arizona loss to get in if they beat Oregon.

Stanford needs a perfect storm, but it isn’t impossible. They need a win over Cal, Arizona to beat Oregon, Oregon to beat Oregon State, and Arizona to lose a game (to ASU or USC).

Long Answer:

For OREGON to win the Pac-10 Title:

With win over Arizona, win over Oregon State…

- (Pac-10 clinched)

With win over Arizona, loss to Oregon State…

- (Oregon State loss to Washington State) AND (Stanford loss to Cal)

With loss to Arizona, win over Oregon State…

- (Arizona loss to ASU OR USC) AND (Stanford loss to Cal)

With loss to Arizona, loss to Oregon State…

- (Eliminated)

For STANFORD to win the Pac-10 Title:

With win over Cal…

- (Oregon loss to Arizona) AND (Arizona loss to ASU OR USC) AND (Oregon State loss to Washington State OR Oregon)

*In this scenario, Stanford wins outright or ends up in a tie (7-2) with Oregon, and they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.

OR

- (Arizona loss to Oregon) AND (Oregon State loss to Washington State) AND (Oregon loss to Oregon State)

*In this scenario, Stanford ends up in a tie (7-2) with Oregon, and they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.

With loss to Cal…

- (Eliminated)

For OREGON STATE to win the Pac-10 Title:

With win over Washington State, win over Oregon…

- (Arizona loss to Oregon OR ASU OR USC)

*In this scenario, Oregon State wins outright or ends up in a tie (7-2) with Oregon and/or Stanford, and they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over both.

With loss to Washington State, win over Oregon…

- (Oregon loss to Arizona) AND (Stanford loss to Cal) AND (Arizona loss to ASU AND USC)

*In this scenario, Oregon State ends up in a tie (6-3) with Oregon, Stanford, and potentially Cal and USC. If it is a four-way tie with Oregon, Stanford, and Cal, Oregon State holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over all three. If it is a five-way tie, Oregon State holds the best record among the group of five. If it is a four-way tie among Oregon, Stanford, and USC, USC and Oregon are eliminated for having two losses in the group of four, and Oregon State holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Stanford.

With win over Washington State, loss to Oregon…

- (Eliminated)

With loss to Washington State, loss to Oregon…

- (Eliminated)

For ARIZONA to win the Pac-10 Title:

With win over Oregon, win over Arizona State, win over USC…

- (Pac-10 clinched)

With loss to Arizona State, win over Oregon, win over USC…

- (Oregon loss to Oregon State) AND (Oregon State loss to Washington State) AND (Stanford loss to Cal)

*In this scenario, Arizona ends in a tie (6-3) with Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, and potentially Cal. If it is a four-way tie with Oregon, Stanford, and Oregon State, Arizona holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over all three. If it is a five-way tie, Arizona and Oregon State have the best records among the group at 3-1, and Arizona holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Oregon State.

With loss to USC, win over Arizona State, win over Oregon…

- (Oregon loss to Oregon State) AND (Oregon State loss to Washington State) AND (Stanford loss to Cal)

*Same as above.

With loss to Oregon, win over Arizona State, win over USC…

- (Eliminated)

With two or three losses…

- (Eliminated)

That about sums it up. Easy enough, right?

Oregon Ducks (8-2) vs. Arizona Wildcats (6-3)
Saturday, November 21, 5:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Oregon -6.0
*AllPac10 Game of the Week*

Sam’s Take (46 – 18):

The race to Pasadena stops in Tucson this week, and so will ESPN College Gameday. Both Arizona and Oregon control their own destiny in the Pac-10 title race, while the fate of Oregon State and Stanford will dramatically change depending on the outcome in this one.

The recent history between Oregon and Arizona leads me to believe we are in for another entertaining thriller. Oregon has lost two of their last three games against UA, and the ‘Cats have upset a Top 25 team at home in five straight seasons.

Stanford proved that it is possible to beat the Ducks in a shootout, as long as you have an excellent QB and a balanced offensive attack. Check and check for Arizona, as QB Nick Foles actually out dueled Andrew Luck earlier this season in a 43-38 UA win. RB Nic Grigsby is expected to play, and when healthy, he provides the ‘Cats with the same dynamic ability that LaMichael James brings to UO. Arizona also has a very capable defense with tremendous speed at all three levels (UA 18th nationally in total defense), so ‘Zona has all the ingredients necessary to pull the upset.

Having said all of that, I believe the Ducks will rise to the occasion. Unless Mike Stoops finds a way to clone QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB LaMichael James, there is no way the scout team will adequately prepare UA for that tremendous misdirection spread attack. I also think Nick Aliotti’s underrated defense will prevent UA’s quick passing attack from establishing a rhythm. Sonny Dykes offense is predicated on timing, but all of the receiver screens and quick slants can be thwarted by a disruptive defense (something the Ducks clearly have).

Chip Kelly’s team understands what is on the line this week, and I fully expect to see Oregon’s best effort of the season on Saturday. The Ducks have certainly had their struggles on the road this year, but I believe they are due for a big game away from Autzen.

I think Oregon wins a high-scoring affair at the Old Pueblo, which should setup one of the best Civil War games of all time.

Prediction: Oregon 38 – Arizona 28

Oregon Player to Keep an Eye On: CB Cliff Harris – Harris is one of the best young corners in the Pac-10, and the freshman will have to be at his best against a talented UA receiving corps.

Arizona Player to Keep an Eye On: WR/KR Travis Cobb – I think Arizona will need to get something big out of the kick return game Saturday, and Cobb has already proven he can take it the distance (95 yard TD return two weeks ago).

Dave’s Take (49 – 15):

Honestly, I really don’t know what to do with myself in this game.

At first, I thought I was going to be hand-down-no-question picking Oregon. After all, it seems to be an all but forgone conclusion that they are going to put up 40+ points no matter who they are playing against; and while the defense got beat up by Stanford, it has been fairly strong all season.

But is it a sure thing that Oregon runs rampant on Arizona’s defense? It’s always difficult to actually try to look at numbers or matchups or anything else when breaking down Oregon’s offense; they just seem to shred through everything. But am I crazy for thinking that maybe, just maybe, Arizona’s very fast and talented defense might stand some chance in slowing them down a little bit?

Furthermore, why are we so quick to write off Arizona? This team did top both Stanford and Oregon State, so they have proven that they can play with the conference’s best. Nic Grigsby’s return should take some of the pressure off of Nick Foles as well.

And than there is the whole Arizona home-field advantage issue. I believe it is blown a bit out of proportion considering that both of Oregon’s losses came against excellent teams (and they are much better now than they were against Boise State), so it isn’t like the Ducks are as hopeless on the road as some are making them out to be. On the other hand, can we completely ignore that Oregon is 2-2 on the road (with the two wins coming over weak opponents in UCLA and UW), and Arizona is a perfect 5-0 at home (including wins over Central Michigan and Stanford)?

I’m not going to say that Arizona is the “better team”, but I will say they’ve got more of a chance than they are getting credit for in this one. Andrew Luck exploited Oregon’s beat up secondary, and I could see Nick Foles doing the same. It will take a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball to pull it off, but something tells me the ‘Cats have it in them.

Prediction: Arizona 41 – Oregon 38

Arizona Wildcats 6-3 Overall (4-2 Conference)

This Week’s Score: Cal 24 – Arizona 16

Next Week’s Opponent: Oregon

While the loss to Cal may leave a bad taste in the mouths of the Wildcats’ fan base heading into the showdown against Oregon, Arizona is in fact still in complete control of their own destiny.

If the Wildcats were to win out, they would finish the season at 7-2 in conference play, and would hold the tiebreaker over all of the other potential two-loss teams in Stanford, Oregon, and Oregon State.

Easier said than done, of course; high powered Oregon, and than road games against your hated rival and USC. That said, what more could you ask for than control of your own destiny with just three games remaining in the season?

Needless to say, the offense is going to have to be a lot better this Saturday. The Wildcats mustered up only 274 yards of total offense against the Bears, also struggling badly on 3rd down efficiency (3 for 13). Nick Foles (25/41, 201 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and Keola Antolin (19 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD) both had pedestrian days. Nic Grigsby’s return will have to re-spark the offense.

The defense was solid as usual, and the huge run by Shane Vereen at the end of the game made the final stat line look a lot worse than it actually was. That said, having a 61-yard touchdown run against as the last thing fresh on your mind isn’t the optimal way to head into Oregon’s dangerous rushing attack.

It was an ugly game that could have gone Arizona’s way had a few bounces went differently, but the Wildcats can’t afford to dwell. They have proven that they can play with and beat top teams in the conference (having done so @Oregon State and against Stanford), and they need to focus on that and stay confident heading into the huge battle on Saturday.