Arizona Wildcats Hope To Repeat Against Oregon Ducks
By Gabe Encinas
The number two team in the country looks to get its revenge on the Arizona Wildcats tonight. Last year, the Wildcats stunned the visiting Oregon Ducks by a final score of 42-16. A win for Arizona would propel them in the national spotlight, while a loss for Oregon puts their College Football Playoff dreams at risk.
This time, Arizona has a completely new look on offense. Gone is the nation’s back-to-back leading rusher in Ka’Deem Carey, who carried the ball 48 times for 206 yards last year against Oregon. Also BJ Denker is no longer under center; he played nearly a flawless game that day, finishing 19/22 with 178 yards and two touchdowns, adding over 100 yards on the ground as well.
Enter the dark horse, Heisman candidate, Anu Solomon at quarterback, and true freshman Nick Wilson, picking up where Carey left off. Despite a bye week, Solomon is a top 10 passing leader in the nation, with Nick Wilson averaging just over 6 yards a touch. Cayleb Jones has become Anu’s most reliable target, as he cracks the top 15 in the nation regarding receiving yards and ties for 3rd in touchdown receptions.
But once again, it’s the defense that needs to step up. Sure, stopping Oregon’s offense is virtually impossible, as they are averaging just over 48 points a game. But with news that LSU transfer, defensive end, Jordan Allen left the team, and linebacker Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea is opting to transfer close to his home in Hawaii, the Wildcats face a huge challenge on defense. With the lack of depth, it might be time to call on freshman defensive tackle Marcus Griffin.
It seems a though the defense might not be too much of a concern in this matchup as the Oregon defense was exposed against Washington State last week. Connor Halliday shredded the Oregon defense, throwing over 60 times for 436 yards and 4 touchdowns. Arizona Wildcats offense, however, is a bit more intricate than Washington State, so Oregon will have to prepare for the tandem of Anu Solomon and Nick Wilson in the backfield.
So what do the Wildcats need to do? Well, if Arizona wants to do the unthinkable they’re going to need to move the ball consistently and own the time of possession. From the defense, all we can ask if a few key stops to throw Oregon’s offense off rhythm.
One thing is for certain though, its going to be a high-scoring affair. Let’s just hope the Wildcats can come out on top! #BearDown