This years Vegas bowl has a good chance of showing some serious offensive firepower from both teams. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns into another shootout. The Cougs are 9-11 overall in the series with the wildcats but have taken 3 of the last 4 from Arizona since they first played back in 1936. Head coach Mike Stoops has led this years squad to 7-5 overall record and their first postseason appearance since 1998.
The cats return 10 of 11 offensive starters. Offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes installed his spread offense and the results have shown. Arizona's Wildcats are directed by senior quarterback Willie Tuitama (6.3/220) who ranks 24th nationally with nearly a 143 pass efficiency rating. Tuitama has thrown for 21 TDs and 8 INTs for 2763 yards. The wildcat offense averages just over 400 yards per game and 37 points thrown up on the scoreboard.
The cats to return all five offensive lineman to provide Tuitama protection as well as pave the way for the capable backfield. Arizona's ground attack consists namely of sophomore Nic Grigsby (5.10/178) and Keola Antolin (5.8/180). Grigsby has rushed for over 1000 yards with 12 TDs while averaging 5.5 per carry but can be fumble prone. Antolin is a fabulous freshman from Vegas and spots 10 TDs on the season with 525 yards to his stats.
The wildcats will throw the ball around no question about that. They have 4 receivers (technically 3 WRs and 1 TE) who each have over 450 yards. The receiving corps is led by dangerous Mike Thomas (who also returns punts and is ranked 17th nationally). Thomas (5.8/195) has 70 receptions for nearly 800 yards and 4 TDs as a senior. Delashaun Dean (6.4/200) is a super sophomore with 46 catches for 505 yards and 3 TDs. The lone junior of the bunch is Terrell Turner (6.2/190) with 39 receptions and 469 yards. Tight end Rob Gronkowski (6.6/260) is a physically imposing sophomore who will keep defenses honest. Gronkowski missed 3 games with mono this season but still had 43 receptions for 645 yards and 10 TDs. Gronk may very well be the offensive difference maker for Arizona. If the 'cats get into the red zone definately look for some balls to be thrown his direction.
Despite only returning 3 defensive starters (serious makeover) the cats rank 20th nationally in overall total defense (36th for scoring defense). If this matchup does become a shootout and turnovers become a factor Arizona does rank 27th in TO margin. One stat that also stands out is that they rank 14th in pass defense. The Cougs may have to take to the ground and pound this thing out. The longer the jerseys in blue can keep Harvey and Fui on the field the longer it means the cats shouldn't be able to get on the board. Senior linebacker Ronnie Palmer (6.3/245) leads the cats with 77 tackles. Free safety senior Nate Ness is the playmaker of the unit and isn't far behind with 70 tackles.
Games are often won or lost with field position and ball control. If that does become an issue the cats do have sophomore Keenyn Crier who averages over 44 yards per punt and ranks 12th nationally. Crier (6.1/200) last season earned All Pac10 honors with more than a dozen heading 50 yards or better. Don't look for Arizona to hand this thing over. The cats will be hungry and ready to play. It won't be easy but if the Cougs can execute at a higher level, play smart positive ball control and play some tough defense look for the jerseys in blue to grit this one out and come out on top.
The cats return 10 of 11 offensive starters. Offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes installed his spread offense and the results have shown. Arizona's Wildcats are directed by senior quarterback Willie Tuitama (6.3/220) who ranks 24th nationally with nearly a 143 pass efficiency rating. Tuitama has thrown for 21 TDs and 8 INTs for 2763 yards. The wildcat offense averages just over 400 yards per game and 37 points thrown up on the scoreboard.
The cats to return all five offensive lineman to provide Tuitama protection as well as pave the way for the capable backfield. Arizona's ground attack consists namely of sophomore Nic Grigsby (5.10/178) and Keola Antolin (5.8/180). Grigsby has rushed for over 1000 yards with 12 TDs while averaging 5.5 per carry but can be fumble prone. Antolin is a fabulous freshman from Vegas and spots 10 TDs on the season with 525 yards to his stats.
The wildcats will throw the ball around no question about that. They have 4 receivers (technically 3 WRs and 1 TE) who each have over 450 yards. The receiving corps is led by dangerous Mike Thomas (who also returns punts and is ranked 17th nationally). Thomas (5.8/195) has 70 receptions for nearly 800 yards and 4 TDs as a senior. Delashaun Dean (6.4/200) is a super sophomore with 46 catches for 505 yards and 3 TDs. The lone junior of the bunch is Terrell Turner (6.2/190) with 39 receptions and 469 yards. Tight end Rob Gronkowski (6.6/260) is a physically imposing sophomore who will keep defenses honest. Gronkowski missed 3 games with mono this season but still had 43 receptions for 645 yards and 10 TDs. Gronk may very well be the offensive difference maker for Arizona. If the 'cats get into the red zone definately look for some balls to be thrown his direction.
Despite only returning 3 defensive starters (serious makeover) the cats rank 20th nationally in overall total defense (36th for scoring defense). If this matchup does become a shootout and turnovers become a factor Arizona does rank 27th in TO margin. One stat that also stands out is that they rank 14th in pass defense. The Cougs may have to take to the ground and pound this thing out. The longer the jerseys in blue can keep Harvey and Fui on the field the longer it means the cats shouldn't be able to get on the board. Senior linebacker Ronnie Palmer (6.3/245) leads the cats with 77 tackles. Free safety senior Nate Ness is the playmaker of the unit and isn't far behind with 70 tackles.
Games are often won or lost with field position and ball control. If that does become an issue the cats do have sophomore Keenyn Crier who averages over 44 yards per punt and ranks 12th nationally. Crier (6.1/200) last season earned All Pac10 honors with more than a dozen heading 50 yards or better. Don't look for Arizona to hand this thing over. The cats will be hungry and ready to play. It won't be easy but if the Cougs can execute at a higher level, play smart positive ball control and play some tough defense look for the jerseys in blue to grit this one out and come out on top.
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