During Jedd Fisch's Thursday press conference, he stated that Jayden de Laura had not practiced all week and would be a game-time decision for Saturday. Well, from what I've been told, de Laura didn't practice on Thursday as well and he is still listed as a game-time decision.

However, I think you can move his status to doubtful and that Wildcats fans will see Noah Fifita behind center against the Huskies. I don't think Arizona will change much of its offense. But, I think you will see the most balanced gameplan you've seen thus far in the Fisch era.

So we are officially through 1/3 of the season sitting at 3-1. Here are my questions for the remaining part of the season.

• Can we go 4-4 for the rest of the season? We have Washington, Oregon State, UCLA and Utah at home. USC, Washington St, Colorado and Arizona State on the road.
• Defense is much improved but is going to be really tested the next 3 weeks. I don't see us beating Washington or USC but hope I am wrong. Washington historically has struggled in the Desert but has looked great this year. Their receivers are very talented.
• Offense has not looked great this year. What is the solution as it looks like the O-Line play is much improved?
• One of the items concerning me is the talk of how experienced JDL is (32 college starts) but I feel like he doesn't play like it. Seems to still struggle in this system and with the improved O-Line and skill positions this year it almost seems more obvious a big part of his success is being able to make something happen when a play breaks down. But with us being able to run the ball more successfully there are less opportunities for those type of plays and that seems to get JDL out of rhythm. It is strange to me.

Overall, it seems like we are on the cusp of something but are somehow just not able to get over the "hump". Interested to hear everyone else's thoughts.

I sat in during Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye's press conference Wednesday morning with the Red-Blue game right around the corner.

Here are my top-3 takeaways from the press conference.

1. Frye said that he admired Tommy Lloyd's international recruitment hopes that the European recruits "feel the [Arizona] camaderie."
2. Jefferson said that a lot of the UA alumni remained friends throughout the years. He noted that Jerryd Bayless and Mike Bibby are also close with him and Frye
3. Both Jefferson and Frye both showed their appreciation of the program and stated that the '88 and '97 jerseys exemplified UA basketball.

Here is the video of the press conference below:


What are your thoughts from Jefferson and Frye's press conference?

A look at how five-stars in the 2022 class are performing:

GAME INFO​

Who: Arizona vs Stanford
When: 4 p.m. (MST)
Where: Stanford Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Networks
All-time series: Stanford leads 17-14
Favorite: Arizona (-12.5), O/U 60

The Wildcats will be looking to break a six-game losing streak against Stanford today.

Raymond Pulido was fully cleared this week, so we should get the first look at a fully healthy offensive line for the Wildcats.

Arizona will look to take care of business today with seven straight games against Pac-12 teams who are currently ranked after this week.

Just wanted to throw out a few quick stats for you from the high school season of a couple of our guys.

Demond Williams

Demond's stats are insane. Funny thing is if you watch him, he looks better even than these stats


Adam Mohammed

Adam recently broke the 5A state record for career TD. He's gone over 100 yards in each game this season

Brandon Phelps

Brandon has been in a lot of blowouts which have deflated his numbers some. Still very solid. Saw him in his one loss which was against a 6A school in ALA QC and he had 13 for 158. Really kept his team in it.

Elijah Rushing

Audric Harris

Jordan Washington

Keona Wilhite

Hey guys, wanted to make sure to share the preview Matt and I put together ahead of tomorrow's game.


Take a listen:https://arizona.rivals.com/news/podcast-arizona-opening-pac-12-play-with-road-game-at-stanford

Last trip to the farm coming up. First thought is I can’t remember the last time Stanford was in Tucson? It’s been I think 4 or 5 years since we played them last and I know Tate was our QB.

I like their coach Taylor. He did a great job at Sac St and I am sure he will build Stanford back up in time. I am fine with watching that from a far. They are really young as Stanford doesn’t really attack the portal.

They look to have a very average QB group with an OLine that has struggled in pass protect. Their QB’s love their TE. Watching their game vs SAC St, the TE was doubled a lot and their QB had a hard time getting it out to a WR. In the past we have made TE’s look like NFL players vs our defense but I hope Stukes/Earby lock down this option.

They look to have some good RB’s. They have Emmet Smiths kid who has looked good. We definitely need to focus on limiting the run and making them pass. Not a new game plan but in this case it takes away their strength without question.

Of course another way is to get off to a fast start on offense which hasn’t happened this year. No doubt we have a more talented, deeper roster than we had two years ago but the offense is just not firing on all cylinders yet.

It could be as easy as JDL just turning it over but I think we really miss Singer. Last year we could throw to either side and allow Cowings and Singer to get us 7 yards of YAC. MLC and TMac are not those kind of guys.

As much progression as the defense has made I think we could say the offense has slightly regressed. Maybe this week things change and the lights flip on and we get short field and play a clean gane and score 40+. I did see where we are now #1 in yards gained on first down which is impressive for sure. The Cardinal do not tackle well so getting the ball out to the perimeter quickly could yield big results.

CJF likes to break up the season into quarters so this is a must win in this second segment. Our 2-1 first quarter is less impressive than lasts years 2-1 in my
Opinion. NAU looks really bad (lost to Utah Tech at home and gave up 50), Mississippi St is not what they were last year and UTEP will probably be 6-6 in the WAC.

We have the talent but we haven’t clicked yet on offense. Time to get going!

Here is my article on Raymond Pulido, who is set to make his first career start for the Wildcats against Stanford on Saturday:

Hey guys, today we will be getting coach Brennan Carroll and coach Johnny Nansen with Dalton Johnson and Michael Wiley. I was wondering if there were any questions you guys have for them?

Utep coming up and so watched some of their game Vs Northwestern. Their strength would be on defense, although they gave up 38 vs a pretty bad NW team. Their QB did not play well and I would think we should feast Saturda. Hopefully we make quick work of them and get some of the backups some snaps.

Questions continue at least a little bit about play calling. The double throw on 3rd and 5 when we were moving the ball was a head scratcher. Then we had 3rd and 2 with a minute to go and JDL’s number is called which appeared to be nothing more than to set up the FG. My only thought was he feared a sack or a poor decision from JDL. Still why not give to Wiley and see if he could pop one

Last chance for guys to impress generally. Flowe looked great but he should as they were running downhill and not throwing into the second level at all. Stanford will live and die with their TE’s so hopefully he can make some progress and ge was super athletic out there.

Maldonado? Grades out poor in every aspect from PFF and he doesn’t pass the eye test but they must love his physicality. Still would love to see IT and GSmith play a bunch of snaps together.

Speedy needs more run, literally. Get him in the flat in space and let’s see what he can do. Wiley caught a bunch of balls out there it he isn’t as fast as Speedy

Would love to learn why Irby didn’t play a snap in the second half. They said today he was fine. Going to be great to see what Pulido brings to the OLine

GAME INFO

Who: Arizona (1-1) vs. UTEP (1-2)
When: 8:00 p.m. (MST)
Where: Arizona Stadium | Tucson, Arizona
TV: Pac-12 Networks
All-time series: Arizona leads 39-11-2 (Last meeting: 63-16 Arizona win; Sept. 15, 2017)
Odds: Arizona (-17.5) O/U 57.5

Hey everyone, I am getting the game thread up here early with about seven and a half hours until the 8:00 p.m. kickoff between Arizona and the University of Texas El Paso. The Wildcats will look to have a bounce back game after losing a heartbreaking game in overtime last week to MSU in Starkville. This game will conclude the UA's non-conference play this season.

Injury updates:
- Nickel back Treydan Stukes, safety Dalton Johnson and cornerback Dylan Wyatt are all probable
- Right guard Raymond Pulido will be a game-time decision

Here is my recap from Arizona's win over UTEP with quotes:
https://arizona.rivals.com/news/ari...routing-utep-31-10-to-end-non-conference-play

GAME INFO

Who: Arizona (1-0) vs. Mississippi State (1-0)
When: 4:30 p.m. (MST)
Where: Davis Wade Stadium | Starkville, Mississippi
TV: SEC Network
All-time series: Mississippi State leads 1-0 (Last meeting: 39-17 MSU win; Sept. 10, 2022)
Odds: Mississippi State (-9) O/U 60.5

I'm getting the game thread up here a little early with just over four hours away from kick off as Arizona will play its first SEC road game since the 2006 season. In that game, the Wildcats were hammered 45-3 against LSU with starting QB Willie Tuitama going down early in the game. This game versus the Bulldogs is another chance at revenge for Jedd Fisch and his staff after losing by 22 points a season ago.

Pregame Notes
- Arizona allowed only 78 rushing yard against NAU, which ranked 31st nationally in yards allowed on the ground
- Jayden de Laura had two turnovers against NAU. Now de Laura is going up against a team that he threw three interceptions against a season ago
- Jordan Morgan made his first start since his ACL injury
- Jonah Coleman totaled 88 yards of offense with a touchdown against NAU
- De Laura had his longest run of his career with a 53-yard touchdown


Injury notes:

Raymond Pulido - out
Treydan Stukes - game time decision

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Make sure to check out our latest podcast as Arizona prepares to close out nonconference play with UTEP. Troy and I took some time to chat about last week's game plus look ahead to what will be important this week as the Wildcats look to rebound from Saturday's overtime loss to Mississippi State.

The Pac-12 announced the weekly pairing schedule on Thursday for the 2023-24 basketball season.

Below is the weekly pairing schedule for Arizona:

Week of Dec. 27-31
Arizona at Cal and Stanford

Week of Jan. 3-7
Arizona vs. Colorado and Utah

Week of Jan. 10-14
Arizona at Washington State

Week of Jan. 17-21
Arizona vs. UCLA and USC

Week of Jan. 24-28
Arizona at Oregon and Oregon State

Week of Jan. 31-Feb. 4
Arizona vs. Cal and Stanford

Week of Feb. 7-11
Arizona at Colorado and Utah

Week of Feb. 14-18
Arizona vs ASU

Week of Feb. 21-25
Arizona vs. Washington and Washington State

Week of Feb. 28-Mar. 3
Arizona at ASU and vs. Oregon

Week of Mar. 6-9
Arizona at UCLA and USC

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Arizona comes up with another impressive addition for the 2024 class as Bay Area linebacker/edge rusher Sosefo Akuila makes his late-night announcement in favor of UA. The Wildcats have been the favorite, and it is a bit surprising he didn't announce earlier in the process. He made the trek out to Tucson a couple times with his official visit coming in early June.

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OC Brennan Carroll and DC Johnny Nansen, along with LB Justin Flowe and RB Michael Wiley all spoke to the press Tuesday to speak about the overtime loss to MSU and what they have to improve heading into this upcoming Saturday night against UTEP.

Here are my five takeaways from the press conference:

Well after a lot of talk about Arizona not wanted to add any transfers, the Wildcats have announced the addition of pitcher and infielder Miranda Stoddard for the 2024 roster. Stoddard is a graduate transfer from Kentucky where she has pitched 141 2/3 innings earning a record of 11-4 with an era of 3.56 for her career.

Stoddard has played third base for Kentucky and at the plate she hit .240 totaling 69 hits, 13 doubles, 67 RBIs and slugged 18 home runs in her three season with the Wildcats.

"We're thrilled to welcome Miranda to our team this year," said coach Caitlin Lowe. "As a true utility player, she has a lot of experience playing against top competition and will add a great deal of depth and experience to our pitching staff while also being able to play the infield and hit."

From the sounds of things, Stoddard will be a key piece for the Wildcats out of the Bullpen giving them someone to shorten the game with and putting less stress on Devyn Netz and the rest of the young rotation.

I think this is a solid pick up, but things will come down to how much the rest of the staff improves and how good the incoming freshmen pitchers are.

The initial 2026 Rivals100 was just revealed. Take a look at the coverage:

Top 10 Countdown for 2026 class
Meet the initial five-stars in 2026
Tuesdays with Gorney: Thoughts on the 2026 rankings
Who's the top player at each position in 2026 class?
2026 Rivals100

What are the keys on taking down Hail St this Saturday. Going East and into SEC country and coming back with a win would be even bigger than beating UCLA last year I think.

Strange game when you think about it. First, Miss St has a totally revamped offensive system. Gone is the Leach control the ball by the pass O game. In is a more SEC smash mouth pound the rock running game.

Of course our team is much difference. Last year this is who we started on defense: Harris, Shand, Barrs, Echols, Rutherford, CRW, Roberts, Kolbe Cage, Maldonado, Tuner. With ‘Maldonado out for the first half, miss St will see 11 new players lining up against them. Not sure I have ever seen that.

You have to remember that going into the 4th quarter it was a one score game, 25-17 before JDL bogged down and turned it over a couple more times. We lost that 4th quarter 14-0 and that was definitely the talent differential showing through.

So what do we have to do. I think we have to show we can run the ball consistently. We need to run for 150 yards and we need to show a commitment to the run game.

Next we need great game from our backers. Manu is a dog but he is 220 pounds and will be seeing 300 pound guys at the second level. That is unless our bigs keep those guys occupied.

We need pressure when they throw. I like our corners and with Maldonado out in the first have I actually think there is some addition by subtraction. We need our ends to shine and it will be interesting to see if Arnett sticks with the dink and dunk routes or if he throws second level.

Finally, we need JDL to be at his best. Last year he never scrambled from the pocket and it cost us. Let’s see what improvement he has made

Hey guys, Aidan and I will have more following Jedd Fisch's postgame press conference


However, here's my quick recap of the crazy game:

Does anyone know if Pulido played? If not, why not?

Here's the full PFF breakdown for Arizona from Saturday's game against NAU from writer Jason Dayee. Some really high marks for the Wildcats this week.

The Wildcats earned the top run defense grade of any team FBS team in Week 1 with a 93.7. Their overall grade of 92.2 was good enough for fifth among FBS teams and was second to just USC within the Pac-12.

In my time being around the Wildcats, it is the highest grades the team has received.

Check out some more detail about the grades in Jason's writeup.

I know it's hard to tell because of the talent disparity with NAU ... our running game looked solid. Wiley and Williams looked pretty good certainly serviceable to support the run game ... Jonah Coleman looked to be on another level with his burst, speed, and agility while still being tough to bring down. It was like he had another gear over our other options.

I would like to have gotten Fafita a few more reps. I can see why with the weird combination of NAU drives ending in a blocked field goal, a punt, and turnover on downs wrapped around a short 3 and out AZ possession. So we had to get the 1s reps ahead of MSU as well.

The penalties keeping NAU drives alive didn't help matters, but that can be cleaned up. I like that we were able to get pressure and get in the backfield. Granted it's NAU, but still good to see and from a matter of perspective, it looked like players with in the right position.