* Brandon Dawkins, Arizona’s likely starting quarterback, has said he needs to work on adjusting on the fly and not looking to the sideline as frequently. Rodriguez said he’s much-improved in that regard. “I think he’s got enough confidence and knows th offense well enough that he can make several checks himself,” Rodriguez said.
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https://twitter.com/Joseph_Duarte/status/903060559322636289
https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/903051213570097152
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Ed Oliver will have him checking into the fetal position by the 2nd quarter.
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All I want is a win. Everything else is gravy.
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Here is a good game analysis:
I am concerned on how we will stop the run. This is going to be a fascinating first test for all. We talked on how to channel emotions. I can’t think of any other game that means so much for so many. Humor plays a big role in such situations.
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Good thing is that the UA offense tends to rely on running the ball, which has been the strength of our defense. Good matchup to watch with D’Onofrio in charge.
NAU hasn’t been a great defensive team over the last few years and gave up 276 yards rushing to ASU last year. ASU ran well against Texas Tech and UTSA the next couple of weeks, and then struggled to run the ball against PAC12 teams. I’d chalk that up to NAU, Tech, and UTSA being poor defenses.
If we can handle the run and not make mistakes on offense, we win this one.
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I watched the first 3 quarters of the game last night. Not worried about Dawkins’ arm, however he is dangerous in space on his feet. They have a couple RBs who also are quick, shifty guys with good speed, who are also good in the open field. NAU’s defense was Swiss cheese and made it easy for AZ’s backs to get to the second level where they could turn on the jets. Don’t think it’ll be so easy against our front 7. Defensively, Arizona was not very good. They are young at LB and it showed. Seeing how capable NAU was of moving the ball gives me a whole lot more confidence than I had before last night. May not be an easy game, but if we have to play a P5 team, on the road, with a game under their belts to shake the rust off, it might not get any better for us than Arizona.
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But what happens if it doesn’t work? What happens if Arizona meets an opponent that shuts down its running game? Will the Wildcats be able to counterstrike through the air?
That scenario could unfold Saturday against Houston. The Cougars’ defensive line features Ed Oliver, whom NFL.com ranked as the No. 1 player – regardless of position – in college football.
Wow.
Ed can’t do it all himself. Adams is a proven quality LB. Egbule flashed excellence and I have high hopes for him. Not sure about the others. Key to stopping a rushing offense with speedy backs is, for the D-Line, penetration. Bust it up before play gets going. We know Ed can do it, Thurman too. What about the others, whoever they end up being? For LBs and secondary, key is to read quickly and maintain the edge…over-running the play, which is running like you’re in a 100 yard dash, gives the RB a chance to plant and cutback making you look foolish as you stick your arm out as he sails by. Get there fast, breakdown and maintain the edge, explode into his chest, wrap up. Can’t be that hard, right??
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Setting the edge is where we have the potential of really missing Tyus Bowser this year. We need strong, fast guys on the edge to set the edge and push RBs back inside to be swallowed up by Big Ed. I don’t think many teams are going to intentionally challenge us up the middle. We have to force them back inside.
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Yep. I think our LBs inside are OK. OLBs worry me though. Secondary guys flying up so fast they can’t adjust to RB cuts is worrisome too. I still think we’ll win, but I foresee some pacing…
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Weather update:
So far the weather is holding up but there is still a 20% chance of rain.
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Arizona has been nothing but class this week.
https://twitter.com/wendelldneal/status/906165468263620608
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Man, that is an U G L Y uniform.
No joke, the Arizona uniforms were bad. I hope that we never go to the chrome red helmet.
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