The season did not start the way anyone connected with the Arizona football team wanted it to. Now, two weeks removed from the setback at Hawai’i, it’s important for all to understand one game does not define a team and there is a lot of football to be played this season.
Saturday’s game against Northern Arizona will not make any Wildcat fan forget the Hawai’i game, but it is an opportunity to move forward and let this team establish its own identity. Winning by a big margin is not going to reveal any sort of dramatic turnaround, though one would hope that this team can take care of business in relatively convincing fashion Saturday. Problem is, these are always games that mean so much more to the Lumberjacks than they do to the Wildcats from the emotional standpoint.
This time around, this game should mean a lot to Arizona. W\The Wildcats have to show improvement in a number of areas, regardless of the talent level of the competition. They have to get that winning feeling back in the locker room and take that confidence into a game week for a true shot at redemption next week.
So winning is the goal and expectation, but what else is critical for the long-term development of this team beyond the scoreboard? Here are five keys to the game I will be watching:
1. Limit penalties (offense, defense and special teams)
2. Protect the football (no turnovers offensively)
3. No three-and-outs (get that first first-down each drive)
4. Play lots of guys (find out who wants to compete – offense, defense and special teams)
5. Build confidence (make plays, have fun and win as a team)
Arizona wins if …
The team comes out motivated and executes with greater sharpness and intensity than we saw at Hawai’i. Playing a clean offensive game (limit penalties and turnovers) is paramount, whether the team leans on the ground game or finds space through the air. On the defensive side of the ball, Arizona should play fast and attacking, but not at the expense of fundamentals. Sure-tackling, playing sound in assignments and getting off the field are necessary for the defensive improvement in a matchup like this. In the bigger picture, the Wildcats win if they play a lot of players in this game all over the field. Gaining experience and creating competition is critical for the program’s development. While much is earned in practice, nothing is more telling of who is ready to compete and help this team win than game action. Freshman or senior, show us what you have on Saturday nights.
Arizona loses if …
The Hawai’i game has carried over through the bye week and the team comes out unfocused, unmotivated and plays selfishly. An early injury to Khalil Tate would prompt a sudden change, which could affect not only the confidence, but ability for the offense to make plays and execute. At the same time, if the defense continues to blow coverages and fails to pressure the quarterback, it will be another long and disappointing night. Sometimes in these games, losing doesn’t mean you lose on the scoreboard. More often, there are plenty of negative factors, especially injuries and concerns in major areas like pass defense, that could lead to a lack of confidence going forward making a win feel not much better than a loss.
Prediction:
Arizona 48, NAU 17
Check out the rest of this week’s predictions in Picks to Click.
Get the latest content from Dry Heat Sports by following on Facebook (@DryHeatSportsAZ), Twitter (@DryHeatSportsAZ) and subscribing below.
You can also follow Blair’s personal Twitter account @BlairWillisUA.
0 comments on “Arizona vs. NAU Game Prediction”