Get Your Tickets!
Forget the Hawai’i and NAU games.
This is the week we learn everything we need to know about this Arizona football team.
Saturday night. White Out. A Power 5 opponent. Under the lights. At Arizona Stadium. Before a national television audience.
It’s Texas Tech at Arizona.
There really isn’t much more to say. If the Wildcats are a different team than last season, we’ll see it on the field with our own eyes. If they aren’t, then it’s going to be a long bye week and there will be some big issues to ponder in the coming weeks.
This is not to say it’s an absolute must win, but it’s close. These teams could play a great game with one side simply making one more play than the other. But if Arizona does not show up and play well this week, a whole lot is going to be lost besides the scoreboard.
Earlier this week, I broke down what to expect from Texas Tech after reviewing last Saturday’s victory against UTEP. The Red Raiders want to play at a very fast tempo on offense and will present an attacking defense that thrives on producing negative yardage plays and forcing turnovers.
So let’s focus on the things that can make Arizona successful and negate Texas Tech’s strengths this week. Here are my five keys:
- Relentless effort for four quarters (offense, defense, special teams).
- Protect the football (no turnovers on offense or special teams).
- Win the line of scrimmage (offensive and defensive lines).
- Make a big play on special teams (TD return, blocked kick)
- Get the crowd engaged early (quick score, defensive stop, etc.)
Now let’s take a look at the scenarios.
Arizona wins if …
Whether the Wildcats strike first or not, the key is play relentlessly for four quarters. Texas Tech has not had a competitive four-quarter game yet this season, and that can be an uncomfortable position for a team. The Wildcats did not pass the test at Hawai’i, but they know what it feels like mentally and physically to have to play four quarters. At the same time, it doesn’t matter whether Arizona jumps out to an early lead or falls behind. Stick to the plan, execute the plan and play four quarters of football. If the Wildcats do that, and they protect the football from an attacking defense, they can make big plays and win the football game. Arizona Stadium can sneak up on an opponent when the crowd gets engaged. That energy can also push the Wildcats to an inspired four-quarter performance. The ZonaZoo led off my “Three Good Things” blog post earlier this week, and they’ll be looked upon to kick it up another notch or two this week. A relentless mindset combined with a big play early in the game to engage the crowd will go a long way to making this a memorable Saturday at Arizona Stadium.
Texas Tech wins if …
The Wildcats come out flat, tentative and undisciplined. I would expect Texas Tech to come out ready to play, and Arizona needs to match that level of intensity. This is an early measuring stick game for head coach Matt Wells & Co. to gauge what they have in Year 1. If the Red Raiders get the offense rolling early and their defense stifles the Wildcats, Texas Tech will build confidence while doubt and frustration may set in on the Arizona sideline. At the same time, the crowd will be deflated and it will take a lot to turn the momentum of the game. The Arizona pass defense has been maligned for good reason, but a real concern will arise if Texas Tech can run the ball for five yards a carry. Great concern will present itself, too, if the Red Raiders win the special teams and field position battles. In short, if the same Arizona team from the first two games shows up, Texas Tech wins.
The Prediction …
Arizona 44-38
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