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Rauraur.com’s 2007 Football Season Preview
By: Barrett Baffert
November 25th, 2006 was a nightmare. Not only did Arizona State pull off a decisive victory over the Wildcats in a game that proved to prolong the bowl drought yet another season, I was forced to watch this horror show amongst Sun Devil fans. With Thanksgiving weekend forcing Arizona’s athletic department to convert the Zona Zoo into an open to ASU fan, general admission free-for-all, the atmosphere was more contentious than a cock-fighting arena after a split decision. Although I heard rumors that some middle-aged men were fist fighting outside the stadium after the game, surprisingly, I didn’t actually witness any violence despite the volatile mix of smuggled booze and rival fans in close quarters. Let’s just say the PR departments at both universities should be infinitely grateful that the whole thing didn’t turn into a prison riot.
So like I said, the game was a nightmare. When it ended and the ASU players rushed to the southwest section of the stadium to celebrate in front of their Satan-worshiping supporters (the ones who actually sat in the clearly marked “visitor section”, that is), only two things kept me from rushing the field and assaulting Sparky with a blindsided haymaker:
1. My girlfriend, who had already given me the evilest of eyes after I casually commented to a ten year old ASU fan that a lifetime of cheating-to-get-ahead was in store for him and he might as well convert now because God will not offer salvation to those who plead ignorance—in my defense, Willie Tuitama had just been knocked out of the Territorial Cup game for a second straight season thanks to a cheap shot by the always classy Sun Devils.
2. The notion that the University of Arizona is, undoubtedly, a basketball school.
Fast forward to March 16th, 2007. Purdue 72 – Arizona 63. The Big Ten’s fifth best team out everything’d a severely underachieving Wildcat squad and punctuated the victory with a shot from the knees that every ‘Cat fan knew would haunt us again during the “One Shining Moment” montage at tournament end. So what did I tell myself to overcome this tragedy of a game? “It’s ok, we’re a softball school.”
And for better or worse, I was right.
What more can be said about our softball team? They saved their best performances for the most adverse times, overcame one of the most decorated pitchers in the sport’s history to win their second straight championship, and managed to look like homecoming queens on HDTV in the process. If ever a team has fought like Wildcats, it was them.
So another cycle of Arizona seasons has past and only one constant remains, the Wooden-like dominance of the Candrea Dynasty. The University of Arizona is, without question, a softball school. But that doesn’t mean we can’t hope for more, right? I’d be lying if I told you I thought it was too early to discuss the ’07-’08 basketball season (I could go in depth on the ’08-’09 squad, if you wanted me to) but there are more pressing issues to discuss. Namely, Arizona Wildcat football.
Ok, a season that doesn’t begin for over three months is not exactly “pressing” but that doesn’t stop everyone from thinking about it, right? Every magazine, website, and radio host has already started penciling in their W's and L's for ’07 and, you know what, it’s time for me to do the same.
Now, let me preface this by saying I am completely unqualified for the role of college football analyst. I’m just a guy who cares entirely too much about Arizona athletics and desperately wants to see the ‘Cats in a bowl game (is there a stronger word than desperate? I mean, I was “desperate” in 2002. What does that make me now? Desperater? Most desperatest?). For what it’s worth, the following is my preview for the 2007 Arizona football season. Be sure to point out all disagreements, errors, biases, and absurdities on the rauraur.com message board.
And away we go!
Week One – September 1st, at BYU
Dare I say, the most important game in the Mike Stoops era? Let’s face it, if Arizona doesn’t make a bowl this season, Stoops might get shown the exit door. And as if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, the Pac Ten will arguably be more competitive this season than in any of his previous three. So obviously, every W is worth its weight in iPhones. And should the Wildcats fall to the Cougars, the resulting blow to team morale might just plague the squad until November. But if the ‘Cats can escape Provo victoriously, they’d be poised to enter conference play undefeated for the first time since… since… to be honest, I don’t think internet archives go back that far.
So what do we know? Arizona is facing what remains of the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl champions who lost a premier quarterback, tight end, and tailback. So that’s good. But let’s not forget, last year’s game came down to field position and a last minute field goal and Nick Folk (kicker/punter/game winner) is now a Dallas Cowboy. Sonny Dyke’s offense will premiere in an away setting against an excellent defensive coach in Bronco Mendenhal. And anyone who thinks that BYU can’t replace one great quarterback with another great quarterback is flat out wrong.
Degree of Nervousness (scale of 10): 8.5 – I can’t imagine a scenario where the ‘Cats lose this game and I live to see week two.
What my heart tells me: Tuitama and the offense struggle in the first half, as the game’s tempo mimics the 2006 contest and field position is held at a premium. The second half sees the offense catch fire and, thanks to some well-timed turnovers forced by the defense, Arizona goes on to win in convincing fashion.
What my head tells me: Given BYU’s inexperienced offense and Arizona’s extremely experienced defense, it’s tempting to say this one goes our way. But if the new offense sputters and the game stays close, well, that’s not a situation you want to be in for a season opening away game. Arizona wins but not by much.
Final Score: Arizona 16 – BYU 10
Will I make the road trip? You know what, I just might. Nearby Salt Lake City is severely underrated in terms of nightlife and I’ve always wondered what a sea of sober tailgaters looks like (actually, I’ve never wondered that but I imagine it looks a lot like the exact opposite of Louisiana State University’s campus on game day).
Week Two – September 8th, vs. NAU
C’mon.
Degree of Nervousness: 1 – And the only thing keeping it from being zero is the very fact that I actually think I should be 0% nervous about this game (if that makes any sense).
What my heart tells me: Willie Tuitama breaks Tom Tunnicliffe’s single game passing record and the defense pitches its first shut out since the 1996.
What my head tells me: Arizona coaches reveal very little offense and the defense gives up one touchdown due to a mental lapse by an inexperienced player but the game never escapes the Wildcats’ control.
Final Score: Arizona 23 - NAU 7
Week Three – September 15th, vs New Mexico
This is the point in the season preview where a true analyst would tell you things like the name of New Mexico’s quarterback or what bowl game they played in last year. Well, I’m not a true analyst and the only reason I know what bowl game they played is because it was actually called the New Mexico Bowl. New Mexico played in the New Mexico Bowl. Tell me again why Tucson ever let the Copper Bowl move upstate?
Hopefully this game resurrects the Kit Carson Rifle, a now defunct firearm-turned-trophy. Apparently, etching the final score into the side of a weapon that may or may not have killed countless Native Americans is politically incorrect (who knew?). But I say, until the ballistics report gets back from CSI: Frontierland, we continue the tradition for old time’s sake. I mean, it’s not like the Lobos were scheduled to help Arizona earn BCS points.
Degree of Nervousness: 4.5
Heart: Willie breaks his own passing record. The defense gives up a field goal early but Mike Stoops hits the reset button on the Playstation and manages to get another shut out.
Head: Eager to start conference play and with a visit to Berkeley only a week away, the ‘Cats overcome a lackluster start thanks to a sold out stadium and, again, a tremendous effort by the defense.
Final Score: Arizona 27 – New Mexico 17
Week Four – September 22nd, at Cal
DeSean Jackson is the best player in the Pac Ten. DeSean Jackson can provide enough offense to beat an opponent even if the rest of his teammates are toilet-bound with food poisoning. And as much as I want to say that Arizona’s secondary can shut down DeSean Jackson, between his big play ability on offense and his unmistakable special teams contributions, there is no doubt that Cal is going be the first team to force Sonny Dykes’ offense to put some points on the board.
Degree of Nervousness: 6 – It would be nice to win this game but a loss wouldn’t be disastrous.
Heart: More of the same, baby. Line ‘em up and knock ‘em down. You thought the 2006 trip to Tucson was embarrassing, Cal fans? Wait until we do the same thing at your place!
Head: Sorry, Heart. We just don’t get this one.
Final Score: Cal 20 – Arizona 10
Will I make the road trip? I’m told Berkeley has a great campus… if you like chicks who don’t shave their legs, jam bands, and incense parties. So no, I probably won’t make it.
Week Five – September 29th, vs. Washington State
Arizona returns home to play what many expect to be the second worst team in the Pac Ten. How will the ‘Cats bounce back after their first loss?
Degree of Nervousness: 8
Heart: I’d hate to face the Wildcats this day, Stoops has created a culture that despises losing and a second set of Cougars will fall by the sword of mighty Arizona.
Head: Um, heart… you’re kind of scaring me. As for the game, I think this one has the potential to be the home game we “should” win but manage to look terrible in. You know, like the Washington games in 2005 and 2006 (and… I just threw up). So this game could serve as a litmus test for how much Stoops has grown as a head coach. Sure he can provide the talent but what about conjuring effort and execution?
Final Score: Arizona 24 – WSU 19 (quietly one of the most impressive victories in Mike Stoops’ career, especially when you consider that without this win, Arizona could be staring down the barrel of a four game losing streak)
Week Six – October 6th, at Oregon State
I won’t lie, I am insanely jealous of the Beavers right now. First of all, they had a tremendous football season in 2006 thanks to their gut check victory in Tucson (argh!), continued with an Upset of the Year performance over USC, and concluding with a come from behind Sun Bowl victory. Then their baseball team wins a second straight College World Series, an event I was really hoping to attend. And as if that weren’t enough, their fanbase can always rely on the additional mojo created by a certain, epic Miller Lite advertisement. Not fair. Not fair at all.
So what does all this have to do with the game? Absolutely nothing. I wonder if Fox Sports is looking for an in-game analyst?
Degree of Nervousness: 7.5
Heart: Sorry, I still can’t get over the fact that there’s actually a team named “the Beavers.”
Head: Win at home, split away—those are reasonable expectations, right? Oregon State loses their quarterback but they are so good up front, feature a tremendous running back, and will be playing in front of their home crowd. Arizona shows heart but receives no reward.
Final Score: Oregon State 27 – Arizona 24
Road Trip? The game will be played in Corvallis, right? Maybe I’m not so jealous of the Oregon State fans, after all.
Week Seven – October 13th, at USC
USC is the most talented team ever assembled. Or at least, they appear to be. Can this be the year Arizona beats USC, a consensus preseason number one for both conference and country? And in doing so, can they be the first visiting team to do so since Stanford in 2001? It would be something…
Degree of Nervousness: 5 – Nothing to lose, but I can’t stand losing to USC
Heart: Yeah, I’m not too confident about this one.
Head: I was kind of hoping Heart would give me reason to believe. Oh well.
Final Score: USC 24 – Arizona 10 (4-3 with three of five home games remaining, still in great shape for a bowl)
Road Trip? - I really want to be there the day Arizona beats USC. So although it’s a long shot, I would heavily consider making the trip.
Week Eight – October 20th, vs. Stanford
Arizona beat the Cardinal with a quarterback duo of Adam Austin and Kris Heavner last season. I’m sure Stanford will improve but their new head coach’s last name is Harbaugh, not Christ.
Degree of Nervousness: 3
Heart: Louis Holmes feasts on the blood of Cardinal quarterbacks. Another W for the ‘Cats.
Head: There’s the Heart I know and love.
Final Score: Arizona 33 – Stanford 6 (5-3, two games and we’re bowling!)
Week Nine – October 27th, at Washington
Luckily, no Isaiah Stanback this year. He’s been replaced by much anticipated redshirt freshman, Jake Locker, who was apparently seen walking on Lake Washington during spring practice. That’s about all I know on the Huskies.
Degree of Nervousness: 7.5 – Arizona is due for a victory over Washington and, strangely enough, the away team always seems to win this one.
Heart: Antoine Cason takes a huge lead in the Thorpe Award race by picking off Locker seven times. Wildcats win big.
Head: Tyrone Willingham could be fighting for his job at this point, so I wouldn’t say the ‘Cats are going to win easy. But they should pull it off. Offense is starting to look good too.
Final Score: Arizona 27 – Washington 17 (one game away, can this really be happening?!?)
Road Trip? It has been discussed amongst my buddies and I. Seattle is a great city. Could Willie repeat the Leap at the Lake? I’d like to be there if he did.
Week Ten – November 3rd, vs. UCLA
I imagine UCLA will be the favorite when they visit Tucson and with two straight upset victories on Homecoming weekend, the third could seal the deal on a bowl game.
Degree of Nervousness: 8.5 (+1 for the pressure of possible bowl eligibility)
Heart: I’m rushing the field, I’m rushing the field…
Head: UCLA is good. But I don’t know if they’re that good. I’m not sure who to pick in this game. How about this, hand me that quarter. I’ll call it in the air… Ah, crap.
Heart: How did you not pick heads? How does a head not pick heads? If we were playing Hearts or Tails, you know what I’d pick? Hearts. You know why?Because I’m not a freakin idiot.
Final Score: UCLA 27 – Arizona 24
Week Eleven – November 15th, vs. Oregon
Not only is this a Thursday night game that will be nationally televised on ESPN, it’s a match up between two coaches who also wage war on the recruiting trail every off-season. The battle for high caliber prospects such as Devin Ross, Will Tukuafu, and Terrence Pritchett has been testy, to say the least, and there is no doubt that Stoops will be fired up for this one.
Degree of Nervousness: 9
Heart: Go to hell, Mike Bellotti. Stoops! Stoops! Stoops! Stoops!
Head: Although I said that DeSean Jackson was the Pac Ten best player, it should be noted that Jonathan Stewart should be the best player in the Pac Ten. I don’t know if it’s injuries, coaching, or what, but he should get the ball on 86% of all snaps (if anything, just to prevent Dennis Dixon from being forced to throw the ball). I know the Ducks have a new offensive coordinator. Maybe he’ll find out how to get the most from Stewart. The game comes after a bye week for both teams so I expect it to be an epic. As for the outcome, Arizona’s offense is the surprise hero on this night as the ‘Cats clinch bowl eligibility.
Final Score: Arizona 38 – Oregon 27 (7-4, bowling!)
Week Twelve – December 1st, at Arizona State
I refuse to predict this game.
Degree of Nervousness: 11
Heart: I think you know where I stand on this one.
Head: Erickson is a great coach. ASU has talent and home field advantage. Let’s not pretend to be Vegas linemakers, though, it’s a rivalry game so anything can happen.
Final Score: …
Road Trip? I don’t think I can take being in the presence of that many ASU fans at one time. But I am glad the scheduling has changed so there’s no conflict with Thanksgiving break. That should prevent a couple heads from being scalped.
So there you have it, eleven-twelfths of my prediction for the 2007 season. And if I’m right and we do make a bowl game, which will it be? Well, a lot depends on that December Duel in the Desert but part of me hopes we’re in the Las Vegas Bowl (which I definitely would make a road trip for). See, not only could I watch Arizona’s first bowl game since 1998, the Wildcat basketball team will be playing at UNLV on December 19th (the Vegas Bowl is on the 22nd), so chances are, I can see them both. Plus, while I’m there, I can throw down a buck or two on Arizona Softball winning their third straight national championship. Easy money, if you ask me. Don’t let the bowl game or the top twenty-five men’s basketball team fool you… we’re still a softball school.
Bear Down and bring on football season
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