Arizona vs. Oregon State Report Card: Wildcats Defense Continues To 'Fail' In 37-27 Defeat

The Arizona Wildcats fell to 1-5 on the season and 0-4 in conference play after their loss to the Oregon State Beavers, who had not won a game before Saturday. Here is the report card for the team:

Quarterback: C

In a disturbing trend that has now been blatantly obvious for three straight weeks, Nick Foles has gotten off to a terrible start in the first quarter, picked it up slowly in the second quarter, and then has a big second half once the game is essentially out of hand. Foles' numbers certainly weren't bad -- 31-for-45 for 378 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions isn't terrible -- but a good majority of those yards and completions came once the Beavers took big lead.

It's a shame that Foles' senior season is being wasted because of an abysmal offensive line and inconsistent running game, because he truly is a once-in-a-decade type talent. The fact is UA fans will never quite get to see 'Sunshine' live up to his full potential because of these weaknesses.

Running Backs: D

Through the first half of play, the running backs had seven attempts on the ground for 10 yards. Ten yards against an Oregon State defense that had been victimized by rushing attacks all season long, ten yards against a defense that was allowing nearly 38 points-per-game to their opponents. That's absolutely unacceptable.

Keola Antolin had a decent second half and finished with 28 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Kadeem Carey appeared to be sleepwalking throughout the game and had eight carries for eight yards and a goal line touchdown. Between these two, Daniel Jenkins, Taimi Tutogi and Nick Foles, the team had totaled 19 rushes for 53 yards. That's 2.8 yards on average, folks. That's even more unacceptable.

Wide Receivers: B

Despite Juron Criner's ankle injury in the first quarter -- an injury he would not return from at full strength -- Dan Buckner had a big game hauling in eight passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. While it appeared the former-Texas Longhorn was about to have his breakout performance with the Wildcats, Buckner dropped a touchdown pass with just minutes remaining that essentially ended the game. We can't have that from our No. 2 receiver.

Other than Bucker, Gino Crump (7 catches, 91 yards), David Douglas (6 catches, 58 yards) and David Roberts (5 catches, 41 yards) all had solid games, with most of their action coming in the second half. The receivers were not the problem on Saturday.

Offensive Line: F

Honestly, there isn't much analysis needed here. Foles was continually rushed out of the pocket despite Oregon State seldom blitzing and the running game was a non-factor. It was more of the same for the offensive line. This may honestly be the worst o-line of any school in any BCS conference. It's that bad, folks.

Defensive Line and Linebackers: C-

After a big first half from Sean Mannion and Jovan Stevenson, the defensive line did a much better job getting pressure on the OSU backfield in the second half. That being said, it was too little, too late and the early deficit was caused of the line's inability to get anything on the quarterback.

Secondary: D

Shaq Richardson came away with two interceptions, one of which he returned 28 yards for a touchdown. Other than that, the secondary was a mess. It is understandable if Oregon, Stanford, Oklahoma State or USC torch our secondary because of the sheer talent and skill their quarterbacks and receivers posses, but to Sean Mannion and Oregon State?

Mannion completed 32 of 41 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw two interceptions, but both were essentially once the game was in hand. And when the defense really needed a stop to give Arizona's offense one more chance to tie the game, the Beavers marched down the field and Mannion had a wide assortment of open receivers to throw to.

Trevin Wade, the only consistent member of the unit throughout this season, was also injured during the game. He returned, but it was clear he was not at full strength. When it rains, it pours, I suppose.

Special Teams: F

Alex Zendejas missed a field goal. Then he missed an extra-point. Arizona had a punt blocked and taken for a touchdown. They failed to recover a squib kick which led to a field goal in the final seconds of the first half. Because of the poor performance of the kickers, the team was forced to go for a two-point conversion twice; they only converted once.

The worst part of this is it could be the scenario for just about any of the games this season. Changes need to be made. Enough is enough, already. This team is embarrassing itself on a weekly basis and it's tough to watch.

Arizona Vs. Oregon State 37-27: Wildcats Unable To Capitalize

In the end, Arizona's big third quarter wasn't able to overcome the Wildcat miscues as the team fell to 1-5 on the season and 0-4 in conference play.

The Beavers seemed to make the most out of all of their opportunities as the Wildcats squandered theirs. Arizona missed a field goal in the first quarter and were unable to convert on a crucial fourth-and-short situation late in the game.

With the Wildcats trailing by only three points with under six minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Arizona was unable to stop Oregon on a similar fourth-and-short situation, which resulted in the Beavers' final score to give them what would prove to be an insurmountable 10-point lead.

Turnovers also hurt the Wildcats. Nick Foles threw two interceptions while Arizona offense turned over the ball twice on three fumbles. Oregon similarly had three fumbles, but recovered the ball each time.

Arizona has now lost eight straight conference games. While the Beavers snapped a six-game losing streak dating to last season for their first win of the year, the Wildcats are left wondering what they can do to get a victory under their belts.

Arizona vs. Oregon State Score Update: Wildcats Losing 27-6 To Beavers

The Mike Stoops Era in Tucson may be over.

The latest blow to his program? After allowing nearly 200 points in the last four weeks, the Wildcats allowed 27 points in the second quarter to winless Oregon State. This is an Oregon State team who lost to Division-II Sacramento State a month ago, an Oregon State defense allowing 31.5 points per game. 

At the half, it's 27-6. Juron Criner hurt his ankle and knee. Alex Zendejas missed a field goal and another extra point. 

Nick Foles is 13-for-18 with a touchdown and an interception. On seven total carries, Arizona has 10 rushing yards. Wide receiver Dan Buckner has been the lone bright spot for the 'Cats, hauling in three passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Oregon State was a well-oiled machine in the second quarter and was firing on all cylinders. Sean Mannion is 20-for-25 with 165 yards and a touchdown. Jovan Stevenson has eight carries for 43 yards and a touchdown. Oh, they also blocked a punt and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown.

The Mike Stoops Era in Tucson needs to be over.

Arizona Vs. Oregon State Score Update: Scoreless First Quarter Leaves Teams Even At 0-0

The Arizona Wildcats and Oregon State Beavers are at a standstill through one quarter of play in Saturday's contest, tied at 0-0. Both teams have struggled to move the ball and put up points offensively.

The Beavers started the game with possession, but Arizona soon took over after an interception of Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion on the third play of the game. The Wildcats reclaimed the ball deep in Oregon State territory, starting at 28-yard line, but were unable to convert on a 38-yard field goal attempt by Alex Zendejas.

The two teams exchanged punts after that, failing to move the ball down the field and switching possession repeatedly. Oregon State reclaimed the ball with 5:36 to play and have since put together a decent drive, marching into Wildcats territory at the end of the first quarter.

Quarterback Nick Foles has tried to start the offense but has had some trouble in doing so. He will get a chance in the second quarter to score and give his team the lead against the Beavers. 

Arizona vs. Oregon State: Final Injury Report, What To Watch For, Predictions And More

Today's matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and Oregon State Beavers may not be heralded as a very important matchup, but all things aside, it may just be the biggest and most crucial game UA plays all season.

At 1-4 and 0-3 in conference play, the season is not over for Arizona, but it probably could be with a loss in Corvallis. A win, however, would give the 'Cats a much needed momentum boost heading into their off-week as they prepare for a primetime showdown with UCLA. 

Win today and the next two months seem like an opportunity to salvage a season and build for 2012. Lose, and, well, Mike Stoops may be out of a job. Here are a few keys to the game:

Get Off To A Strong Start:

In their last four games against Oklahoma State, Oregon, Stanford and UCLA, Arizona has been outscored 69-6. That's not a typo, folks. When the offense is continually having to play from behind and the defense gets abused early, it's tough to win any football game, let alone one against four of the nation's better teams.

This is a trend that needs to chance today. Oregon State is not a very good team and Arizona should be able to exploit their struggling defensive unit. Try and put together a few big plays early in the first quarter and look to get a big lead on the road.

Is This Kadeem Carey's Breakout Game:

For freshman Kadeem Carey, the running back has seen his workload increase with every week that passes. He seldom played against NAU, saw a little more time in a hostile road environment in Stillwater, saw an increased role against Stanford, and then played more than half of the game against Oregon and USC.

Is this his breakout game? Mike Stoops hinted at giving the ball to Carey even more this week and incorporating him into the passing game after hauling in a touchdown pass last weekend. Will he continue his ascension towards the starting position this week? We'll find out soon.

The Secondary Must Improve:

As I write this, Matt Barkley is probably throwing a touchdown pass against the UA secondary. The game ended nearly 150 hours ago. 

All joking aside, Arizona's cornerbacks and safeties have to do a better job of containing opposing teams and their passing attack. Adam Hall will play on Saturday, which will be a big boost to the unit, but everyone needs to step their play up.

Prediction:

Arizona has steadily improved the last three weeks and Oregon State is the easiest opponent they've played since the first week of the season. The Beavers will be hungry for their first win of the season, but Nick Foles and the UA offense proves to be too much in a 38-21 victory.

Arizona vs. Oregon State: TV Schedule, Kickoff Time, Radio Coverage, Weather Report

If the Arizona Wildcats hope to make anything of their 2011 season, it begins this weekend in Corvallis as UA takes on the winless Oregon State Beavers. Adam Hall is expected back on the field for the Pac-12 showdown.

Revenge will also be on the minds of many Arizona players, coaches and fans; with the 'Cats ranked in the top-10 last season, the Beavers came into Arizona Stadium and shocked Tucson as they came away with 29-27 upset victory on the road. Will last year's defeat have any impact on Saturday's game? We'll find out soon.

Here is everything you will need for Saturday's matchup:

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. (PDT)

Weather Report: It should be a beautiful day for football in Oregon. Temperatures will be in the 60s at kickoff and there is only a slight chance of rain throughout the day.

TV Coverage: Fox Sports Pacific; check local listings.

Radio: 1290 AM The Source (Tucson)

Odds: UA opens as 2.5-point favorites. This is the first time since their season opener against NAU that the Wildcats will be favored in a game.

Final Thoughts:

A loss on Saturday could potentially end the Mike Stoops era in Tucson. The team would fall to 1-5 on the season and would still be winless in conference play. Short of a miracle, any thoughts of a potential bowl game later this season could probably be forgotten. It would be one of the lowest lows for the program since the early-2000's.

A win would be a big momentum builder as the team has a week off before facing UCLA on October 20, a Thursday night game. With a relatively easy stretch of schedule coming up for the 'Cats, a win could propel them to a big second half in Pac-12 play.

Bear Down and Beat The Beavers.

Arizona vs. Oregon State: Wildcats Offensive Line Facing Uncertainty Once Again

Tell me if you've heard this before: just a few days before their next game, the Arizona Wildcats have uncertainty surrounding their offensive line.

That is the case this week as UA prepares for the winless Oregon State Beavers. After trying out three different combinations at the guard positions this season, they will be changing it up once again. Anthony Gimino explains the changes and what coach Stoops expects:

Junior Shane Zink, who has started two games at right guard and one at left guard as an injury replacement, is out, perhaps for the rest of the season, with a foot injury suffered last week at USC.

"It could be permanent for the year," coach Mike Stoops said after Wednesday's practice. "Not sure exactly what we're doing there."

"Not exactly sure what we're doing here." This also feels like something 'Cats fans have heard throughout the last few weeks.

With Trace Biskin set to start at right guard, there are quite a few options for his counterpart. Chris Putton could make the start, but he has battled an ankle injury and may not be cleared to play. If Putton is out, redshirt freshman Carter Lees may make the first start of his career on Saturday.

Regardless of who plays, Arizona needs for their offensive linemen to improve up front. Nick Foles cannot keep taking hits like he did in September.

Arizona vs. Oregon State: Safety Adam Hall Close To Return From ACL Injury

After missing the first five games of the season, junior safety Adam Hall is likely to start on Saturday as the Arizona Wildcats travel north to face the winless Oregon State Beavers. While nothing has been made official, head coach Mike Stoops had this to say regarding Hall's injury progression:

"He's practicing well, so we'll see," Stoops said.

"I like what he's doing. He's close. He's very explosive right now. We'll see tomorrow how he does, how he feels. He was in there getting some contact today, and that's good. He's on the right track."

As for Hall's explosion and ability to react quickly, no one will quite know how his ACL responds until kickoff on Saturday. What UA can expect is to have one of their vocal leaders back on the field, which will be a big boost to the defense as a relatively easy stretch of upcoming games arrive.

In addition to the safety, junior linebacker Jake Fischer has also progressed well since injuring his ACL and could potential return for Arizona's next home game, which is a Thursday night game on October 20. While Fischer's recovery could always be halted by re-injuring that knee in practice, the idea of having two of our best defenders back on the field has to be very appealing to the 'Cats, the coaching staff and the fans.

For more on UA, Arizona Desert Swarm is the place to check out.

Arizona vs. Oregon State: Desperate Wildcats Seeking First Conference Win

Despite entering the game with just one win this season, the Wildcats will face Oregon State as the favorites. Will they come away with a victory in Corvallis?