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.