It is homecoming weekend in Tucson and the Arizona Wildcats are looking for their second win in three weeks. The Utah Utes have struggled in the Pac-12 throughout their first year, but the team is looking to build off a big victory and build for the future.
Here are a few keys to the game:
Containing John White:
LaMichael James, Stepfan Taylor and Chris Polk all torched the Arizona defense and Polk had a record-breaking performance. If UA allows Utah's star running back, John White, to get out into the open field, the team does not have much of a chance on Saturday.
Converting Red Zone Opportunities:
Arizona had multiple chances in the red zone last weekend against Washington and failed to capitalize on multiple drives. This has been a reoccurring theme in 2011 and it cannot continue against Utah. Jason Bonano has done a solid job with the kicking game, but with a struggling defense, the Wildcats need as many points as possible. No lead is safe in Tucson.
Keola Antolin, KaDeem Carey, Taimi Tutogi and Daniel Jenkins:
These four players will be running the football today; someone needs to step up.
Antolin, a solid-yet-unspectacular senior, is usually good for a few yards on every rush, but he lacks the big-play ability to break a game open. Carey, a freshman, has shown flashes of brilliance this year and continues to see his role increase, but his breakout game has eluded him thus far. Tutogi acts as more of a fullback, though he has seen him number of attempts increase in recent weeks. And while Jenkins may not get a ton of action, he is a capable pass catcher in the backfield.
If UA can get a big game from a few of these players, they have a good chance to win. With a struggling offensive line and offensive coordinator known for abandoning the run early, it is imperative that Arizona establishes the run early and often on Saturday.
Prediction:
These are two evenly matched teams and both are hungry for a win. Utah features a talented running back and solid defense, but Nick Foles and the homecoming crowd prove to be too much for the Utes. Arizona wins a close one 34-28.