The Arizona Wildcats have not won a game against a Division-1 opponent since last October. While the teams the 'Cats have played in that stretch are all very tough -- losing twice to Oklahoma State and Stanford, along with once to Oregon, Arizona State and USC is nothing to be embarrassed of -- it would be huge for Mike Stoops' program to come away with a victory over the Ducks this weekend in Tucson.
While defensive stalwarts Jake Fischer (knee), Adam Hall (knee) and Jonathan McKnight (knee) are not expected back in time for the showdown, starting defensive end, Mohammad Usman, is likely to play despite suffering a sprained ankle last week against Stanford.
Another noteworthy change to the depth chart came at (you guessed it!) the place-kicking position. Jaime Salazar, who has missed four of his five field goal attempts this season, has been replaced by Alex Zendejas. Quite honestly, if Zendejas struggles as well in the Oregon game, the UA coaching staff might hold open tryouts on Monday to find a new kicker. What does the team have to lose at that point?
Finally, Juron Criner, who played in the Stanford game despite undergoing an appendectomy just 12 days earlier, was sore after his return to action but should be good to go once again against the Ducks. The team needs him healthy if they hope to pull off the upset.
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