The Arizona Wildcats figured their annual Spring Game would be a bit sloppier than usual given their new schemes on offense and defense. Despite a shaky start at Kino Stadium in front of approximately 5,000 fans, the offense, led by senior quarterback Matt Scott, dominated the defense. They racked up nearly 600 yards of offense and scored 10 touchdowns, using a balanced attack to move the ball down the field.
Ryan Finley of the Arizona Daily Star has the stats from the game.
Quarterback Matt Scott looked capable in his first spring game as Arizona's expected starter, completing 22 of 35 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns. Walk-on Johnny Jackson led the Wildcats with five catches for 90 yards. Morrison, doubling as a wide receiver, had five grabs for 75 yards and two scores. Tyler Slavin (5 catches, 51 yards) had a team-best three touchdowns.
Arizona's running backs combined to post 152 yards on 43 carries. Tutogi led the way, gaining 41 yards on two carries. Daniel Jenkins, who was not expected to play because of a hamstring injury, gained 25 yards on five carries and scored a part. Carey, Kylan Butler and Jared Baker all scored touchdowns.
As you can imagine given the offensive statistics, the defense did not play particularly well. Offenses typically dominate these scrimmages, but most at the game would tell you it was awfully ugly at times. Jake Fisher and Adam Hall, both coming off ACL injuries, looked healthy and were all over the field, although Hall managed to tweak his knee late in the game.
First-year coach Rich Rodriguez said he was "really disappointed in the early part of the scrimmage."
"Early, it was not very good," he said. "The turnovers, the presnap penalties ... we're not going to be good enough to beat ourselves. Those are things that are correctable."
Fortunately for the Wildcats, they have all summer to work out these kinks and get ready for a big season. With eight home games on the schedule, you can bet coach Rodriguez and the staff are eyeing a bowl bid.