Feast or Famine; a look at the state of Wildcat football

The college football season is officially in full swing. In some ways, hard to believe we are this deep into the season already. If you're an Arizona fan, however, it feels like the season has been going on for 3 years now. After facing an impossible gauntlet of what looks to be elite competition, it's time to take a look at the state of the program in what is now coach Mike Stoops' 8th season at the helm.

I'm not going to bombard you with "fire Stoops" or "all is well", what I would like you to do over the next several weeks is evaluate things that may go a little bit further than simple wins and losses, and make the decision for yourself whether you like the return my alma mater is getting from its investment. This will be part 1 of a series examining the football program as a whole, its validity,its outlook, its potential, and its limitations.


PART 1: Culture

The culture of a football program, whether at the high school level or at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, can oftentimes go further towards success than talent level. The University of Arizona historically, is known for cagey, scrappy overachievers, nasty dudes who hit guys in the mouth, play all the way to the whistle, and stand up and bring it against more 'talented' oppositions.

In more recent years, it seems this reputations has taken a hit. While much of that has been attributed to a poisonous atmosphere in the early stages of the previous decade, the burning dumpster in the middle of the train wreck that was John Mackovic occurred nearly ten years ago. At this point, ideals and attitude should be in place to guide players, from the moment they get on campus for Summer II to the pro day workout that all athletes covet.

Here are a few things that I look for in a program culture. First, is simple roster turnover. How many players start what they finished when they sign their LOI. Excluding career ending injuries, this one is a little disappointing. Whether it's a highly decorated linebacker deciding he would rather become a firefighter, a sleeper defensive end deciding that eating chic-fil-a and sleeping until noon as a GDI is better than putting in the work needed to compete at a BCS conference level, or a highly coveted defensive tackle prospect quitting after three semesters, it seems like there is a disconnect between finding the athletes coveted by the staff to develop, and the person (not a good or bad person, remember they are selecting from a pool of 17 year old kids) who ends up on campus. In addition, there is in-game discipline. Using my high school coach and the rules we were guided by as a reference. Athletes should not be interacting with students in the bleachers at any point during the game. The first 5 seconds of this clip really irk me. The fact that at one point nonsuits were not allowed on the sidelines under Coach Stoops doesn't help this argument.

Look closely on Saturday. The past few games I have noticed an uptick in untucked jerseys. Remember when you played a team that dressed sloppy in high school? Generally, they were good for multiple untimely penalties, finger pointing, blown assignments, and lazy efforts blocking and route running. Sound familiar?

Not all is doom and gloom. There are currently 18 kids who have committed to join the program next summer. In an era of early commitments, this number manages to stand out, and if the season begins to take shape will result in more coveted and decorated kids pledging to live in Colonia de la Paz and play in Tucson. This coaching staff is committed to running a clean, honest program. Upperclassmen who have been looked at as breakout stars and key performers have been sent packing for transactions that get you a slap on the wrist other places (cough Oregon Kiko Alonso cough). I will always admire the willingness to keep these players truly accountable and responsible in the community.

While there are glaring issues in the Wildcat football world, there are things to feel pretty good about. Take note, be open minded, and let me know what you think.


Part II comes as soon as I can, and will discuss roster management.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Congrats to by buddy Jordan Durlester and the future Ms. Gurlester. Way to be. I better be invited.

Football is back!!!

As I watch today's opening round of games, which leave just a little bit to be desired, it got me thinking. What do I want to see this year ? Over the past few seasons, as an Arizona Wildcat homer fan, I have learned how to manage one's expectations so as to enjoy the season as much as possible. Today you are getting a 'rundown' of what I would like to see to enjoy this season.

1) 60 minutes from Arizona
Being a Wildcats fan certainly has it's ups and downs. Not just from week to week, but often one series feels like its being played, mentally, at a different venue than the one before it. Lets take a look at some memorable Arizona victories: ASU in 2008, Oregon in 2007, Cal in 2008, Iowa last season, (take a look at the student section, those school colors, and that field. The college I graduated from is better than yours.) and the Last Vegas bowl to close out the 2008 season. All of these 'signature wins' felt great, and were instrumental not only in improving the culture that is Arizona football, but making the collegiate experience that much more memorable. However, even in Arizona's finest hour one of the hallmarks of all great football teams is completely missing: slamming the door and playing a complete football game. Credit Coach Stoops for making awesome halftime adjustments in most of these games, or having the defense completely dialed in as he did against Iowa last September. But inevitably, there is a complete lull in intensity, where corners get caught peaking, lineman move early, and the Delashaun Deans of the world drop balls and whiff on blocks. For the Cats to ever become the program that we would like to see in Tucson, this seasons outfit needs to not only rise to the occasion, but slam the door shut on opponents.

2. Accountability
I'm taking this one national. While I won't sit here and tell you that Arizona is a spotless program, players have repeatedly been accountable for their actions. How many times is Kiko Alonso going to be suspended indefinitely up in Eugene. (Counting a redshirt year, Oregon has been paying this clown's tuition for 4 calendar years now, and only in one have his services been available to his coaches and teammates.) I much prefer the Stoops method: sully the jersey you wear and you're out. Ask Bug Wright, Jonathan Turner, or Adrian McCovy how their senior seasons went.

This goes beyond the individual level, and to me is even more important at the institutional level. I want the death penalty in effect. By placing this weapon on the table, the NCAA can show programs that no one is bulletproof, and that if you are blatantly, in the face of the rules set forth, committing violations then you will answer for them. The days of pandering to established powers should end right now.

3. Juron Criner
Mr. President is better than your favorite player.

4. ASU in a bowl game
Can you believe I just said that? Here's the deal: I love Dennis Erickson, just as much as I think Herb Sendek and his creepy jokes and forgettable zone are a perfect fit for Tempe. It's the kind of thing where keeping these guys around ensures that the big commuter school located near an outstanding burger joint stays the way it should: mediocre.


"Having Dennis Erickson as coach was like having a substitute teacher come in. When a substitute teacher comes in, everyone is rowdy."- Former Miami star Robert Bailey

5. A redshirt for Matt Scott
It's a funny deal. Myself and many other fans were ready to say good riddance after current star Nick Foles grabbed the reins two seasons ago. Scott, a high school All-American, had a rough outing against Iowa, and we all needed a savior. He has looked great in spot duty ever since, and frankly I think the staff owes it to a kid who has hung around when 90% of kids in his situation would have hi-tailed it to the WAC. Matt was just 18 on that fateful day, and the further we get from that weekend the more I realize you should never write off a quarterback who doesn't play that great in his first start on the road against a defense where all 11 starters would end up on NFL rosters. The coaching staff has said they would do everything they can to get Scott a senior year all to himself (if you are wondering, he played as a true freshman in mop up duty against Idaho, Toledo, and a rudderless Washington Huskies team), provided that incumbent (and possible first day draft pick) Nick Foles remains healthy. Obviously, with an inexperienced offensive line, as well as the most brutal stretch of any team in the country the first half of the season, people like myself are cautiously optimistic at best.

6. Brent Musberger
No better phrase in sports.


It's late, you've either got work in the morning or a pitcher of Coors on deck at the back bar, so while I realize 6 is a goofy number, I promise that I will have more for you this weekend.


Enjoy the games and let's all have a great long weekend!