NCAA FB

Arizona Notes, Quotes

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Updated Dec 7, 2009 3:40 PM ET
     
 
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Arizona bogged down late in the season without starting RB Nic Grigbsy, who is a big-play threat and the team's only real outside running threat. Without him in the lineup, defenses could control the running game with their front four and often drop seven into coverage to blanket any deep threats. The Wildcats had a hard time grinding away, but came up clutch with an 80-yard drive late in the game to beat USC. Grigsby (shoulder) could be back for the bowl game after carrying just 26 times in nine conference games. At its best, Arizona is balanced, relying on an array of screen passes and very capable of throwing deep if the running game is respected.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Arizona describes itself as no-name unit, which is mostly true, although junior DE Ricky Elmore (a Pac-10-high 10.5 sacks) and sophomore CB Trevin Wade (five interceptions) made names for themselves this season. The Wildcats, who finished the regular season 21st in total defense (315.83 yards per game), have one of the fastest defenses in the Pac-10, although they are a little light, especially in the linebacker corps. They were gashed by Stanford and Oregon this season, but those teams are somewhat unique on offense. Holiday Bowl opponent Nebraska doesn't present anything resembling the same kind of challenges.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Arizona C Colin Baxter vs. Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh -- Of course, it takes a village to block this guy, but Baxter will be in the middle of the action. The junior is one of Arizona's top offensive linemen, and some combination of guards (Vaughn Dotsy, Herman Hall, Conan Amituanai) will have to stout, too. Suh is coming off one of the greatest big-game efforts ever for a defensive tackle -- 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss against Texas. Considering Arizona QB Nick Foles isn't very mobile, this could be trouble for the Cats.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "They're the measuring stick, regardless of what their situation is. I know what kind of players they have and what kind of program they are." -- UA coach Mike Stoops, on his first victory over USC in six tries.
Tagged: Arizona

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